La Water Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a La Water recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Midori
Alcohol 25%
Calories 210 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 11g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine dipping your toes into the vibrant world of cocktails where the La Water reigns as a refreshing champion. With its mysterious blue-green hue and a taste that’s as playful as a summer’s day, the La Water is not just a drink; it’s a story in a glass. In this journey, we’ll explore its history, flavors, and how to enjoy it to the fullest. Ready to dive in? Let’s go! ⬇️

History

The La Water cocktail is a modern concoction, known for its colorful layers that mimic the murky waters of the Los Angeles River. It’s a playful nod to the city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culture. Despite its name, it offers a taste far more delightful than its namesake.

  • The name ‘La Water’ is a cheeky allusion to the not-so-crystal-clear waters of LA.
  • Its creation is a relatively recent event in the world of mixology, marking a new chapter in cocktail innovation.
  • The cocktail quickly became a hit for its visual appeal and refreshing flavors.

The taste of a La Water?

A sip of La Water is like a burst of fruity, sweet, and sour flavors dancing on your tongue. It’s a symphony of citrus and tropical notes with a touch of carbonation, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a playful mix of tastes.

I personally love the La Water for its ability to transport me to a sun-drenched beach with every sip.

Interesting facts about La Water

  • La Water’s distinctive color is often achieved with a mix of blue curaçao and melon liqueur.
  • It’s a popular choice at trendy bars and clubs, especially among those looking for Instagram-worthy drinks.
  • The cocktail’s blend of multiple spirits is a testament to the melting pot that is Los Angeles.

Ingredients 📃

  • Vodka: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Rum: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Tequila: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Gin: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Blue Curaçao: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Melon Liqueur: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Sweet & Sour Mix: 1 oz (30ml)
  • 7-Up or Sprite: A splash

Highball glass is the perfect vessel for La Water. Its tall stature allows for the mesmerizing layers of color, enhancing the visual experience. Collins glass could also work, offering a slightly different but equally delightful presentation.

Recipe. How to make La Water 🍹

  1. Pour 0.5 oz (15ml) each of vodka, rum, tequila, and gin into a shaker filled with ice.
  2. Add 0.5 oz (15ml) each of blue curaçao and melon liqueur.
  3. Mix in 1 oz (30ml) of sweet & sour mix.
  4. Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
  5. Top with a splash of 7-Up or Sprite and garnish as desired.

La Water cocktails are a treat, but it’s good to remember they’re quite sweet and can be high in calories. For a healthier twist, try using natural sweeteners or less sugary alternatives, and balance your indulgence with the benefits of the spirits’ botanicals.

Rate this recipe


Food Pairings

When it comes to enhancing the La Water experience, certain foods can elevate the drink’s complex flavors. It’s all about finding the perfect match to complement its unique taste.

Spicy Tacos

The zesty and sweet notes of La Water cut through the heat of spicy tacos, creating a delightful balance that refreshes the palate.

Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple’s caramelized sweetness pairs harmoniously with the tropical undertones of the La Water, making for an exotic flavor combination.

Coconut Shrimp

The coconut’s subtle sweetness and shrimp’s savory bite are a match made in heaven with the La Water’s fruity profile.

I really enjoy the taste of La Waters—the cool mint and zesty lime make it a perfect drink for relaxing after a long week.


🍸 Mix up your beverage routine
Receive the freshest cocktail recipes and bar trends directly in your inbox.
Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up

Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh ingredients, especially for the sweet & sour mix, to ensure the brightest flavors.
  • Properly layer the drink by pouring slowly over the back of a spoon for a stunning visual effect.
  • Experiment with garnishes like orange wheels or mint sprigs to add a personal touch and enhance aroma.

Now that you’re familiar with the classic La Water, let’s explore how you can personalize it and discover new versions to tantalize your taste buds.

What you could change in La Water

  • Blue Curaçao: Try different colored liqueurs to alter the cocktail’s appearance and flavor.
  • Sweet & Sour Mix: Use fresh lemon and lime juice for a more natural taste.
  • 7-Up or Sprite: Opt for club soda if you prefer less sweetness and more fizz.

La Water Variations

Tropical La Water

  • Ingredients: Substitute blue curaçao with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
  • Recipe: Follow the classic recipe but top with pineapple juice instead of soda.

Berry La Water

  • Ingredients: Add raspberry liqueur for a berry infusion.
  • Recipe: Mix in raspberry liqueur with the other ingredients before shaking.

Spicy La Water

  • Ingredients: Include a dash of hot sauce or jalapeño-infused tequila.
  • Recipe: Shake the ingredients with hot sauce and strain into an ice-filled glass.

A Virgin La Water is all about the fun without the buzz. Mix fruit juices like pineapple and cranberry with a splash of soda, and don’t forget a drop of blue food coloring for that La Water look.

Q&A

Can La Water be made in large batches for parties?

Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Stir in a large punch bowl and serve over ice!

What’s the best way to achieve the layered effect?

The trick is to pour each ingredient slowly over the back of a spoon. It takes patience, but it’s worth it!

Is La Water suitable for all occasions?

Yes, it’s versatile! Perfect for summer BBQs, night outs, or just chilling at home.

How can I make La Water less sweet?

Easily. Just reduce the sweet & sour mix and swap the soda for club soda.

Can I use diet soda in La Water?

For sure, diet soda is a great alternative for those watching their sugar intake.

Are there non-alcoholic substitutions for the spirits in La Water?

Definitely! Non-alcoholic versions of the spirits used in La Water are available and can be used to mimic the taste.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

Midori Sour

The Midori Sour is a vibrant, sweet cocktail with a tart twist, featuring the distinct melon flavor of Midori liqueur. Its lively green hue and harmonious blend of sour and fruity notes make it a delightful choice for any occasion.

Malibu Barbie

The Malibu Barbie cocktail is a playful, fruity blend with a tropical twist of coconut from Malibu rum, paired with sweet pineapple juice and a splash of cranberry for color. It's a delightful concoction that tickles the taste buds with its candy-like charm and island breeze essence.

Blondie Cocktail

The Blondie Cocktail is a smooth, creamy drink with a delightful blend of vanilla and butterscotch flavors, finished with a touch of warmth from the whiskey. It is a comforting and easy-to-enjoy beverage, perfect for those who appreciate a sweeter, dessert-like cocktail.

The Escapist Screwdriver

The Escapist Screwdriver is a vibrant and citrusy concoction that combines the zesty flavors of orange with the smooth intensity of vodka. It's a simple yet delightful beverage that offers a tantalizing escape with every sip.

Waikiki

The Waikiki cocktail is a vibrant, tropical blend that combines fruity flavors with a smooth touch of rum, evoking the breezy essence of Hawaiian beaches. It's a delightful concoction that offers a taste of island paradise in every sip, perfect for those who enjoy a sweet escape.

Husker Blackout

The Husker Blackout is a bold, spirited cocktail with a deep red hue and a blend of cherry and vanilla flavors, crowned with a fizzy dash of cola. It serves a robust taste with a smooth finish, perfect for those who enjoy a drink with a strong character and a touch of sweetness.