A little floral, a little citrusy, and all-around refreshing—the Water Lily cocktail is one of those drinks that feels like spring in a glass. Light, pretty, and easy to sip, it’s become a favorite in my cocktail rotation. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails with you, along with some helpful tips I picked up after making it more times than I can count.
Water Lily
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Chilled coupe or martini glass
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) Crème de Violette (a floral liqueur made with violet blossoms)
– 1 oz (30 ml) orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Lemon peel, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water while you prep the cocktail.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the gin, Crème de Violette, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Shake well—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Dump the ice water from your glass (if using) and strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in as garnish.
Tips & Tricks
– Use freshly squeezed lemon juice—bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– Shake with plenty of ice to get the drink cold and just the right amount of diluted.
– Want a more subtle floral note? Dial back the Crème de Violette to ¾ oz (22 ml).
– If you don’t have Crème de Violette, try a splash of elderflower liqueur for a different twist (though the color will change).
– For a non-alcoholic version, mix lemon juice, violet syrup, and tonic water. It’s light, fizzy, and still captures the essence of the original.
What It Tastes Like
This cocktail has a soft floral aroma and a crisp, citrusy bite. It’s sweet, but not sugary—more like a balanced lemonade with a hint of flowers. The gin adds a botanical backbone, while the orange liqueur smooths everything out. It’s the kind of drink that feels fancy but comes together fast.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s something I learned: if you want the violet color to really pop, gently pour the Crème de Violette last—just a little trick for that “wow” moment when serving.
Serving Suggestions
The Water Lily is a great choice before dinner or at a spring brunch. It also makes a lovely signature cocktail for weddings or garden parties.
Try pairing it with:
– Light appetizers like prosciutto-wrapped melon or cucumber sandwiches
– Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese
– Citrus-kissed seafood dishes (think shrimp ceviche or lemony smoked salmon)
Make-Ahead Notes
You can batch the cocktail (just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Hold off on adding ice or garnishes until you’re ready to serve.
Storage
If you make a batch, keep it tightly sealed in the fridge. Since it includes fresh lemon juice, try to enjoy it within a day to keep the flavors bright.
Variations to Try
Summer Lily
– Gin
– Elderflower liqueur
– Lemon juice
– Splash of soda water
Serve over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Midnight Lily
– Blackberry-infused gin
– Crème de Violette
– Orange liqueur
– Lime juice
Shake and strain into a coupe. Garnish with fresh blackberries.
Blushing Lily
– Gin
– Crème de Violette
– Grapefruit liqueur
– Lemon juice
Shake and serve in a chilled martini glass.
FAQs
Is the Water Lily very sweet?
Not overly. The lemon juice balances out the sweetness, but you can always adjust the Crème de Violette if it’s too floral or sugary for your taste.
What if I don’t have Crème de Violette?
You can use another floral liqueur like elderflower or lavender, but it will change the flavor and color.
When should I serve this cocktail?
It’s perfect before dinner, during spring or summer get-togethers, or anytime you want something light and elegant.
How do I get the color just right?
The violet hue comes from the Crème de Violette. Shake gently and pour evenly to keep the color from getting muddy.
What garnish works best?
A twist of lemon is classic, but edible flowers or a sprig of lavender add a fun, aromatic touch.
Is this a popular cocktail?
Definitely! It’s become a modern classic thanks to its unique look and balanced flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite among bartenders and home mixologists alike.
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So whether you’re new to mixing drinks or looking to shake up your cocktail routine, the Water Lily is a lovely one to add to your list. It’s simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.
