Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic22.8% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusGarnish
- 0.75 ozGinBase
- 0.75 ozTriple SecModifier
- 0.75 ozCreme De VioletteModifier
- 0.75 ozFresh Lemon JuiceCitrus
- 1 garnishOrange TwistGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnish
- Shake with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Add orange twist.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Water Lily?
- The Water Lily is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 22.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 189 calories.
- What does a Water Lily taste like?
- Water Lily has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sweet, Orange, Lemon. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Water Lily?
- Water Lily pairs well with Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Water Lily?
- The Water Lily has an ABV of approximately 22.8%. That's approximately 1.14 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 189 calories, 12.8g sugar, 17.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Water Lily typically served?
- Water Lily is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Water Lily?
- If you enjoy Water Lily, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Water Lily at home?
- Yes. The Water Lily uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Water Lily with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.