There's unanimous agreement here.
The quintessential Valencian cocktail is Agua de València, a perfect combination of sweet orange juice with cava, gin and vodka that tastes divine.
But the cocktail venues' menus around the city open up to many other options served on terraces, on rooftops, in luxury hotels or wherever you least expect it.
Join us as we reveal the 17 venues serving the best cocktails in València.
Cheers!
#1 Café Madrid – C/ Abadia de Sant Martí, 10
If you want to enjoy the experience of trying València's most famous cocktails, Café Madrid offers a tasting featuring four — "Agua de València," "Arrecife," "Paseo por la Albufera" and "Mr. Toffee Dulce" — every day, at any time.
You can also get to know the city's most iconic combination, Agua de València, with a workshop that takes you behind the scenes of its secrets, how to prepare it and, of course, to taste it together with a snack.
#2 Soul of 1927 – Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 25
The bar at the Grand Hotel Centenari has revamped its cocktail menu adding combinations like "The Mark" — Jijona nougat whisky with salted caramel and chocolate — or "Old Cuban Plaza," with gin, vermouth and citrus extra virgin olive oil.
#3 Café de las Horas – C/ Conde de Almodóvar, 1
Next to Plaza de la Virgen stands this temple of Valencian mixology — a pioneer since 1994 — with around 50 items on the menu, of which more than 25 are the bar's own creations.
They have brought back traditional spirits such as Duque de Alba, mistela, PX and cazalla, and they even craft their own aged rum infused with exotic spices — the base for classics like the Piña Colada — and a tea liqueur infused with ginger.
Will you try one of the disruptive options —"Citrus Beer Mojito" or "Strawberry Mint Frappé"— or go for the traditional Agua de València, which, by the way, they make beautifully?
Either way, it'll be delicious
#4 Vuelve Carolina – C/ Correos, 8
At the restaurant of Quique Dacosta — holder of three Michelin stars — the fusion of flavours doesn't stop in the kitchen: it reaches the bar too!
Mixologist Diego Godia has crafted a menu exploring combinations you can't even imagine, yet which taste exquisite.
Our favourites? "Rigoberta," a medium-strength drink with pisco, lime, ginger, passion fruit and egg white that evokes Asia through sake; or "Ponderosa," made with Tanqueray Ten, herb oil and pine vermouth.
Added to this selection is their reinterpretation of Agua de València, which combines orange gin, vodka and Valencian cava to perfection.
#5 Luna de Valencia Rooftop – C/ de las Blanquerias, 4
On the rooftop of Hotel Puerta Serranos, enjoy a great summer plan from 12:00 noon until midnight with cocktails like the "Dark & Stormy" — Tamboo rum, ginger beer and lime — or the "Última Palabra" with Palomo mezcal, green Chartreuse and maraschino.
#6 Lladró Lounge Bar – Pl. de Manises, 7
At the bar of Hotel Palacio Vallier, never short of Lladró porcelain as decoration, you'll enjoy a cocktail experience led by Esther Medina-Cuesta, who refreshes the menu every season.
This season she plays with pear, apple, honey, ginger and cinnamon in drinks such as the "Bramble," the "Tommy's Margarita" or the "Penicillin."
Will you try them on its rooftop?
#7 Manāw Nikkei Bar – C/ de Sant Andreu, 4
Next to the Church of San Juan de la Cruz stands the boat-shaped bar of Manāw Nikkei, a tribute to nikkei culture.
Here the house classic is the "traditional Pisco Sour," though there are also signature creations like the "Maracuyá Sour," the "Tigre Silencioso" or "Aires del Sur," perfect to accompany their delicious nigiri, tiraditos and ceviches.
As of this year, it also opens in the afternoons for tapas and cocktails in València on weekdays.
#8 Atenea Sky – C/ de Moratín, 12
On the eighth floor of the Ateneo Mercantil sits this rooftop with 360° views, one of locals’ favourite spots to watch the sunset.
Its menu, signed by bartender Filipe Suárez, revolves around "El Elixir de Atenea" with a series of eight cocktails exploring every facet of the Valencian orange.
Some examples are the "Agua de Atenea" — citrusy —, the "Fuego en las Alturas" — smoky and spicy —, the "Un Beso en las Nubes" — sweet — or "L'Horta" — savoury with hints of tomato.
It's hard to choose… but since, after enjoying its lounge music in the afternoon, there's a DJ at night, you can try more than one.
#9 Pasqual & Sheila – C/ del Mar, 2
If you've already tried Pasqual & Sheila's Mediterranean cuisine and left without tasting their cocktails, you need to come back to discover their liquid menu.
It boasts a great selection of cocktails — like "Basil Beauty" or "Porn Star Martini"— as well as wines and even alcohol-free drinks that you can enjoy both indoors and on its terrace.
What's more, from Monday to Friday they have a 2-for-1 offer, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, on Agua de València and Aperol Spritz.
#10 La Salita con Cooktl – C/ Pere III El Gran, 11
On the terrace of the interior courtyard of the 19th-century mansion that houses La Salita, in Ruzafa, you'll find Cooktl, the cocktail concept led by Denise Coppola, bartender inspired by chef Begoña Rodrigo's culinary style.
Cooktl occupies "El Invernadero," a heated, glass-walled terrace where surprising cocktails are served, including the "Tirabentini," a nod to the Valencian snap pea, and the "Remolón," an earthy cocktail made with beetroot.
#11 Doña Petrona – C/ Pare Perera, 5
Doña Petrona is one of the ventures by Carito Lourenço and Germán Carrizo, the Argentine chef couple also behind Fierro — holder of a Michelin star.
Their menu blends flavours from there and here — as they put it — with an excellent selection of vermouths and cocktails to accompany the snacks.
If you’re after a surprise, try "Juanita," a drink with yerba mate and orange, or the "Fernet Branca."
#12 Naturalia – C/ del Mar, 12
This venue has been open since 1981 and, although its juices, natural fruit smoothies and crêpes are the most popular items, it also hides a traditional recipe for the famous Agua de València you have to try.
It includes freshly squeezed orange juice, cava and a touch of vodka and gin.
It looks easy to make, but the result is never quite like the one they achieve at Zumería Naturalia.
#13 Alegal – Avenida del Puerto, 1
At Alegal, the large dining venue housed in the former Cines Aragón, the cocktail menu blends timeless classics with seasonal proposals and a signature line that will surprise you.
This season, the spritzes stand out in particular: light, aromatic and very refreshing.
Will you choose the "Cucumber Garden," made with cucumber, citrus and herbal notes; the "Tropical Spritz," with exotic, fruity notes; or would you rather see the menu?
#14 Piano Bar Lupin – C/ Jorge Juan, 19
The secret hideout of the thief Arsène Lupin holds a menu of cocktails based on musical references served in busts of famous figures, from Nino Bravo and Luis Miguel to Bad Bunny and Rosalía. There’s something for everyone!
Its cocktail concept masterfully plays with contrasts, aromas and flavours. So much so that the cocktails in València —with or without alcohol— Lupin-style will steal your heart.
#15 Borgia Wine Bar – C/ dels Cavallers, 8
Borgia Winebar & Spirits pays tribute to one of Valencia’s most influential and controversial families: the Borgias — or Borjas. And at their tables, as befits a wealthy family, cocktails were never missing —though not as we know them today—.
That's why this venue's menu features five signature creations made by its bartenders, such as "Lucrecia," "Borgia" or "Elixir de València." Will you try them?
#16 La Oficina – C/ del Duque de Calabria, 16
Behind La Oficina's cocktail menu is Iván Talens, one of the most renowned bartenders in the country.
So whatever you order, it'll be top notch, and you can watch it being made right at the bar.
We recommend one: the "Espresso Cremaet," though any of the ten on the menu is to die for.
#17 Tatel – C/ de Pascual i Genís, 19
A trip back to the American 1920s, when the controversial Prohibition reigned?
That’s exactly what Tatel brings back, perfectly recreating the atmosphere of the speakeasies of this dark era for lovers of fine drinking.
In this sophisticated space you’ll find a select offering of nine cocktails divided by your favourite spirit.
Tequila? Rum? Gin? Take your pick.
