Where it came from
The LA Water Cocktail is a modern bar creation, a playful take on vibrant, easy-drinking cocktails. Its specific origins are hazy, likely emerging from bars or home experiments looking for a visually striking and refreshing mix. It's less about a specific historical moment and more about a contemporary desire for a fun, unpretentious drink.
This drink falls into the broad category of sours, given its balance of spirit, citrus, and sweetener. Its closest relatives might be found among the neon-hued drinks of the 80s and 90s, like a simplified Blue Hawaiian or an Electric Lemonade. What sets the LA Water Cocktail apart is its simple construction and the clean, bright blue hue, often achieved with blue curaçao and soda.
You'd typically find or serve an LA Water Cocktail at a pool party, a casual backyard barbecue, or any relaxed setting where the goal is a good time and a photogenic drink. It's not a serious cocktail bar staple, but it certainly holds its own at a lively gathering or a beachside spot that doesn't take itself too seriously.
What it tastes like
The LA Water Cocktail delivers a sweet and tangy profile, driven by fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. The blue curaçao adds a subtle orange zest and a significant sweetness, along with the unmistakable vibrant color. Vodka provides the boozy backbone without introducing competing flavors, making it a clean, refreshing hit. The soda water lightens the whole affair, adding a crisp effervescence.
With 1.5 ounces of 80-proof vodka and a decent pour of blue curaçao, the LA Water Cocktail sits comfortably in the medium-strong range. Expect it to be noticeably stronger than a typical light beer, perhaps closer to a strong IPA or a glass of wine. It's a drink that can sneak up on you if you're not paying attention, so pace yourself.
The technique
Building the LA Water Cocktail is a straightforward shake and strain. Combine vodka, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice, then top with soda water. Give it a gentle stir to combine, and garnish.
The single most important technique tip here is to use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice will make this drink taste flat and artificial. Fresh citrus provides the necessary bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness and makes the cocktail truly refreshing. Don't skip it, and don't skimp on the squeezing.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- A good quality, neutral vodka. Absolut, Tito's, Ketel One all work fine.
- Skip
- Cheap, harsh vodkas. Anything flavored that isn't complementary.
- Why
- Vodka acts as the clean spirit base, allowing the citrus and curaçao to shine without interference. It provides the booze without adding its own distinct flavor.
Blue Curaçao
- Use
- Bols, Senior & Co., or Giffard for good color and balanced orange flavor.
- Skip
- No-name, overly sweet, syrupy versions that taste like artificial candy.
- Why
- This liqueur is crucial for both the iconic blue color and its sweet, subtle orange notes. It's a load-bearing flavor and visual component that defines the drink.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Green Water
- Swap the blue for green.
- Replace blue curaçao with green curaçao or a touch of Midori for a vibrant green hue and a melon twist.
LA Water Spritz
- More bubbles, less booze.
- Reduce the vodka by half an ounce and increase the soda water for a lighter, more effervescent, and sessionable drink.
Tropical LA Water
- Add a touch of the tropics.
- Introduce a splash of pineapple juice or coconut rum for a more vacation-ready flavor profile, while maintaining the blue color.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use white rum or gin for a slightly different botanical or cane spirit character.
Use triple sec and a drop of blue food coloring if color is paramount, or just triple sec if flavor is primary and color isn't a dealbreaker.
Lime juice will work, providing a similar tartness but with a slightly different citrus profile.
A Collins glass or even a sturdy pint glass will do the job just fine. Any tall glass will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a LA Water Cocktail?
A LA Water Cocktail typically contains vodka, blue curaçao, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and is topped with soda water.
Why is it called LA Water Cocktail?
The name is likely a playful nod to its vibrant blue color, reminiscent of clear ocean water or a swimming pool, and its refreshing, easy-drinking nature, fitting for a sunny Los Angeles vibe.
Is the LA Water Cocktail strong?
It's a moderately strong cocktail, usually stronger than a standard beer, but the soda water helps to dilute it and make it more sessionable. Drink responsibly.
What does blue curaçao taste like?
Blue curaçao is an orange flavored liqueur, similar to triple sec, but with added blue coloring. It's sweet with a distinct citrus zest.
Can I make the LA Water Cocktail less sweet?
Absolutely. Reduce the amount of simple syrup, or omit it entirely if your blue curaçao is sweet enough for your palate.
What's the best way to garnish a LA Water Cocktail?
A lemon wheel, a lemon twist, or a maraschino cherry on a pick all make excellent garnishes, adding a touch of color and aroma.
Is the LA Water Cocktail a tropical drink?
While it shares some characteristics with tropical drinks due to its color and refreshing qualities, it's not traditionally classified as one unless additional tropical fruit juices are added.
Can I batch the LA Water Cocktail for a party?
You can pre-batch the vodka, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Store it chilled, then simply pour over ice and top with soda water when serving.
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