The Martini has received a distinctly Australian twist, with Vansetter Vodka and Mount Zero launching what they describe as Australia’s first Early Harvest Olive Oil Vodka on World Martini Day.
The limited-release spirit is designed specifically for Martinis, bringing together vodka, vermouth and olives in a project that highlights Australian craftsmanship and independent producers.
At the centre of the release is Mount Zero’s Early Harvest Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil, chosen for its vibrant green intensity, peppery structure and savoury character. Rather than using olive oil as a finishing flavour, Vansetter has built the vodka around the ingredient, creating a spirit with texture, aromatic complexity and a lingering olive-driven finish.
The vodka delivers aromas of freshly pressed olive oil, green pepper, olive leaf, lemon oil and green apple, while the palate offers notes of sage, rosemary, olive leaf and brined green olive.
James Fairlie, Head Distiller at Vansetter Vodka, said the project challenged traditional expectations of vodka.
“Most vodka conversations focus on purity and neutrality. We wanted to explore character instead.
“Mount Zero’s Early Harvest Picual olive oil gave us a remarkable foundation. It brings pepper, texture, freshness and structure that you simply don’t find in traditional vodka. Rather than adding olive oil as a flavour, we built the spirit around it.
“The result is something designed as much for the Martini glass as it is for sipping. It’s savoury, textural and completely unlike anything we’ve released before.”
Mount Zero founder Richard Seymour said the collaboration showcased olive oil’s potential beyond food.
“Great olive oil is one of the most expressive agricultural products we have. It carries seasonality, texture, aroma and a strong sense of identity.
“What excited us about this project was seeing those qualities translated into a spirit without compromise. The pepper, the herbaceousness and the vivid green character of the oil remain at the centre of the experience.
“It’s an innovative collaboration that respects the ingredient while pushing it somewhere entirely new.”
Alongside the vodka, Vansetter will release a limited-edition Regional Neighbourhood Martini Gift Pack featuring Maidenii Vermouth and Mount Zero olives.
Maidenii Co-founder Shaun Byrne said the collaboration highlighted the strength of Australia’s independent drinks industry.
“The support we’ve received since the Harcourt bushfires has been genuinely humbling.
“This collaboration is a reminder that great producers don’t operate in isolation. We succeed because of the communities around us.
“To be part of a release that celebrates great Australian ingredients while also helping support our recovery is incredibly meaningful, and we’re grateful to Vansetter and Mount Zero for making that commitment.”
In support of Maidenii’s recovery following losses sustained during the Harcourt bushfires, 10 per cent of sales from the Regional Neighbourhood Martini Gift Pack will be donated to Maidenii’s recovery fundraising campaign.
Available from 20 June through selected retailers, hospitality venues and direct online sales.