Elysian Odd Water Recipe

Optional fat-wash (do this at least 24 hours ahead)

If you want a silky mouthfeel and subtle savory note, combine 8 oz gin with 1 oz extra-virgin olive oil in a sealable jar. Let sit at room temperature for 12–24 hours, then freeze for 2 hours until the oil solidifies on top. Strain the gin through a fine mesh and coffee filter to remove the fat. Use the fat-washed gin in the recipe in place of the listed gin quantity.

If not fat-washing, proceed with the listed gin. Chill a mixing glass.

Add 2 oz chilled (fat-washed or regular) gin, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, and 0.25 oz dry vermouth to the chilled mixing glass.

Add 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice and 0.5 oz simple syrup to the mixing glass.

Pour in 1 oz cooled, strong butterfly pea flower tea. This will lend a deep blue-purple hue that can shift with acidity.

Add 2 tsp rose water. Be cautious: rose water is potent; measure accurately so the floral note is present but not soapy.

Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes and stir gently for 20–30 seconds to chill and dilute to taste (about 20–25% dilution by eye). Stirring rather than shaking preserves clarity and the silky texture.

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass over either a single large ice sphere (if served on the rocks) or no ice if served neat. For a slightly effervescent version, pour into a rocks glass with ice and top with 2 oz chilled soda water.

If you want the visually dramatic color-change effect: pour the drink into the glass without soda first (it will be deep blue/purple). When ready to serve, gently float or slowly add the chilled soda water down the side of the glass — the slight acidity and dilution will nudge the color toward magenta/pale violet.

Express a lemon twist over the drink to release oils, run the twist around the rim, and drop it in as garnish.

Place a single edible flower petal on top for an ethereal, garden-like finish. Serve immediately.

Sweetness/acidity: adjust simple syrup ±0.25 oz or lemon juice ±0.25 oz to taste depending on the brightness of your gin and personal preference.

Non-alcoholic option: replace gin with a non-alcoholic botanical spirit, omit vermouth and elderflower liqueur or replace them with 0.75 oz elderflower cordial, and proceed identically.

Make-ahead: butterfly pea tea can be brewed and chilled in advance. If fat-washing, plan 24–26 hours ahead.