ByJaclyn Shimmel On Updated
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Ranch Water is a light and bubbly co*cktail made with 3 simple ingredients: tequila, Topo Chico, and fresh lime juice. Originating in West Texas, the refreshing drink is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day.
If you’ve been searching for an invigorating and delicious co*cktail to make at your summer barbecues or to enjoy while floating in the pool, you are going to love this ranch water co*cktail recipe.
Looking for more tequila co*cktails? Try a frozen peach margarita or Hawaiian margarita.
The simple tequila co*cktail is perfect for hot days and can be easily customized to suit your individual taste buds. Add some Agave or simple syrup if you want to sweeten your Texas ranch water drink up a bit, although you may not find it necessary as it tastes great on its own.
Plus, you will love how quickly this Ranch Water recipe comes together! You only need 2 minutes and you’ll be drink in hand!
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Tequila— You can use your favorite tequila but I recommend a silver tequila, also known as a white tequila or tequila blanco.
- Lime Juice— I prefer freshly squeezed lime juice but you can use bottled if you are in a pinch
- Topo Chico— The extra bubbly Mexican mineral water is the classic choice for this tequila highball co*cktail. But if you can’t get your hands on a bottle of Topo Chico you can grab another brand of sparkling mineral water or club soda instead.
- Simple Syrup— Optional, depending on how sweet you prefer your drink. Agave syrup can also be used in its place.
- Ice— for serving
- Lime— for garnish
Supplies
- Highball glass or other tall glass
- co*cktail mixing spoon
- Jigger or measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board, to cut lime wedges for garnish
How to make a ranch water co*cktail
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add tequila, lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and top off with Topo Chico.Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel and serve.
Storage
This drink is best enjoyed when you first make it.
Tips and variations
- Make it Low Carb. Looking for a healthier, low-carb co*cktail choice? Skip the simple syrup or try it with an artificial sweetener.
- Mix up the flavors. You can opt to use flavored sparkling mineral water or just flavored sparkling seltzer water to add some fresh flavors. But, it’s important to note that the Texans who adore this drink will tell you that Topo Chico is a must.
- Make it spicy. Muddle a few slices of jalapeno in the bottom of the glass to make a spicy ranch water drink.
- Use vodka. Prefer a ranch water recipe with vodka? Simply use vodka in place of the tequila.
Ranch water: Frequently asked questions
What is Ranch Water?
Ranch water is a light and refreshing summer co*cktail made with silver tequila, Topo Chico, and lime juice. The drink’s roots are said to be traced back to the White Buffalo Bar in the Gage Hotel in Western Texas where the thirst-quenching co*cktail was served up to the cowboys and cattle ranchers who would visit after a long day of work.
What tequila is best for Ranch Water?
A silver or Blanco tequila is best for the Topo Chico co*cktail. 1800 Blanco Tequila, Don Julio Blanco, Sauza Silver Tequila, Patron Silver, and Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila are all good options for this simple co*cktail.
Now you can see just how quick and easy this refreshing co*cktail is to make. Enjoy your new favorite summer co*cktail!
More delicious co*cktails for summer
- Blue lagoon margarita
- Ocean water co*cktail
- Caribbean rum punch
- Raspberry vodka lemonade
- Orange creamsicle vodka co*cktail
Recipe
5 from 2 votes
Ranch Water co*cktail
Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
Ranch Water is a light and bubbly co*cktail made with 3 simple ingredients: tequila, Topo Chico mineral water, and fresh lime juice. Originating in West Texas, the refreshing drink is perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces silver tequila 6 Tablespoons
- 1 ½ ounces fresh lime juice 3 Tablespoons
- 1 ounce simple syrup or agave syrup optional (2 Tablespoons)
- 4 ounces Topo Chico mineral water ½ cup
- Fresh lime slices for garnish
Instructions
Fill a highball glass halfway with ice.
Add tequila, lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and top off with Topo Chico.Stir gently to combine.
Garnish with lime and serve.
Notes
You can stir the ingredients together before adding the sparkling water and add it as a floating topper to the co*cktail. Or, you can stir all the ingredients together at once. Totally up to your preference.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 296kcal
Did You Make This Recipe?
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