In a medium bowl, whisk the water and meringue powder until
frothy. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until
smooth. Divide icing among 3 small bowls. Add food coloring
gel pastes until desired color is reached.

 
*For testing purposes, we used Wilton Icing Color in Copper, Ivory, and
Rose Petal. Food coloring gel pastes can be purchased at craft stores
or at wilton.com.