Valencia Cocktail

The story

The Valencia Cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, likely named after the Spanish city known for its oranges. Its combination of apricot brandy and orange juice reflects the citrusy flavors popular in cocktails of that era. The drink has remained a classic due to its refreshing taste and simplicity, making it a staple in cocktail culture.

How it tastes

The Valencia Cocktail offers a sweet and fruity profile, dominated by the apricot brandy and brightened by the fresh orange juice. The orange bitters add a subtle complexity, making it a delightful choice for warm weather or as a refreshing aperitif.

Getting it right

The key to a successful Valencia Cocktail lies in the balance of flavors. Proper shaking is essential to combine the ingredients thoroughly and chill the drink effectively. Straining into a chilled cocktail glass ensures a smooth texture without any ice shards.

Variations

• Valencia Sour — This variation adds lemon juice to the original recipe, creating a tangy twist on the classic.
• Valencia Fizz — Incorporates soda water for a sparkling version, making it lighter and more refreshing.

Substitutions

• Peach brandy — Can be used instead of apricot brandy for a different fruit profile.
• Fresh orange juice — If unavailable, bottled orange juice can be used, though fresh is preferred for flavor.

Questions

Can I use another type of brandy?

Yes, while apricot brandy is traditional, you can experiment with other fruit brandies like peach or cherry for a unique twist.

Is it possible to make this drink non-alcoholic?

You can create a non-alcoholic version by replacing the apricot brandy with apricot syrup and using more orange juice.

What type of orange bitters should I use?

Any brand of orange bitters will work, but Angostura and Regans' are popular choices that complement the drink well.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026