If you’re into bold drinks that surprise you a little, the LA Water cocktail might be right up your alley. There’s something mysterious about that deep green color, but honestly, it tastes smoother than it looks.
The LA Water cocktail brings a bunch of spirits together in one balanced drink that’s easy to whip up and even more fun to pass around.
I love how this drink somehow manages to blend flavors you’d never expect to get along. It’s a straightforward recipe that looks fancier than it really is—no need for special gadgets or rare bottles.
You’ll see just how simple it is to throw together, what gives it that wild color, and what to expect when you take that first sip.
LA Water Cocktail Recipe
Honestly, the LA Water cocktail is one of those drinks that just looks fun. It mixes up some bold colors with big flavors, and the combo of spirits and liqueurs gives you that deep green hue and a surprisingly smooth, fruity taste.
Equipment
I usually grab a few basic bar tools before I start. They make it way easier to measure, mix, and serve this drink the right way.
- Jigger – helps me get the right amount of each spirit
- Bar spoon – good for stirring without making a mess
- Tall glass – a highball or Collins glass works
- Cocktail shaker – chills everything fast
- Ice – cubed is best, keeps things cold without watering it down too fast
- Strainer – catches the ice when I pour from the shaker
Using the right tools just makes the drink look and taste better. Plus, clean tools keep weird flavors out of the mix.
Ingredients
An LA Water cocktail needs a handful of different liquors and liqueurs, and they all come together in this dark, colorful blend. I try to measure everything out so the flavors don’t get out of hand.
- ½ oz vodka
- ½ oz gin
- ½ oz rum
- ½ oz tequila
- ½ oz triple sec
- ½ oz blue curaçao
- ½ oz raspberry liqueur
- ½ oz melon liqueur (Midori)
- 1 oz sweet and sour mix
- Splash of lemon juice
- Ice cubes
The spirits give it a solid kick, and the sweet and sour mix plus the fruit liqueurs keep things light and refreshing. Sometimes I tweak the sweetness by playing with the sweet and sour mix a bit.
Instructions
- Fill your shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix.
- Shake it for about 10 seconds to chill and blend everything.
- Strain into a tall glass packed with ice.
- Gently pour in the blue curaçao, raspberry liqueur, and melon liqueur on top.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a bit of zing.
- Give it a careful stir with a bar spoon to get that layered, greenish look.
I like to keep the colored liqueurs separate from the clear spirits at first—layering makes the drink look way cooler.
Notes
I’ve noticed the LA Water cocktail tastes fruity but still packs a punch. The blue curaçao and melon liqueur bring in a little tropical vibe, while raspberry liqueur softens things up with some sweetness.
If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I’ll add a splash of club soda. Want it bolder? I just cut back on the sweet and sour mix.
A wedge of lemon or lime on the rim looks good and adds a nice little citrus aroma. I always make sure it’s ice-cold so the flavors stay sharp.
Equipment
- Tall glass (highball or Collins)
Ingredients
- 0.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz rum
- 0.5 oz tequila
- 0.5 oz triple sec
- 0.5 oz blue curaçao
- 0.5 oz raspberry liqueur
- 0.5 oz melon liqueur (Midori)
- 1 oz sweet and sour mix
- lemon juice splash
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix. Shake about 10 seconds to chill.
- Strain into a tall glass packed with fresh ice.
- Gently pour in blue curaçao, raspberry liqueur, and melon liqueur.
- Add a splash of lemon juice and give a careful stir to achieve the signature green hue.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I first try the LA Water cocktail, I’m struck by how it manages to feel smooth but still bold.
The mix of different liqueurs brings out a deep flavor, weaving together sweet, sour, and herbal notes. It doesn’t lean too hard in one direction, which is honestly kind of impressive.
Right away, I taste berry and citrus—those flavors pop. The blue curaçao and raspberry liqueur add a sweet touch, while the sour mix sneaks in a little tang that keeps things lively.
It’s not overly sugary, so I don’t get tired of sipping it.
The color always grabs my attention. That dark, almost murky green? It’s weird, but in a good way.
Honestly, it fits the name LA Water—kind of a joke, but also weirdly appealing.
As I keep drinking, I notice a gentle warmth from the alcohol. The flavors keep their balance, and nothing takes over.
I like to take my time with this one, since each sip changes a bit as the ice melts.
