1. Put the sugar, shortening, butter, and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix at low-medium speed until the frosting is smooth, with no lumps (approximately 3 minutes).
2. With the motor running, add water in a thin stream.
3. Continue to mix with the paddle until water is absorbed (approximately 3 minutes).

COLORING INSTRUCTIONS:

To color your buttercream icing, mix in food coloring with a rubber spatula until the icing is uniformly colored. The amount may vary, based on the brand of food coloring and how light or dark you want your icing to be.

Buddy recommends food-coloring gel because it is less watery and easier to work with than liquid. Start with a few drops and add more as you mix. If you are making a dark color, like black, the cream can become loose or watery, in which case you should mix in extra powdered sugar until the texture is as desired.