During the day, I work from home with my two pet rabbits, on the outskirts of Valencia. Sometimes, I take my laptop to a cafe for a change of scenery. A favourite neighbourhood of mine is Benimaclet because it has lots of quiet cafes with good Wi-Fi, and it's close to my gym.
I really enjoy being self-employed, as it means I have a very flexible schedule, but working remotely also means that all my social interaction at work happens online. So, after work, it's nice to meet a friend in the city, where we treat ourselves to a glass (or a jug) of Agua de Valencia. This drink looks like pure orange juice, so you can always tell yourself that you're on a vitamin-packed health kick.
A wonderful place to enjoy Agua de Valencia is Café de las Horas, close to the city's cathedral. The terrace in front of the cafe is great for watching passers-by, but the inside is also impressive. With sumptuous red wallpaper, stars on the ceiling and chandeliers everywhere, it's a combination of a chic Parisian cafe, a cocktail bar and an eccentric aunt's living room.
While you're in Valencia, also try another local drink, called cremaet: espresso with rum or brandy and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Here, too, a quick stir will make it look like a regular espresso. It's fair to say that seems to be a running theme.
Agua de Valencia
- 500ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 300ml cava
- 100ml gin
- 100ml vodka
- A spoonful of sugar
Pour all the liquid ingredients into a jug. Before adding the sugar, taste the mixture to check its sweetness. Place ice cubes in two wine glasses and garnish the glass with a slice of orange. Serve the drink and enjoy!