Agua de Valencia is a lovely Spanish drink with cava for summer cosy moments and garden parties. The refreshing drink originates from Valencia and consists of sweet, fresh oranges, bubbly cava and a little kick of gin and vodka.
Agua de Valencia, as the name suggests, comes from Valencia in Spain. Agua means “water”, so the drink’s name translates directly to “water from Valencia”, which should not be taken literally. Agua de Valencia contains both cava and spirits.
Invented in a local bar in 1959, Agua de Valencia can be enjoyed with famous, sun-ripened and sweet oranges all over the city. From bar to bar, however, the amount of alcohol added to a drink can vary widely.
In Valencía, I had this version served by paella chef Rafael at Mi Paella en el Huerto. I coaxed the recipe out of him, and since then I’ve made it several times and served it to guests at home in my garden. Every time it arouses great enthusiasm.
You can serve a cool Agua de Valencia as a refreshing welcome drink or with tapas. It’s perfect for summer parties, but I can drink it all year round.
Recipe for Agua de Valencia (1 litre)
You will need:
- 5 dl freshly squeezed juice of sweet Spanish oranges. You can also buy freshly squeezed orange juice and use it
- 1/2 bottle of cava
- 1 dl gin
- 1 dl vodka
- Cane sugar
- Ice cubes
How to do it
Squeeze the oranges into juice and pour into a large jug.
Add the cava, gin and vodka and mix well.
Flavour with cane sugar.
Put the pitcher in the fridge until the drink is ice cold.
Pour a good handful of ice cubes or two into the pitcher. Serve your Agua de Valencia in large glasses, garnished with orange slices.
Also try Rafael’s delicious version of the classic Spanish sangria
