Found: Your New Spring Drink, The Water Lily Cocktail

Searching for a sophisticated cocktail that goes beyond the ordinary gin and tonic? The Water Lily transforms your evening into an experience with its mesmerizing violet hue and perfect balance of floral and citrus notes. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or seeking a refined nightcap, you’ll master this pre-prohibition classic in minutes.

A purple cocktail in a decorative glass on a tile surface is garnished with small purple flowers and a green stem.

Watch 🎥: How to Make This Crème de Violette Cocktail

What Is a Water Lily Cocktail?

The Water Lily is a sophisticated violet-hued cocktail that emerged from the speakeasy era, combining gin’s botanical notes with Crème de Violette’s delicate florals and Cointreau’s orange brightness. The drink gets its name from its distinctive lavender color and floating flower garnish.

A purple cocktail adorned with small flowers sits on a tiled surface, with a plant casting a shadow in the background.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

BALANCED AND SMOOTH – The perfect balance of floral and citrus notes creates a sophisticated sipper that’s remarkably smooth.
PICTURE PERFECT – The striking purple hue and edible flower garnish make this cocktail as visually stunning as it is delicious.

What You Need to Make a Water Lily Cocktail

Gin: London Dry style preferred for its juniper-forward profile
Cointreau: Pure orange liqueur that adds depth and complexity
Crème de Violette: Authentic violet liqueur that provides the signature color and floral notes
Fresh Orange Juice: Always fresh-squeezed for optimal flavor
Edible Flower: Optional but recommended for authentic presentation

How to Make a Water Lily Cocktail

Step 1: Chill your coupe glass with ice water while preparing ingredients
Step 2: Measure and add gin, Cointreau, Crème de Violette, and orange juice to your shaker
Step 3: Fill shaker with fresh ice and shake vigorously for 12 seconds
Step 4: Double strain into the chilled coupe glass
Step 5: Garnish with an edible flower, floating gently on top.

Expert Recipe Tips

Tip 1: Store Crème de Violette in the refrigerator after opening to preserve its delicate flavor
Tip 2: Choose a high-quality London Dry gin to complement the floral notes and if desired, add just a pinch of Lavender Syrup for an herbaceous note.
Tip 3: Double straining prevents ice shards and ensures a silky texture

A purple cocktail in a crystal coupe glass, garnished with a small purple flower, sits on a tiled surface in natural light.

How to Serve This Crème de Violette Cocktail

Serve in a chilled coupe glass before dinner or as an elegant nightcap. The Water Lily shines as a sophisticated cocktail hour selection when hosting intimate gatherings and you want to show off your softer side.

More Cocktail Recipes

SEE MORE COCKTAILS

Join our community of cocktail enthusiasts! Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly cocktail inspiration and explore our collection of bright cocktails.

A lemon twist-garnished wet martini in a coupe glass sits on a gold-patterned coaster on a marble surface, with a glass, strainer, and vase in the background.

Perfect Wet Martini

Gin Basil Smash Cocktail

A frothy gin fizz cocktail garnished with a lemon peel sits on a white surface with sliced lemons in the background.

Gin Fizz | Velvet In a Glass

A glass of iced tea with a lemon slice and cherry sits on a marble surface.

The Perfect Gin Sling

Prep Time:5

Total Time:5

Ingredients

2 oz Gin
1 oz Cointreau
1 oz Creme de Violette
1 oz Orange juice
Edible flower for garnish

Instructions

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
Add ice and shake until chilled.
Strain into a coupe glass and garnish.

Video

Servings: 1 cocktail

Author: Kita

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the Crème de Violette?

While the violet liqueur is essential for the authentic color and flavor, Crème Yvette can work in a pinch.

Which gin works best in this cocktail?

We recommend a classic London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Beefeater for their strong juniper notes.

How long will Crème de Violette last once opened?

When refrigerated, it maintains its flavor for up to one year.

Ready to elevate your cocktail game? Join our community of discerning drinkers – sign up for our newsletter for weekly happy hour inspiration, and don’t forget to join our private Facebook group for exclusive tips and discussions.