There’s something about the La Water cocktail that just makes it the life of the party. With its bold blue-green color and fruity, citrusy flavor, it’s a drink that turns heads and keeps you coming back for another sip. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and finishes with a refreshing fizz-kind of like your favorite beach day bottled up in a glass.
La Water
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends-easy to mix, fun to serve, and always a conversation starter.
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) vodka
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) white rum
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) silver tequila
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) gin
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) blue curaçao
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) melon liqueur (like Midori)
– 1 oz (30 ml) sweet & sour mix
– Splash of 7-Up or Sprite (or club soda for less sweetness)
– Ice
Optional Garnishes
– Lime or orange wheel
– Mint sprig
– Cherry
Equipment
– Cocktail shaker
– Jigger or measuring tool
– Spoon (for layering, optional)
– Strainer
Method
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, rum, tequila, and gin-0.5 oz (15 ml) of each.
- Add the blue curaçao and melon liqueur, again 0.5 oz (15 ml) of each.
- Pour in 1 oz (30 ml) of sweet & sour mix. If you’re using fresh lemon and lime juice, mix about 1/2 oz (15 ml) each with a touch of simple syrup.
- Shake everything well-about 10-15 seconds-until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- Fill a highball or Collins glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top it off with a splash of 7-Up, Sprite, or club soda. Pour gently so the bubbles don’t flatten out the drink.
- Add your favorite garnish, and enjoy!
Make-Ahead Tip
If you’re serving a crowd, scale up the ingredients and mix everything except the soda in a pitcher ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, then pour over ice and top with soda when you’re ready to serve.
Storage
This drink is best enjoyed fresh. If you’ve pre-mixed a batch (minus the soda), keep it chilled and use within 24 hours for the best flavor.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh sweet & sour mix if you can-it makes a huge difference.
– Want those pretty layers? Slowly pour each ingredient over the back of a spoon. It takes a little patience, but it’s worth it.
– For a lighter version, swap the soda for club soda and cut the sweet & sour mix in half.
– If you’re out of melon liqueur, try peach schnapps or apple liqueur for a different fruity twist.
Flavor Notes
The La Water is fruity and citrus-forward with a sweet-tart balance. The melon and blue curaçao give it that tropical kick, while the splash of soda keeps it crisp and drinkable. It’s a little like a grown-up fruit punch with a bit more edge.
I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: don’t skip the shake. Even though there’s soda at the end, shaking blends the spirits and sweet & sour mix beautifully, giving you a smoother sip.
Food Pairings
– Spicy Tacos: The citrusy sweetness cuts through heat, balancing every bite.
– Grilled Pineapple: Its caramelized edges play so well with the tropical notes in the drink.
– Coconut Shrimp: Sweet, crispy, and a perfect match for the cocktail’s fruity punch.
Fun Variations
Tropical La Water
Swap the blue curaçao for pineapple juice and skip the soda for a more juice-forward, island-inspired version.
Berry La Water
Add a splash of raspberry liqueur before shaking for a berry twist. Garnish with fresh raspberries or a berry skewer.
Spicy La Water
Add a dash of hot sauce or use jalapeño-infused tequila for a bold, spicy edge. Shake it all together and strain as usual.
Virgin La Water (Non-Alcoholic)
Mix equal parts pineapple juice and cranberry juice with a splash of lemon-lime soda and a drop of blue food coloring. It’s just as eye-catching and fun-perfect for anyone skipping the alcohol.
FAQs
Can I make this in a big batch?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything but the soda in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add soda right before serving over ice.
How do I get that layered look?
Pour each ingredient slowly over the back of a spoon-it helps the liquids settle in layers based on their density. It’s a neat trick that takes a little practice.
Can I use diet soda?
Yes! Diet 7-Up or Sprite work great if you’re cutting back on sugar.
What if I don’t have melon liqueur?
You can sub in peach schnapps, apple liqueur, or even a splash of orange juice. The flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be tasty.
Can I tone down the sweetness?
Definitely. Use fresh citrus juice instead of bottled sweet & sour mix, and swap soda for club soda to dial it back.
Final Thoughts
The La Water is one of those drinks that brings a little fun to any occasion. It’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to tweak to your liking. Whether you’re hosting a party or just winding down after a long week, this cocktail’s got you covered. Serve it with something spicy or tropical, and you’ve got yourself a mini vacation in a glass.
