Water Lily Cocktail

The Water Lily Cocktail is a floral, citrusy drink that’s both smooth and slightly tart. It mixes gin, triple sec, and crème de violette, usually balanced with a splash of lemon juice. The gin gives it a crisp base, the triple sec adds bright orange notes, and the crème de violette brings a soft floral touch and that striking lavender color. It’s light but flavorful, great for spring or whenever you want something a little different. Served chilled in a coupe glass, the Water Lily is clean, refreshing, and simple without being boring.

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Tasting Notes

The Water Lily Cocktail is a floral, citrusy classic with a striking violet hue and a balanced, refreshing flavor. The gin provides a botanical backbone, while triple sec adds a sweet orange brightness. Crème de violette brings subtle floral depth and a beautiful purple tint, perfectly complemented by the tartness of fresh lemon juice. The result is an elegant cocktail that’s crisp, aromatic, and lightly sweet with a fragrant orange finish—both visually stunning and delightfully smooth.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a cocktail shaker to properly chill and mix the ingredients, a jigger for precise measurements, and a fine strainer for a smooth pour. Serve this cocktail in a chilled coupe or martini glass to highlight its delicate lavender color. A citrus peeler or small knife helps create the perfect orange twist for garnish.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 0.75 oz triple sec
• 0.75 oz crème de violette
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions

• Mix the Cocktail: Add gin, triple sec, crème de violette, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
• Shake: Shake well for about 15 seconds, until thoroughly chilled.
• Strain and Serve: Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
• Garnish: Express an orange peel over the drink by gently twisting it to release oils, then drop it into the glass or rest it on the rim.

Pro Tips

• Use a floral-forward gin like The Botanist or Bombay Sapphire for added botanical nuance.
• Fresh lemon juice is key—bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
• Chill your glass beforehand to keep the cocktail crisp and cold.
• Use a light touch with the crème de violette—it can easily overpower if overused.

When to Serve

The Water Lily is perfect for springtime sipping, garden parties, elegant evenings, or whenever you want to impress with a cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s especially fitting as a pre-dinner drink or for toasting special occasions with a floral twist.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Gin: The Botanist, Empress 1908 (for added drama), or Bombay Sapphire.
• Triple sec: Cointreau or Combier for smooth citrus flavor.
• Crème de violette: Rothman & Winter for classic floral quality.
• Lemon juice: Always freshly squeezed for the best balance.

Similar Cocktails

• Pretty in Pink
• Limoncello Lavender Cocktail
• Lavender Lime Gin Spritz
• Blue Long Island Iced Tea
• Sour Cherry Gin Smash

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