Hello friends of Paulina Kitchen! Today I want to invite you to prepare a very rich cocktail typical of Spain: the water of Valencia , which was born, as so many successful recipes, in a small place, a Valencian bar, and managed to become popular in almost everyone for having a delicious flavor and being super fresh.
This cocktail is ideal for a summer late with the feet in the water, if we are lucky, or on the balcony of the house while we water the plants when the sun puts on.
I am going to tell you a little about their origins, their history and I leave a recipe with the best tips to prepare it at home.
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About the water of Valencia
Valencia's water is a cocktail that was born in Valencia, Spain , precisely in the 50s. Its name clearly has to do with the place where it originated, and is a fresh cocktail whose basic ingredients are: orange juice, gin, vodka and cava (a type of Spanish sparkling wine).
Where the water from Valencia was created
The water of Valencia had its origin in the mythical Café Madrid in Valencia (former Cervecería Madrid) , in which several groups of friends used to meet.
One day, tired of always taking the same cocktail, they asked the place to prepare something new. Thus, the owner of the bar added a bottle of cava to the typical gin and orange cocktail they already consumed and, in tribute to the city in which they were baptized as "Agua de Valencia" .
The drink gained popularity between university students and travelers visited Valencia. Extending throughout Spain and becoming a symbol of Spanish culture and cuisine.
Currently, Valencia's water is served in bars and restaurants around the world. It is still one of the most popular drinks in Spain.
What carries the water from Valencia?
The Valencia water recipe may vary according to the preferences of the person who prepares it, but among the basic ingredients they cannot be missing:
- Juice of other citrus, such as mandarins, grapefruit, files or lemons, instead of orange juice.
- Liquefied fresh fruits, such as strawberries (strawberries), kiwi, mango or peach.
- Wear pink sparkling wine instead of white.
- You can also replace the gin and vodka with another alcohol such as tequila, gin or rum.
Who created L'Eigua from Valencia?
According to the Valencians themselves, the authorship of the cocktail would be constant Gil , a Spanish painter who began directing coffee Madrid in 1956 and who would create the water cocktail of Valencia, for a group of Basque friends who frequented the place.
Constant Gil managed the coffee business Madrid until 2000, turning the place not only into a popular cocktail bar, but also in a space where he exhibited his artistic works and made art and literary gatherings.
While Valencia's water became very popular in Spain and in other regions , more than 10 years passed until the creation of Constant Gil managed to leave Café Madrid, a reduced redoubt of people, and start serving in other bars and cities.
Some points to consider before starting
- It is important to use squeezed orange juice.
- The foaming cava or wine can be brut or dry.
- Prepare in advance and cool a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Prepare in jug and serve in a glass of María Antonieta style champagne.
What can I accompany the water from Valencia?
Valencia's water is a very Mediterranean drink that can be accompanied with dishes and snacks typical of that gastronomy. Its soft and fresh flavor allows it to be combined with stronger flavors to the palate.
- With a potato omelette , squid to La Romana, or croquettes.
- With seafood: prawns, mussels, clams or octopus.
- Cheeses and sausages: a delicious cheese table with serrano ham and sausage, a delight!
- A fresh avocado salad (avocado), strong cheeses, such as goat cheese and a green mattress.
- It can also pair a dessert very well like a foot or flan .
Valencia Water Cocktail Recipe
- Yields: 8 - 10 portions
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of cava or sparkling wine (750 ml).
- 500 ml of newly squeezed orange juice.
- 100 ml of gin.
- 100 ml of vodka.
- 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- 1 orange in slices.
- Ice.
- Mint leaves.
How to make Valencia water
- In a large jug, mix the newly squeezed orange juice, with gin, vodka and sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add ice to taste and stir.
- Open the sparkling wine bottle and add to the previous mixture. Stir slowly.
- Add orange slices and mint or peppermint leaves in each cup at the time of serving. Health!
