Agua de Valencia is a drink that almost makes us want to say 'take me back!' Freshly squeezed local oranges, combined with Spanish Cava, gin, vodka, and a sprinkling of sugar is perfect any time of the day. As you’ll read in our Valencia post, we loved it as a brunch drink, a lunch drink, and afternoon drink, a pre-dinner drink and a night cap!
Our absolute favourite version of Agua de Valencia was at Cafe de las Horas, a quirky and ornately decorated bar close to the Cathedral. The orange flavour was intense, it was sweet whilst still being refreshing, and it had a good kick from the alcohol. Naturally, when starting to create the perfect recipe, we started by thinking of this one. We tried the recipe that the bartenders told us, but we found that the recipe lacked oomph. It goes without saying that this recipe needs high quality, freshly squeezed orange juice (Tropicana won’t cut it!) but perhaps even the best in the UK just does not compare to the quality in Valencia, so we needed more than the recipe suggested. We eventually created a version that comes close to this version, and has us believing we’re relaxing in the Valencian sun:
For one large serving, you will need:
· 25ml of gin (we used a nice Spanish one)
· 25ml of vodka
· 1 tablespoon sugar (may need to be adapted according to the sweetness of the orange juice, so start with less and adapt to taste)
· 75ml best quality, freshly squeezed orange juice (ideally Valencian)
· 150ml Cava
· Plenty of ice
To make, stir together all the ingredients except for the Cava and ice until the sugar has dissolved (check for sweetness). Fill of glass of choice (we quite like a gin copa) or a small jug (as per the traditional Valencian way) with ice and pour in the mix along with the Cava, give it a gentle stir and enjoy!
Stay salty af,
Anika & Fleurie