🇪🇸 Spain · Drinks
Agua de Valencia (Valencian Water Cocktail)
By eatmundo · July 7, 2026
Agua de Valencia is a vibrant and refreshing Spanish cocktail originating from Valencia, combining Cava (or sparkling wine), fresh orange juice, gin, and vodka. This sparkling concoction is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and subtly strong, perfect for sharing on a sunny afternoon or a festive evening.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Begin by ensuring all your liquid ingredients are well chilled. This is crucial for a refreshing cocktail. Place the 1 bottle (750ml) of Cava, 500ml of fresh orange juice, 60ml of gin, and 60ml of vodka in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours prior to preparation.
- 2
In a large pitcher (ideally one that holds at least 2 liters), pour the very cold 500ml of fresh orange juice. Always use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor; avoid concentrate or store-bought juice with added sugars.
- 3
Add the chilled 60ml of gin and 60ml of vodka to the pitcher with the orange juice. Stir gently to combine these spirits with the juice, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- 4
Now, slowly pour in the well-chilled 1 bottle (750ml) of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine). Pour it down the side of the pitcher to minimize fizz loss. Do not stir vigorously after adding the Cava, as this will flatten the bubbles.
- 5
Taste the mixture. Depending on the sweetness of your oranges and your personal preference, you may want to add 2 tablespoons of sugar (or simple syrup). Stir gently until dissolved, taking care not to disturb the Cava's effervescence too much.
- 6
Place a few ice cubes into the pitcher, if desired, but ideally, the ingredients should be cold enough that additional ice isn't strictly necessary and won't dilute the drink too quickly. The goal is to keep it refreshingly cold.
- 7
Serve the Agua de Valencia immediately in chilled champagne flutes or wide-rimmed cocktail glasses. Garnish each glass with an orange slice. This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and bubbly, so serve promptly after mixing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of orange juice should I use for Agua de Valencia?+
Always use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best possible flavor. The quality of the orange juice significantly impacts the taste of the cocktail, so avoid using concentrated or overly sweet store-bought versions.
Can I substitute Cava with another sparkling wine?+
While Cava is traditional, a dry Prosecco or any other brut sparkling wine can be a suitable substitute if Cava is unavailable. Just ensure it's dry to balance the sweetness of the orange juice.
How do I make Agua de Valencia less alcoholic?+
To reduce the alcohol content, you can either decrease the amounts of gin and vodka or increase the proportion of orange juice. Some variations also add a splash of soda water for a lighter version, but this is less traditional.
Can I prepare Agua de Valencia in advance?+
It's best prepared just before serving to maintain its fizziness. If you must prepare it in advance, mix the orange juice, gin, and vodka, then add the chilled Cava just before serving to keep it as bubbly as possible.
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