Agua de València is a Spanish drink created with freshly squeezed orange juice, cava (sparkling wine), vodka, and gin. A vibrant and refreshing blend of a mimosa and sangria, it evokes the essence of Spain on a bright spring afternoon. Prepare this large batch cocktail recipe to enjoy at your upcoming event.
On my initial day in Valencia, I inquired with our server for recommendations on local beverages and snacks. When he suggested we sample the Agua de Valencia, or Valencian water, I assumed he was teasing us. Did I journey all the way to the eastern shore of Spain to taste the water?
Shortly thereafter, he strolled to our table on the terrace, which was shaded by an umbrella, carrying a saffron-orange jug and a meticulously balanced pile of glasses. We enjoyed the afternoon sipping the refreshing beverage, conversing, and munching on olives, almonds, and fried squid.
Aigua de València (the Valencian version of Agua de Valencia) is a lesser-known relative of sangria. It's equally refreshing, tasty, and simple to prepare for a group as sangria is. With just one sip, I realized I had to share this delightful cocktail recipe.
This lively Spanish beverage is ideal for refreshing yourself on a warm day.
What is Valencia Water?
Agua de València is a mixed drink that originated in the 1950s at the Café Madrid in Valencia. As stated by author María Ángeles Arazo, the bartender Constante Gil was the one who invented it. He crafted the initial Agua de València to satisfy a group of boisterous Basques at the bar.
It succeeded, and Gil kept serving the vibrant cocktail at the old café. Not until the 1970s did the cocktail become a symbol of Valencian nightlife, eventually spreading to other parts of Spain.
Currently, Agua de València is among several Spanish batch cocktails usually presented in pitchers. Gil was renowned for cultivating the ideal setting for tertulia, a Spanish idea focused on discussions among family and friends who linger at the table post-dinner. From my perspective, pitcher cocktails and tapas always succeed in sparking lively discussions among guests at the table! Agua de València is ideal for a sunny get-together with shared snacks, such as Antipasto Skewers and Pan Con Tomate.
While Agua de València is typically linked to warm weather, oranges are at their best during the winter season. Agua de València is also perfect for heating up a cold winter gathering with something cheerful and effervescent.
Components for Agua de Valencia
The essential ingredient of Agua de Valencia is freshly squeezed orange juice. Valencia is renowned globally for its oranges. Valencians would cringe at the thought of using generic bottled orange juice for this beverage. If you sometimes prepare cocktails, you likely already possess vodka and gin. Grab a bag packed with oranges and a bottle of brut cava. Alternatively, if you prefer a sweeter beverage, additional seco or seco cava is a good option.
Orange juice: The freshest juice is preferable, with sweet and succulent Valencia oranges being the most genuine. In Spain, fresh orange juice is so common that to order a glass, all you need to say is zumo natural, or "natural juice," and they will squeeze the oranges fresh for you. You might also try different varieties of oranges, such as cara cara or blood orange.
Brut cava: Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine created using a method akin to that of Champagne. Brut is unsweetened and is the most popular Cava in Spain and internationally. Rather than sweetening this drink with sugar, I prefer to modify it using the type of cava. If you like a sweeter beverage, choose extra seco or seco cava (which translates to “dry” in Spanish but is sweet compared to brut).
Vodka: Clear and delicately flavored, vodka provides this beverage with an alcoholic kick while preserving the taste of the fresh orange.
Dry gin or London dry gin are ideal for Agua de València, as they lack sweetness and the botanicals blend nicely with citrus.
Cómo preparar Agua de València.
Agua de València, requiring just four ingredients and a swift mix in a pitcher, is an excellent large batch cocktail or pitcher drink to prepare in advance for a gathering. The more time it spends in the refrigerator, the better the flavors combine.
Squeeze the oranges: Reserve one orange for decoration. Cut the leftover 6 oranges in half and squeeze enough for 2 cups of juice. Using a citrus juicer makes it the simplest, but it's not overly challenging to do manually with a citrus reamer. To achieve a smooth drink, strain the juice through a sieve to eliminate the pulp.
Combine the alcohol: Add the freshly squeezed orange juice into a large pitcher, together with 2 cups of cava, 1/2 cup of vodka, and 1/2 cup of gin. Softly mix using a wooden spoon. Put the pitcher in the fridge to cool for no less than an hour.
Prepare and present: When it's time to present, cut the saved orange into thin circles, or utilize a vegetable peeler or citrus zester to obtain thin strands of orange peel for decoration. Add ice to six large wine glasses and distribute the cocktail evenly among them. Decorate with the slices of orange or the peels of orange. Salutations!
What to Accompany Agua de València
Agua de València is a fantastic party drink, great for pairing with salty snacks, such as Crispy Fried Calamari. The traditional Spanish dish Pan Con Tomate, featuring garlicky fresh tomatoes on crispy toasted bread, is consistently a popular choice.
Agua de València is perfect for a relaxed afternoon, paired with simple Mediterranean snacks, such as 5-Minute Marinated Feta and Easy Antipasto Skewers.
Observations
Mix the cocktail to maintain the fizz of the cava.
On a warm day, you can cool your serving glasses in your freezer or with ice water (fill each glass with ice water, then before adding ice and the drink). It will keep the cocktail chilled for an extended period and provide the glasses with a cheerful icy appearance.
Explore our store to discover premium Mediterranean products such as olive oils, honey, jams, and spices. Blend it yourself:
Fixing:
250ml cup squeezed orange,
2 shots of gin,
2 shots of vodka, and one
700ml container of cava into a huge pitcher.
Guidance
Blend in sugar and lemon cuts until you arrive at your ideal pleasantness! Appreciate it!
Agua de Valencia VIDEO
