Apricot brandy carries the Valencia Cocktail, joined by a measure of orange juice and two dashes of orange bitters, shaken and strained into a cocktail glass. The sweet stone-fruit character of the brandy meets fresh orange and the aromatic complexity of the bitters in a harmonious, deeply citrus-flavored short drink. At near 12 percent ABV it is light in intensity, the kind of low-strength preparation suited to aperitivo occasions. Its three ingredients require nothing beyond a quick shake, yet the fruit-and-citrus pairing gives the drink an elegant, refined character.
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Valencia Cocktail
Ingredientes
- Apricot Brandy 1 1/2 oz
- Orange juice 1 tblsp
- Orange bitters 2 dashes
Instrucciones
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.
Valencia Cocktail es un coctel afrutado nombrado por Valencia, Espana, elaborado con brandy de albaricoque, jugo fresco de naranja y champan o Prosecco, exudando un dulce aroma frutal lleno del sol del Mediterraneo. La suave dulzura del albaricoque y la acidez viva de la naranja brillan bajo las burbujas del vino espumoso.
History & Origins
The Valencia Cocktail appeared in Harry Craddock's 1930 'The Savoy Cocktail Book', named after the Spanish city of Valencia, known for its exceptional oranges — a fitting tribute given the drink's dominant orange character. The recipe reflects the 1920s and 1930s taste for apricot brandy as a sweetening and flavoring agent in short cocktails. It belongs to the golden age of cocktail culture documented at the Savoy Hotel's American Bar.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Sweet apricot and fresh orange with a warm, aromatic orange bitters note. Palate: Bright and fruit-forward, with apricot brandy's stone fruit richness and orange juice's natural acidity creating a well-balanced sweet-tart profile; orange bitters adds a sophisticated aromatic depth that lifts the drink above a simple fruit cocktail. Finish: Clean, slightly sweet, and refreshing with lingering orange and apricot.
Pro Tip
Shake vigorously to integrate the apricot brandy's viscosity with the orange juice, and use a quality orange bitters for the most pronounced aromatic lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are in the Valencia Cocktail?
The Valencia Cocktail is made with apricot brandy, orange juice, and orange bitters, shaken with ice and strained into a cocktail glass. It is a short, elegant drink built around apricot brandy as the base spirit.
What does the Valencia Cocktail taste like?
The Valencia Cocktail is harmoniously citrus-forward, with apricot brandy's sweet stone-fruit character blended seamlessly with fresh orange juice and the aromatic complexity of orange bitters. The result is a refined, fruit-driven cocktail with bittersweet depth from the bitters preventing it from being cloying.
When is the Valencia Cocktail best served?
The Valencia Cocktail's light, citrus-forward character and moderate alcohol content make it an ideal aperitivo drink, suited to pre-dinner occasions or afternoon social gatherings. Its elegant simplicity and stone-fruit and citrus flavors pair well with light appetizers.
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