The Spaniards must be in a very strange mood this weekend. Well, whether they are drowning their sorrows at their early exit from the World Cup or celebrating their rather dashing young new monarch, King Felipe VI – these are the people that know their drink!! In Spain, bars are broadly divided into Tavernas and Tascas (wine bars ), Cervecerias (beer houses ) and Sidrerias (cider houses). Whole regions, such as Andalusia and Catalonia dedicated themselves to world famous ‘Fino ‘ – Sherry and Brandy production and we all know about the famous Spanish wines, a phenomenon that has being gaining world class status for many years – so all in all, if you are in the mood for a little tipple today – let’s go Viva La Espana!
Now everyone knows about Sangria . It is one of the most famous classic drinks of all time and I’m sure it is certainly one of the most popular party drinks. Today, however, I want to share a recipe, courtesy of the wonderful and most celebrated authorities on Spanish food, Claudia Roden. This is a perfect summer drink and a little posh number with the sparkly Cava. Drinking this reminded me of Bellini’s, but a little sweeter and definitely a little stronger!
The original recipe for Agua de Valencia (Valencia Water) came from the late Constante Gil, an artist and bar owner who painted the people who came to his bar, Cafe Madrid de Valencia. He created this in 1959 and I want to share his original recipe, bought alive by Claudia Roden, with you today.
The Valencian orange is known for its sweet taste and vibrant colour. Named after the city of Valencia in Spain, it was in fact originally hybridized in California. Large regions in the USA and Spain are devoted to growing this citrus fruit; which has now defined a culture. If you can, make your own orange juice from scratch for this recipe, using Valencian oranges of course!
Mix 2 parts chilled Cava, 1 part Vodka and 1 part fresh orange juice in a large pitcher. Add 2 tbs of sugar – stirring well to dissolve it. Add plenty of ice to some fabulous wide cocktail glasses or wineglasses, pour over the Valencia Water and drift away in Spanish song….
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