Mixology Mastered: Vicki’s Pairings for Olive Oil & Balsamics

Posted by Olivia on Mon, March 04, 2013

Inside our tasting room, customers and newcomers get the chance to sample first-hand products we create here at The Olive Press. Our on-staff experts are seasoned mixologists, and they are here to help show you the surprising and magical combinations you can create with extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. One of our essential mixologists here at The Olive Press is Vicki. She’s been with us for five years and has developed a wealth of knowledge of our products and how to enjoy them.

Today, we share with you some of Vicki’s favorite mixology recipes for creating with our extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. 

Let us know which of these winning combinations you’ve tried, or which new ones you’d like to suggest to us!

Ascolano Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar
This playful combination creates a flavor profile of butter and jam when mixed. It’s delightful, and you’ll have a blast playing around with it in your recipes. Perhaps use in a bruschetta topped with fresh strawberries or cherries, or as the vinaigrette in a greens and fruit salad. Because of its “butter and jam” flavor, we love the combination as a simple dipping mix for sourdough bread!

Italian Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Fig Balsamic Vinegar
What a smooth, classic Mediterranean flavor profile this combination creates! This mixture can be the base for virtually any vinaigrette or sauce you’re whisking up, and it would be perfectly at home on any salad, whether vegetable or fruit. Also, try as a finishing drizzle over roasted (or fresh) figs, grilled vegetables, or anything with creamy cheeses.

Jalapeno Olive Oil and Peach Balsamic Vinegar
Spicy, smoky, and fruity all at once, this summery combination elicits flavors of fruit salsa. Of course, this makes it a natural choice to use in homemade salsas, especially those made with fresh fruit or citruses. Wild salmon and strawberry jalapeno salsa? Absolutely. Another winning idea: use it in summer ceviche! The combination of flavors is great with any of the following ingredients: spinach, quinoa, salmon, mango, avocado, cilantro, red onion, and nuts.

Lime Olive Oil and Classic Balsamic Vinegar
Vicki describes this peppy mixture as candied lime peel—who can resist that? For savory dishes, try pairing the combination with any of the following: shrimp, fresh cilantro, avocados, or summer slaws. For something on the sweeter side, why not try it drizzled over fresh fruit, or even used in the batter for muffins!

Blood Orange Olive Oil and Black Cherry Balsamic Vinegar
This combination is a burst of ripe fruit and citrus-forward flavors! It’s a winning mixture for meat marinades (especially pork and red meat), winter salads, and anything chocolate—try our recipe for Spiced Ginger-Cherry Balsamic Truffles! And for a savory option, try our recipe for Curried Brussels Sprouts and Lentils with Blood Orange Olive Oil!