The region of Valencia, located along the Mediterranean coast in the south-east of the Iberian peninsula, is famous for its wonderful Mediterranean climate, beautiful historic cities, and stunning coastline, making it a dream holiday destination, It is also, however, a place that foodies will be familiar with as a producer of some of the most delicious oranges in the world. So, if you love oranges and are looking for a perfect boost of vitamin C or, maybe, a delicious orange-based cocktail to enjoy while sunning yourself on vacation, then browse our villas in Valencia as it is only one of many, many great reasons to come holiday in this part of the world!
Not only is the region famous for orange production but the city of Valencia is often known as the City of Oranges and her streets are lined with orange trees that picturesquely grow heavy with ripe oranges each January. Although, it is worth noting that these oranges in the streets of the city are quite bitter and, while they are used by some to make marmalade, they are generally not eaten.
In fact, originally oranges were all quite bitter and were considered to be more of a decorative element on trees, bringing vibrant colour into a garden or along a road, than something to eat. The typically sweet oranges for which Valencia is now so well-known were introduced in the time of the Moors and commercial-scale planting of orange trees for the consumption of oranges only began in the 18th century. Since then, the region has produced annual delicious crops that are now enjoyed by people from all over the world.
If you have booked your vacation rental in Valencia, you’ll be able to find sweet and juicy oranges for sale in supermarkets and at traditional markets all over the region and you’ll also be able to indulge in another incredibly tasty treat in cafes all over the place – freshly-squeezed orange juice using those famous oranges! Enjoyed while sitting outside on a terrace in the sun is the best way to indulge in this sweet beverage and it has the added bonus of giving you a dose of vitamin C and vitamin D together. Bottles of the juice can also be bought in supermarkets and some will have juicers, allowing you to squeeze some of your own for optimal freshness.
However, if you want to enjoy this remarkable local product but want a little bit of a kick to it, then we recommend trying another regional classic, the Agua de Valencia cocktail. Kind of like a local spin on a Mimosa, the Agua de Valencia has a greater alcohol content but is so sweet that it is easy to drink it like water (ergo, the name) so be sure to enjoy if you are on holiday in Valencia but be sure to do so with caution!
Said to be invented by the Galician painter Constante Gil in the city in the 1940s, the Agua de Valencia only became well-known in the 1970s but is now a major fixture and can be enjoyed all over if you book a villa in Valencia. But, if you want to make one now, while you plan your dream getaway, here’s how:
Ingredients:
250ml orange juice
2 shots of gin
2 shots of vodka
1 bottle of Cava
A few tablespoons of sugar
Method:
1. Add all of the ingredients to the pitcher.
2. If possible, prepare well in advance of consumption as the cocktail is best served after being left in the fridge until almost frosty. This enhances the aromas to perfection.
3. For a dryer version, leave out the sugar and use a dry Cava.
4. Before serving, stir with a spoon – don’t shake.
5. Pour into a Marie Antoinette-type or coupe Champagne glass.
6. Best enjoyed while sipped on the terrace of one of our holiday rentals in Valencia!