Basil & Olive Margarita, featuring Empirical Olive and Lost Explorer Blanco Tequila
The Basil & Olive Margarita takes one of the year's most talked-about cocktail trends—the olive brine Margarita—and gives it a fresher, greener perspective. Instead of leaning into the salty punch of olive juice, this version builds its savory character with Empirical Olive, a spirit that captures the delicate, buttery flavor of ripe olives while adding subtle herbal complexity. The result is a Margarita that feels vibrant and refreshing rather than overtly briny.
At the heart of the drink is Lost Explorer Blanco Tequila, whose bright, peppery agave notes provide the perfect foundation. Made from 100% agave with no additives, it delivers fresh citrus, green herbs, and a clean minerality that pairs naturally with the olive's savory character. Cointreau contributes crisp orange notes, while agave nectar rounds the edges with just enough sweetness to keep everything in balance.
Fresh basil is the ingredient that ties it all together. As the drink is shaken, the leaves release fragrant oils that mingle with the tequila and citrus, adding an unmistakable garden-fresh aroma. Combined with lime juice, the cocktail lands somewhere between a classic Margarita, a Martini, and a Mediterranean aperitivo—bright, herbaceous, and quietly savory.
Finished with a sprig of basil and skewered Castelvetrano olives, the garnish isn't just decorative. Those famously buttery Sicilian olives reinforce the cocktail's soft salinity and make each sip a little more intriguing than the last.
If you've been curious about the olive Margarita trend, this is an ideal place to start. It's clean, crisp, and endlessly refreshing, with just enough savory character to keep you coming back for another taste.
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