Agua de Valencia

Ingredients

• 500 mlfreshly squeezed Valencian orange juice
• 500 mlcava brut
• 60 mlgin
• 60 mlvodka
• 2 tbspgranulated sugar
• as neededice

Method

1. Begin by chilling the cava brut, gin, and vodka in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This ensures the drink is refreshing and maintains its intended flavor profile. If the ingredients are not cold, the final drink may taste flat or overly warm.
2. In a large pitcher, pour 500 ml of freshly squeezed Valencian orange juice. The juice should be freshly squeezed to capture the vibrant flavor and aroma of the oranges, which is essential for an authentic Agua de Valencia.
3. Add 60 ml of gin and 60 ml of vodka to the pitcher with the orange juice. Stir gently to combine the spirits with the juice, ensuring the flavors begin to meld together.
4. Measure 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and sprinkle it into the pitcher. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is crucial to balance the acidity of the orange juice with a touch of sweetness.
5. Once the sugar has dissolved, slowly pour 500 ml of chilled cava brut into the pitcher. Stir gently to combine, taking care not to lose the bubbles from the cava, which add a delightful effervescence to the drink.
6. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes. This resting period lets the flavors marry, creating a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and complex. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding a little more sugar, stirring until dissolved.
7. Fill serving glasses with ice cubes to keep the drink chilled. Pour the Agua de Valencia over the ice, ensuring each glass receives an equal share of the bubbly cava and citrusy base.
8. Serve immediately while the drink is cold and effervescent, capturing the essence of a Valencian summer. Enjoy the refreshing and vibrant flavors that are characteristic of this beloved Spanish cocktail.