There’s no shortage of options when it comes to tequila cocktails. And while margaritas, tequila sunrises and bloody Marias are always great, it’s this ranch water recipe that reigns supreme on scorching hot summer days.
Legend has it that ranch water was first mixed by ranch hands in west Texas in the 1960s to quench their dry throats after a long day of work. Since then, ranch water has become a staple in Texas and can be found in just about every dive bar, cocktail lounge and poolside bar in the state.
What goes into ranch water?
Ranch water is a simple cocktail made with 100-percent agave tequila, fresh lime juice and Topo Chico sparkling mineral water, served over ice. The Topo Chico is essential as it gives the drink a kick of earthy mineral flavor and tons of bubbles. Many Texans don’t consider it a proper ranch water recipe unless it’s made with Topo Chico.
The result is a tequila cocktail that’s light, refreshing and free of added sugar or any other sticky, sweet ingredients, so you can easily sip it all day long. The best part, though, is that ranch waters are so easy to make. With just three ingredients and no tools needed, you can have a quality cocktail in a minute flat.
Ranch Water Ingredients
- Ice:Â Ice is essential for keeping this cocktail cool and refreshing.
- Blanco tequila: Use 2 ounces of your favorite blanco tequila. If you don’t have blanco tequila, reposed or even mezcal make fine substitutes.
- Lime: Squeeze half a lime into each glass, then garnish the glass with a lime slice for a bit of color and extra lime flavor.
- Topo Chico:Â This sparkling mineral water is essential for making ranch water. With its earthy flavor and tons of bubbles, it quenches thirst and dilutes the tequila.
Instructions
Step 1: Add ice, tequila and lime juice
Fill a highball glass about two-thirds full with ice.
Pour in 2 ounces of tequila.
Squeeze a half of a lime into the glass.
Editor’s Tip: Since it’s such a prominent ingredient, high-quality tequila is important in this recipe.
Step 2: Top it off with seltzer
Top the glass with chilled Topo Chico mineral water and give the cocktail a quick stir.
Step 3: Garnish it with lime
Garnish the ranch water with a lime slice and enjoy!
Ranch Water Variations
- Rim the glass: Add texture and sharpness by running a slice of lime around the edge of your highball glass and rolling it in some kosher salt or tajin.
- Add grapefruit: For a cross between a ranch water and a paloma, add a splash of grapefruit juice to your cocktail.
- Change the tequila: While white or silver tequila is the traditional choice for a ranch water, you can also use different types of tequila, like reposado tequila or even mezcal.
- Change the citrus: Substitute the fresh lime juice with lemon or orange juice for a different citrus profile.
Ranch Water Tips
Where can you find canned ranch water?
Canned alcoholic drinks—like the best hard seltzers—are a summertime favorite, so it’s no surprise several brands are canning their own version of ranch water for a ready-to-drink beverage. Here are our picks for the best canned ranch water cocktails:
- Ranch Rider Ranch Water, 6% ABV
- Lone River Ranch Water, 4.0% ABV
- RancH2O Ranch Water, 7% ABV
- Fizz Ranch Water, 6% ABV
While these cans are great for a day at the beach or park, they aren’t made with Topo Chico mineral water, so the flavor will be a bit different. Luckily, Topo Chico has its own line of hard seltzers with flavors like lemon lime, tropical mango, strawberry guava and pineapple.
What kind of glass should you use for ranch water?
Tall highball cocktail glasses or even pint glasses work well for ranch water, since you can add plenty of ice and Topo Chico for maximum refreshment.
