The iconic coctail of Valencia
The history of Agua de Valencia is a bit of a legend, but the most commonly accepted story is that it was invented in 1959 by Constante Gil, the owner of the Café Madrid in Valencia. A group of Basque travelers who were regulars at the bar were bored of drinking the usual “agua de Bilbao,” which is a sparkling wine from the Basque Country. They challenged Gil to create something new, and he responded by mixing cava, orange juice, gin, and vodka. The drink was a hit, and it soon became a popular choice among both locals and tourists.
The name “Agua de Valencia” is a bit of a misnomer, as it is not actually made with water. However, the name is thought to have come about because the drink is so refreshing and thirst-quenching, like a glass of water.
Agua de Valencia is now a well-known cocktail throughout Spain, and it is often served as a brunch or afternoon drink. It is also a popular choice at festivals and other celebrations.
Recipe of the Agua de Valencia
INGREDIENTS
- 1 bottle of cava (Spanish sparkling wine)
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of gin
- 1/4 cup of vodka
- Ice cubes
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all ingredients in a pitcher.
- Stir until well blended.
- Serve in glasses filled with ice cubes.
ENJOY!
