Agua de valencia, the mediterranean cocktail with cava and orange that you can make at home
Few combinations reflect the Mediterranean spirit as well as the Agua de Valencia cocktail. Born in the late 1950s in a café in the historic center, this typical Valencian drink combines well-chilled cava, freshly squeezed orange juice and a subtle touch of gin and vodka. Refreshing, sparkling and deceptively smooth, it is reminiscent of the famous French mimosa cocktail, although with more character and a more vibrant presence. Already a local classic, its popularity has grown quietly but steadily, creeping into all kinds of celebrations. This cocktail recipe with cava and orange is perfect to liven up a sophisticated brunch, extend a summer after-dinner drink or toast at the beginning of a dinner with friends. Would you like to try it?
Ingredients
For the simple syrup:
To decorate:
Materials
- Large pitcher or shaker (preferably glass)
- Juicer
- Long spoon or cocktail stirrer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Fine strainer
- Glasses or cocktail glasses (flute, balloon or wide glass)
Preparation
Squeeze the oranges and strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp. Reserve in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so that it is well chilled. Meanwhile, chill the glass jar by placing it in the freezer for 10 minutes.
To make the simple syrup:
In a small saucepan, pour mineral water and heat gently, without boiling. Add white sugar and stir with a spatula until completely dissolved. The mixture should be fluid, transparent and without crystals. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely. You can keep it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator until ready to use.
In the chilled pitcher, add the orange juice, vodka, gin and cold syrup. Stir gently with a bar spoon, without stirring, until the mixture is homogeneous.
Add the very cold cava little by little, pouring it over the side of the pitcher to preserve its effervescence. Stir gently using a bar spoon, just enough to integrate without losing the bubbles.
Place a large ice cube in each previously chilled glass. Serve the cocktail slowly, being careful not to break the mixture or lose effervescence. If you wish, you can decorate the glasses with a thin, curly strip of orange peel.
Observations
What type of cava is best for making Agua de Valencia?
The ideal is to use a brut or brut nature cava, to provide freshness without adding extra sweetness. A sweeter cava can unbalance the cocktail, especially if simple syrup is used in the mix.
Can the Agua de Valencia cocktail be made with industrial juice?
Yes, it can be made with bottled orange juice, but the result will not be the same. Freshly squeezed natural juice provides a fresher acidity, less sweetness and a more lively texture. If you opt for industrial juice, it is advisable to choose one without added sugars or concentrates, as close as possible to natural juice.
How long does Agua de Valencia keep once it has been prepared?
Once mixed, Agua de Valencia should be consumed as soon as it is mixed, since cava loses effervescence quickly. Although it can be kept in the refrigerator for a few hours, its texture and flavor deteriorate.
Can I prepare this cocktail in advance?
Only partially. You can prepare the juice, syrup and distillates in advance. However, the cava should be added just before serving to preserve its bubbles. Thus, the cocktail will be ready in minutes without losing quality.
Is it necessary to add sugar or syrup to Agua de Valencia?
The use of simple syrup is optional, but it allows the sweetness to be adjusted precisely. Granulated sugar does not integrate well in cold or alcoholic mixtures, and tends to remain undissolved at the bottom. Therefore, if you want to sweeten the cocktail evenly, it is best to use simple syrup.
What type of gin and vodka are recommended for this recipe?
It is recommended to use dry gin (London Dry) and a good quality neutral vodka. The important thing is that they do not have very strong aromas, so as not to overshadow the citric and clean taste of the whole.
How to serve the Agua de Valencia to keep the gas in the cava?
To maintain the bubbles in the cava, it is important to add it very cold and at the end, pouring it slowly down the side of the decanter so that it does not break. Once it has been added, do not shake it: just mix it gently, just enough to integrate it. Both the pitcher and the glasses should be previously chilled, and the cocktail should be served slowly over ice, just before drinking.
Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic version of Agua de Valencia?
Yes, it is possible to prepare a non-alcoholic version by replacing the cava with sparkling white must or carbonated soda, and the distillates with a touch of aromatic tonic or white grape juice. The result will be milder, but equally refreshing.
Attributes
PetitChef_Official
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