Agua de Valencia
Recipe, History & Where to Try It
A visit to Valencia wouldn’t be quite complete without discovering Agua de Valencia. This refreshing Spanish cocktail combines freshly squeezed orange juice with cava, gin and vodka. The result? A deliciously fruity drink that’s considerably stronger than it first appears! The name literally translates as Valencia Water. But don’t be fooled – there’s very little resemblance to an ordinary glass of water. So where did this famous Valencian cocktail come from, where can you try it and how can you make your own? Here are our local tips.
What Is Agua de Valencia?
Agua de Valencia is a traditional cocktail from the city of Valencia, made with fresh orange juice, cava, gin and vodka. And it’s the oranges that make it particularly special. The Valencia region has a long history of orange growing, so it’s hardly surprising that this delicious citrus fruit plays a starring role in one of the city’s best-known drinks. Agua de Valencia is traditionally served chilled, often in a large jug or carafe to share with friends. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or a lively evening in Valencia.
The Interesting History of Agua de Valencia
The story of Agua de Valencia began in 1959. At the former Cervecería Madrid, later associated with the name Café Madrid, a Spanish artist and bar owner named Constante Gil was challenged by a group of Basque visitors. According to the well-known story, the visitors wanted something different from their usual sparkling wine. Constante Gil decided to mix orange juice, cava, gin and vodka.
The result was an instant hit with his guests, and Agua de Valencia was born. Initially, the cocktail was enjoyed mainly by regular customers. It wasn’t until later that its popularity spread across Valencia. Today, Agua de Valencia is one of the city’s most recognisable local specialities.
Where Can You Drink Agua de Valencia in Valencia?
Naturally, the best place to experience Agua de Valencia is in the city where it was invented. You’ll find it in many cafés and cocktail bars, particularly around Valencia’s historic centre. Here are a few well-known places worth considering.
Café de las Horas
Located near Valencia Cathedral, Café de las Horas is famous for its extravagant interior and colourful atmosphere. It’s one of the city’s best-known places to enjoy Agua de Valencia.
📍Carrer del Comte d’Almodóvar 1 | València
Café Sant Jaume
Situated on Carrer dels Cavallers, this traditional café is an attractive place to stop while exploring Valencia’s Old Town. Order a drink, find a table and take your time.
📍Carrer dels Cavallers 51 | València
El Cafetín Valencia
Located on Plaza del Doctor Collado, Café Lisboa is another interesting option in the heart of the historic centre. It’s surrounded by beautiful old streets and lively squares.
📍Placa de Sant Jaume 2 | Valencia
Our tip: Agua de Valencia is often served by the jug. Always check the size and price before ordering, especially if you’re sharing with a group.
For more inspiration, explore our guide to the best things to do in Valencia.
How to Make Agua de Valencia at Home
You don’t have to travel to Valencia to enjoy this famous cocktail. With just a few ingredients, you can easily prepare your own Agua de Valencia at home – or on the terrace of your holiday villa. Here’s our slightly lighter house version, making approximately four to six small glasses.
Ingredients
- 500 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 350 ml chilled cava
- 75 ml gin
- 75 ml vodka
- Ice cubes
- A little sugar, if needed
- Orange slices for garnish
Method
- Squeeze the oranges | Strain the juice if you prefer a smoother cocktail without pulp.
- Add the spirits | Pour the orange juice into a large jug, add the gin and vodka and stir gently.
- Add the cava | Pour in the chilled cava just before serving to preserve the bubbles.
- Taste before adding sugar | Sweet, ripe oranges often provide enough natural sweetness.
- Serve well chilled | Add ice cubes and garnish with orange slices.
And there you have it, your very own Agua de Valencia. ¡Salud!
Our personal tip: always use fresh orange juice rather than juice from a carton. It really does make a difference.
Every bar seems to have its own recipe, so the proportions can vary. Just remember that the combination of cava and spirits makes Agua de Valencia a fairly strong cocktail, even though the orange juice gives it a wonderfully refreshing taste.
Which Cava Should You Use?
A Spanish brut cava is an excellent choice for Agua de Valencia. Its fresh, dry character balances the natural sweetness of the oranges without making the cocktail too sugary. You don’t need an expensive bottle. Good-quality cava and fresh oranges are far more important than choosing the most luxurious ingredients.
Discover Valencia on a Day Trip from Moraira
If you’re staying in Moraira or Benissa, Valencia is an excellent destination for a full-day excursion. Start with a walk through the historic centre, visit the famous Mercado Central and discover the impressive architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia is also a wonderful city to explore by bicycle. The city is relatively flat, with plenty of cycle paths and the beautiful Turia Gardens running through its centre. We particularly enjoy discovering Valencia by bike because it allows you to see so much of the city without spending the whole day walking. And afterwards? Find a lovely terrace and enjoy a refreshing Agua de Valencia.
If you’re interested in the region’s food traditions, don’t miss our article about paella rice and the Albufera Natural Park. The rice-growing landscape surrounding Albufera is closely connected to the origins of traditional Valencian paella.
Can You Drink Agua de Valencia in Moraira?
You don’t necessarily have to drive to Valencia to enjoy an Agua de Valencia. Some cocktail bars and restaurants around Moraira also serve this popular drink, particularly during the warmer months. Availability can vary by season, so it’s worth asking at your favourite local bar. And there’s something rather special about enjoying a refreshing cocktail on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Although making your own Agua de Valencia beside the swimming pool of your holiday villa is a pretty good alternative!
Spain has plenty of refreshing summer drinks beyond Agua de Valencia. One of the simplest is Tinto de Verano, a traditional combination of red wine and sparkling lemonade. An other one is Spanish sangria. More complex but also full of summer flavors. Discover how to make this popular Spanish summer drinks at home.
Experience the Spanish Lifestyle with Moraira Holiday Homes
It’s the little traditions that make a holiday in Spain so memorable. A leisurely lunch, a visit to a local market, an evening stroll along the beach or a refreshing drink on a sunny terrace.
At Moraira Holiday Homes, we’ve been helping guests discover Moraira and Benissa since 2004. Because we live locally and personally know our holiday properties, we’re always happy to share our favourite places, restaurants and local tips.
Fancy experiencing the Mediterranean lifestyle for yourself? Explore our holiday villas in Moraira and Benissa and start planning your next Costa Blanca holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agua de Valencia
What is Agua de Valencia?
Agua de Valencia is a traditional cocktail from Valencia made with freshly squeezed orange juice, cava, gin and vodka. It’s usually served chilled, often in a jug to share.
What ingredients are in Agua de Valencia?
The four main ingredients are fresh orange juice, cava, gin and vodka. Some recipes also include sugar, ice cubes or orange slices for decoration.
Where does Agua de Valencia come from?
Agua de Valencia was created in the Spanish city of Valencia in 1959, at the former Cervecería Madrid.
Who invented Agua de Valencia?
The cocktail is generally credited to Constante Gil, a Spanish artist and bar owner who created it for a group of Basque visitors.
How do you make Agua de Valencia?
Mix freshly squeezed orange juice with gin and vodka, then add chilled cava. Serve cold, with ice if desired. The proportions vary depending on the recipe.
What is the best cava for Agua de Valencia?
A dry Spanish cava, such as brut, works particularly well because it balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
Is Agua de Valencia a strong cocktail?
Yes. Agua de Valencia contains cava, gin and vodka, making it stronger than its fresh and fruity flavour might suggest. The alcohol content depends on the recipe.
Is Agua de Valencia the same as a mimosa?
No. A traditional mimosa contains orange juice and sparkling wine. Agua de Valencia also includes gin and vodka, giving it a stronger flavour and higher alcohol content.
Can you make Agua de Valencia without alcohol?
Yes. For a non-alcoholic version, combine fresh orange juice with alcohol-free sparkling wine and a splash of sparkling water. It isn’t the traditional recipe, but it’s a refreshing alternative.
Where can you drink Agua de Valencia in Valencia?
Popular places include Café de las Horas, Café Sant Jaume and other bars around the historic centre. Always check current opening times and menus before visiting.
Can you drink Agua de Valencia in Moraira?
Yes, some bars and restaurants in Moraira serve Agua de Valencia, particularly during the summer season. Availability varies between establishments.
When is Agua de Valencia traditionally served?
Agua de Valencia has traditionally been associated with social occasions and evenings out, although it’s now also enjoyed during the afternoon at cafés and terraces around Valencia.
