Sant Jaume Valencia

I have a confession: I used to be quite skeptical of Agua de Valencia. I simply shrugged it off as a glorified mimosa—that is until I went to Sant Jaume, a neighborhood cafetería/bar in the Carmen neighborhood. Introduced to the community in 1984 by Vicente Más, Sant Jaume sits in what was once an old pharmacy that opened in 1899. I guess an Agua de Valencia a day keeps the doctor away?

The bar is known for three drinks in particular, all emblematic of Valencian culture: the cremaet, sangria, and my personal favourite, agua de valencia. This drink entails a mix of freshly squeezed orange juice (it must be fresh!), cava (the Spanish equivalent of champagne), and a secret blend of three white spirits safely guarded by the Sant Jaume staff. A word to the wise: this drink may taste just like a little orange juice, but don't be fooled—it is quite (read, very!) strong, so I advise you to drink it slowly and in moderation.

Not a fan of orange-flavoured things? No problem: Sant Jaume offers various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to satisfy anyone in your party. But don't come hungry—the extent of food at Sant Jaume is nuts, olives, and potato chips.