Agua de Valencia | Refreshing Spanish Orange Cocktail
- Cocktails, Drinks, Spain, Summer
Experience the essence of Spanish summer with this Agua de Valencia recipe, a refreshing orange cocktail perfect for any summer gatherings. This delightful drink blends freshly squeezed orange juice with vodka, gin, and Cava, creating a sweet and bubbly treat that’s hard to resist. Originating from Valencia—known for its exceptional oranges—the cocktail’s name translates to “the water of Valencia,” a playful nod to its potent nature. Serve it ice-cold with orange slices for a touch of elegance and let this zesty concoction transport you to the sunny shores of Spain.
Ingredients:
- 750 ml Cava | sparkling wine
- 1 liter fresh orange juice
- 50 ml Cointreau | orange liqueur
- 150 ml gin
- 150 ml vodka
- ice cubes
- 2 oranges | thin slices
Directions:
(1) Prepare the Oranges:
Juice 1 liter of fresh oranges and pour the juice into a large pitcher. Alternatively, you can use freshly squeezed orange juice from the supermarket to save time while still achieving great flavor.
Slice 2 oranges thinly.
(2) Mix Everything:
Add Cava, Cointreau, gin, and vodka to the orange juice in the pitcher.
Add a generous amount of ice cubes to chill the drink thoroughly.
Add the thinly sliced oranges for flavor and decoration.
(3) Serve:
Agua de Valencia is best served fresh and well-chilled. Garnish each glass with an orange slice. It’s perfect for parties or relaxing summer evenings.
Some Recipe Tips:
Use Fresh Orange Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice. Valencia oranges are ideal if available, but any high-quality oranges will do.
Chill the Ingredients: Ensure that the Cava, gin, vodka, and orange juice are well-chilled before mixing. This helps maintain the cocktail’s refreshing temperature and effervescence.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference and the sweetness of your oranges, you might want to adjust the amount of Cointreau or even add a little simple syrup or sugar if needed.
Balance the Alcohol: While the traditional recipe is fairly strong, you can adjust the amount of gin and vodka to your taste if you prefer a lighter cocktail.
Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix gently to preserve the bubbles in the Cava. Over-mixing can cause the drink to lose its fizz.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Agua de Valencia immediately after mixing to enjoy the full effervescence of the Cava. The bubbles from the sparkling wine are a key part of the cocktail’s refreshing experience.
Prepare in Batches: If serving at a party, prepare a large batch in a pitcher or punch bowl. Keep extra Cava on hand to top off individual glasses if needed.
Agua de Valencia | Refreshing Spanish Orange Cocktail
Course: Drinks, CocktailsCuisine: SpainDifficulty: Easy1 large
pitcher (4-6 people)5
minutesExperience the essence of Spanish summer with this Agua de Valencia recipe, a refreshing orange cocktail perfect for any summer gatherings. This delightful drink blends freshly squeezed orange juice with vodka, gin, and Cava, creating a sweet and bubbly treat that's hard to resist. Originating from Valencia—known for its exceptional oranges—the cocktail’s name translates to "the water of Valencia," a playful nod to its potent nature. Serve it ice-cold with orange slices for a touch of elegance and let this zesty concoction transport you to the sunny shores of Spain.
Ingredients
750 ml Cava | sparkling wine
1 liter fresh orange juice
50 ml Cointreau | orange liqueur
150 ml gin
150 ml vodka
ice cubes
2 oranges | thin slices
Directions
Prepare the Oranges:
Juice 1 liter of fresh oranges and pour the juice into a large pitcher. Alternatively, you can use freshly squeezed orange juice from the supermarket to save time while still achieving great flavor.
Slice 2 oranges thinly.
Mix Everything:
Add Cava, Cointreau, gin, and vodka to the orange juice in the pitcher.
Add a generous amount of ice cubes to chill the drink thoroughly.
Add the thinly sliced oranges for flavor and decoration.
Serve:
Agua de Valencia is best served fresh and well-chilled. Garnish each glass with an orange slice. It’s perfect for parties or relaxing summer evenings.
Notes
- Use Fresh Orange Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice. Valencia oranges are ideal if available, but any high-quality oranges will do.
- Chill the Ingredients: Ensure that the Cava, gin, vodka, and orange juice are well-chilled before mixing. This helps maintain the cocktail’s refreshing temperature and effervescence.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference and the sweetness of your oranges, you might want to adjust the amount of Cointreau or even add a little simple syrup or sugar if needed.
- Balance the Alcohol: While the traditional recipe is fairly strong, you can adjust the amount of gin and vodka to your taste if you prefer a lighter cocktail.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix gently to preserve the bubbles in the Cava. Over-mixing can cause the drink to lose its fizz.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Agua de Valencia immediately after mixing to enjoy the full effervescence of the Cava. The bubbles from the sparkling wine are a key part of the cocktail's refreshing experience.
- Prepare in Batches: If serving at a party, prepare a large batch in a pitcher or punch bowl. Keep extra Cava on hand to top off individual glasses if needed.