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If you’re looking for a refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, Agua de Valencia is the answer. This bright and citrusy Spanish drink, invented by Constante Gil in 1959, combines fresh orange juice, cava or champagne, vodka, and gin to create a perfectly balanced cocktail. In about five minutes, you can have a pitcher ready to serve, without any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
I first fell in love with this sunny cocktail on our trip to Valencia, Spain. We made sure to visit Café Madrid, where Constante Gil first created the cocktail, and ordered a couple of glasses as soon as we arrived (photos below). I was immediately hooked on the perfect balance of sweet, citrusy flavors with a kick from the vodka and gin. I knew right away that I’d be making this libation at home for family and friends.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Agua de Valencia
- Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is the heart of this cocktail. When the oranges are at their ripest and sweetest, you might not need to add any sugar at all.
- Cava or Champagne: Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine that’s similar to champagne. It adds a festive, bubbly touch to the cocktail. If you can’t find cava, any dry sparkling wine will do.
- Vodka: I like to use a neutral vodka so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
- Gin: A splash of gin adds a subtle botanical note that complements the orange juice beautifully.
- Sugar (optional): If your oranges are on the tart side, a touch of sugar can help balance the flavors. Start with a little and adjust to your taste.
That’s it! With just these five ingredients, you can create a pitcher of Agua de Valencia that’s perfect for any occasion. I love how easy it is to scale up the recipe for a crowd, and serving it in a pitcher feels so convivial and festive.
Every time I make this cocktail, it takes me back to that charming café in Valencia. It’s a drink that brings people together and creates happy memories. So the next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail, give Agua de Valencia a try. I’m betting it’ll become a new favorite in your home, just like it has in mine.
More Refreshing Drinks
How to Make Agua de Valencia
Pour 2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice into a pitcher. If you’re using sugar, add it now and stir until it’s completely dissolved. Measure out 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon each of vodka and gin, and pour them into the pitcher. Give it a good stir. When you’re ready to serve, add 1 1/4 cups of chilled cava or champagne to the pitcher and stir gently to combine. Fill glasses with ice, pour in the Agua de Valencia, and garnish with an orange slice if you’d like.
Agua de Valencia
Video
Ingredients
- 500 ml freshly squeezed orange juice 2 cups
- sugar to taste, optional (see recipe note)
- 300 ml cava 1 1/4 cups, or other sparkling white wine
- 100 ml vodka 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon
- 100 ml gin 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Pour the orange juice into a pitcher.
- Add the sugar (if using) and stir until dissolved.
- Add the gin and vodka and mix well.
- Finally, add the chilled cava and stir gently.
- Serve in glasses with ice and garnish with orange slices.
Notes
- If your oranges are ripe and sweet you may not need any sugar at all, but feel free to add it to taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Ha, you just gave me the cocktail to have with the ceviche. ๐ This would be lovely on a warm summer evening. So pretty, too. ๐ ~Valentina
Thank you, Valentina!
Ooo I’ve never heard of this cocktail, but it sounds lovely; such a unusual combination of liqueurs to me. And it looks so fresh and luscious (and happy!) Beautiful photos, too.
Thanks so much, Ben! I think you and Andrew would love this!
Sounds like a refreshing drink for the long, hot summer ahead.
Thank you, Karen! It really is refreshing and fun to share.
This sounds really lovely and refreshing. Perfect for NOW.
Thanks, Mimi! Yes, looks like we’re in for a scorcher of a summer.