La Water Cocktail Recipe

La Water Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:11g

Alcohol:25%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

La Water is a vibrant, multi-colored cocktail that's as fun to look at as it is to drink. It's a popular choice at parties and social gatherings due to its visually appealing presentation and potent mix of spirits. The name 'La Water' is thought to be a playful nod to the murky waters of the Los Angeles River.

Who Would Like It

This cocktail is a hit with those who enjoy strong, fruity drinks. Its colorful appearance also makes it a favorite among Instagrammers and social media enthusiasts.

How La Water Tastes?

La Water is a potent, fruity cocktail with a sweet and slightly sour taste. The combination of different spirits gives it a complex, layered flavor, while the sweet and sour mix and blue curacao lend a refreshing citrusy note.

Interesting facts about La Water

Despite its colorful appearance, La Water is a strong cocktail with a high alcohol content.

  • The cocktail's name is often a topic of conversation, with many speculating about its origins.
  • While it's a popular choice at parties, it's not often found on the menus of high-end cocktail bars due to its potent mix of spirits.

Ingredients

A few good options for La Water are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

A few good options for La Water are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Vodka

Vodka is the chameleon of the liquor world; it melds seamlessly into the cocktail providing a strong alcohol base without overpowering the other flavors. 0.5 oz is just enough to say 'I'm here,' but not so much that it's shouting over everyone else. Without vodka, you’d lose a bit of that warming alcohol kick. Alternative: Try using a flavored vodka to add an extra dimension.

Alex Green

Rum

Rum adds a sweet and slight tropical touch, reminding you of that one vacation where you got sunburnt. The half-ounce is there to mingle, not to dominate the party. Skip the rum and you’ll miss that subtle sugarcane hug. Alternative: If you want a spicier note, go for a darker rum.

Emma Rose

Tequila

Oh, tequila – you’re the life of the party, aren’t you? Half an ounce is plenty to add that characteristic earthy and slightly grassy note, without resulting in impromptu karaoke. Ditching tequila would make the drink less complex. Alternative: Mezcal could swap in for a smoky twist.

Mary Mitkina

Gin

Gin is like that friend who always brings the cool botanicals to the mix with its herbal and juniper notes. A half-ounce keeps it friendly. Without gin, the drink loses its aromatic whisper. Alternative: Try an Old Tom Gin for a sweeter, milder gin flavor.

Alex Green

Blue Curacao

Blue Curacao is the extrovert of the liquor cabinet; it’s here for a pop of orange flavor and that mesmerizing blue. 0.5 oz turns the drink into a vibrant showpiece without overdoing the sweetness. Without it, you’d have a less colorful, less citrusy beverage. Alternative: Triple Sec or orange liqueur can step in but say goodbye to the blue hue.

Emma Rose

Sweet and Sour Mix

Sweet and sour mix is the mediator, balancing out the flavors with its one part tart, one part sweet personality. 1 oz keeps everyone in harmony. No mix? The drink could become a discordant mess. Alternative: Homemade mix with freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice and simple syrup could elevate the cocktail.

Mary Mitkina

Raspberry Liqueur

Raspberry Liqueur flirts with your palate, adding a berrylicious backdrop. The half-ounce is just a flirty wink – enough to catch your interest, but not so much as to be the center of attention. Without it, you’d lose some fruity depth. Alternative: A splash of Chambord could enhance the berry notes even more.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make La Water Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add vodka, rum, tequila, gin, blue curacao, sweet and sour mix, and raspberry liqueur.
  3. Shake well until combined.
  4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are fully combined.
  • Serve it in a highball glass to showcase its vibrant colors.
  • Use fresh ice to avoid diluting the cocktail too much.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Fried Calamari: This light and crispy appetizer has a neutral flavor that won't overwhelm the variety of tastes in La Water cocktail.
  • Chips and Salsa: The refreshing tang of the cocktail pairs nicely with the spicy and savory flavors of a classic chips and salsa.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken: The simple seasoning of grilled chicken complements the complex flavor profile of La Water without competing with it.
  • Fish Tacos: The zestiness of the cocktail balances well with the richness of fish tacos, especially if they come with a spicy sauce.

Desserts

  • Lemon Sorbet: A palate-cleansing lemon sorbet will enhance the citrus notes in the La Water cocktail.
  • Fresh Fruit Plate: A mixed fruit plate can pair well with the fruity and sweet elements of the cocktail.

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What you could change in La Water

  • You can substitute the sweet and sour mix with a combination of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
  • If you don't have raspberry liqueur, you can use grenadine syrup instead.

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

La Water with a Tropical Twist

Ingredients: Substitute raspberry liqueur with passion fruit liqueur. Recipe: Follow the original recipe but use passion fruit liqueur instead. Flavor: This twist will give a more exotic and tropical feel to the drink, reminding you of island breezes and sunny days.

Green Lagoon Water

Ingredients: Substitute Blue Curacao with Midori melon liqueur. Recipe: Same process, but with Midori for a green hue. Flavor: Expect a sweeter, melon-forward profile that’s as mysterious as a mermaid's call.

Berry Blast La Water

Ingredients: Add an extra 0.5 oz of raspberry liqueur and a splash of cranberry juice. Recipe: Include the additional liqueur and juice with the shake. Flavor: This berry-heavy version is a fruit lover’s dream with a deeper red color that's as daring as a late-night swim.

In case you forgot basics how to make La Water

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on La Water

Why is the cocktail named LA Water?

The cocktail is named LA Water in reference to the casually noted but not much loved murky waters of the Los Angeles River. The changing colors of the cocktail conjure an image soothingly reminiscent of this feature.

Does LA Water taste the same as it looks?

LA Water is not just pleasing to the eyes but also has an exotic taste. Fruity sweet and slightly sour, the compilation of tastes contribute to a delightful cocktail experience.

Is the LA Water predominantly a women's drink because of the fruity flavours?

Not at all, the LA Water cocktail is enjoyed by people of all genders. Although the fruity flavor might appeal to some more than others, the strong potent mix would satisfy any strong drink lovers as well.

What is the best time to drink LA Water?

The best time to enjoy LA Water is during social gatherings or parties. However, anyone could enjoy this delicious drink anytime according to their personal preference.

Can I try different liqueur instead of raspberry for a different taste?

Yes, in the cocktail world there's always an opportunity to play around with flavours. However, replacing raspberry liqueur might give you a different cocktail altogether!

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