How to Make Agua de Valencia (Classic Valencia Cocktail)

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This Agua de Valencia cocktail is a light, refreshing and effervescent drink made with just four simple ingredients. Similar to a mimosa, it’s an ideal summer cocktail for brunches, gatherings, or easy happy hours with friends. It’s quick to prepare and scales well for a crowd.

This version of Agua de Valencia highlights fresh orange juice and a Spanish sparkling wine for bright, citrusy flavor balanced by a touch of gin and vodka. If you like mimosas or bellinis, you’ll appreciate how this drink keeps things lively without being overly complex.

What Is Agua De Valencia?

Agua de Valencia, or “Aigua de València” in Valencian, means “Valencian Water.” The cocktail comes from the Valencia region on Spain’s eastern coast and is typically made from orange juice, Cava (Spanish sparkling wine), gin and vodka. It’s known for its bright orange color and bubbly, easy-drinking profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Very similar to a mimosa but with an extra kick from gin and vodka.
• Perfect for brunch, afternoon get-togethers, or casual happy hour service.
• Simple to prepare and excellent for serving several people at once.
• No cocktail shaker required — everything can be mixed in a pitcher.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Cava: A Spanish sparkling wine that offers great value. You can substitute Champagne or Prosecco if Cava isn’t available.
• Orange Juice: Authentic Agua de Valencia uses Valencian oranges, prized for their sweetness. If you can’t find them, choose the ripest, freshest oranges available and squeeze them yourself for best flavor. Store-bought juice will work but the drink will be less bright.
• Gin & Vodka: A modest amount of both spirits gives the cocktail a subtle backbone without overwhelming the citrus and bubbles. Use your preferred brands or what you have on hand.

Equipment

• A juicer or citrus reamer to extract fresh orange juice.
• A pitcher to mix and chill the cocktail in.
• Champagne flutes or wide cocktail glasses for serving.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Pour the Cava, freshly squeezed orange juice, gin and vodka into a medium-sized pitcher.

Step 2: Stir gently to combine. For the best texture and fizz, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 30–60 minutes, then stir again and serve chilled without ice so the bubbles remain lively.

Expert Tips

• Strain the juice: Traditional Agua de Valencia is usually made with smooth, pulp-free orange juice. Pass freshly squeezed juice through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a silky texture.
• Sweeten if desired: If you like a sweeter cocktail, add ½ to 2 ounces of simple syrup to taste. Start small — fresh oranges add natural sweetness.
• Adjust alcohol strength: This recipe mirrors the lighter style commonly served in Valencia. If you prefer a stronger cocktail, increase the gin and vodka proportionally.
• Chill everything: For immediate serving, chill the Cava, orange juice, pitcher and glasses before assembling. Avoid chilling the finished cocktail for too long (over an hour) so the sparkling wine doesn’t go flat.

Recipe FAQs

Recipe