Agua de Valencia (Valencian Citrus and Sparkling Wine Cocktail)
Why this recipe works
- Bright citrus base: Fresh orange juice keeps the drink vivid and fruit-led rather than overly sweet.
- Clean spirit structure: Gin and vodka add strength without overpowering the orange and sparkling wine.
- Fast to assemble: The still ingredients are shaken briefly, then topped with chilled sparkling wine for an immediate serve.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Serve straight away: Agua de Valencia is at its best immediately after the sparkling wine is added, while the drink is very cold and still lively.
- Prep the base ahead: Orange juice, gin and vodka can be mixed and chilled ahead; add ice and sparkling wine only when serving.
Ingredient notes
- Use fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed juice gives the cocktail a cleaner citrus flavour and better balance than most bottled juices.
- Keep everything cold: Well-chilled sparkling wine and plenty of ice help preserve the fizz and prevent the drink tasting flat.
Cocktail variations
- Use prosecco: Prosecco gives a fruitier, slightly softer finish while keeping the cocktail bright and sparkling.
- Make it cleaner: Use vodka in place of the gin for a more neutral version where the orange and sparkling wine lead.
Alcohol-free alternatives
- Alcohol-free version: Use fresh orange juice with a chilled alcohol-free sparkling wine or sparkling grape drink, adding it last to preserve the bubbles.
- Lighter citrus spritz: For a simpler non-alcoholic serve, top fresh orange juice with sparkling water and serve over plenty of ice.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill 4 glasses generously with ice. If you have time, chill the glasses for a few minutes first for an extra-cold serve.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the orange juice, gin and vodka with a handful of ice. Shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Divide the shaken mixture between the ice-filled glasses. Top up slowly with sparkling wine and give each glass a brief, gentle stir to combine without knocking out too much fizz.
- Serve immediately while very cold. If making for sharing, build it in a small jug over ice and top with sparkling wine just before serving.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Use very cold sparkling wine and freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavour and best fizz.
- To keep it lively, add the sparkling wine last and stir gently rather than shaking it.
Substitutions
- Replace sparkling wine with prosecco for a fruitier, slightly sweeter finish.
- Replace gin with vodka for a cleaner, more neutral spirit profile.
Storage
- Best served immediately. If needed, mix the orange juice with gin and vodka up to 4 hours ahead and chill; add ice and sparkling wine only at serving time.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 glasses
- Total time: 10min (10min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Spanish
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