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You are here: Home » Recipes » Beverages » Ranch Water Cocktail

Ranch Water Cocktail

Beverages

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Ranch Water Cocktail

Ranch Water is a light and bubbly cocktail 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 cocktail to make at your summer barbecues or to enjoy while floating in the pool, you are going to love this ranch water cocktail recipe.

Looking for more tequila cocktails? Try a frozen peach margarita or Hawaiian margarita.

Texas ranch water drinks in tall glasses with lime wheel.

The simple tequila cocktail 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.

Ranch Water Cocktails in tall glasses garnished with lime wheel.

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.

Ingredients for Ranch Water Cocktail: Tequila blanco, Topo Chico, simple syrup, and lime.
  • 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 cocktail. 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
  • Cocktail mixing spoon
  • Jigger or measuring cups
  • Knife and cutting board, to cut lime wedges for garnish

How to make a ranch water cocktail

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. 

4 image collage of steps to make ranch water cocktail recipe.
  1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
  2. Add tequila, lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and top off with Topo Chico. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel and serve.
Hand holding ranch water in a tall glass garnished with lime wheel.

Storage

This drink is best enjoyed when you first make it.

Tips and variations

  • Make it Low Carb. Looking for a healthier, low-carb cocktail 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 drink with tequila, fresh lime, and Topo Chico on straw tray.

Ranch water: Frequently asked questions

What is Ranch Water? 

Ranch water is a light and refreshing summer cocktail 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 cocktail 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 cocktail. 1800 Blanco Tequila, Don Julio Blanco, Sauza Silver Tequila, Patron Silver, and Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila are all good options for this simple cocktail.

Now you can see just how quick and easy this refreshing cocktail is to make. Enjoy your new favorite summer cocktail!

More delicious cocktails for summer

  • Blue lagoon margarita
  • Ocean water cocktail
  • Caribbean rum punch
  • Raspberry vodka lemonade
  • Orange creamsicle vodka cocktail
Ranch water cocktails on straw tray with lime garnish.

Ranch Water Cocktail

Ranch Water is a light and bubbly cocktail 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.
5 from 2 votes

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Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Calories: 296kcal
Author: Jaclyn Shimmel
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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 cocktail. Or, you can stir all the ingredients together at once. Totally up to your preference.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 296kcal

The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by a third party and intended to serve as an estimate only. The accuracy of nutritional information is not guaranteed.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please rate the recipe and leave a comment on the blog or share on social media and tag @crayonsandcravings!
Ranch Water Cocktail.
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By Jaclyn Shimmel | 07/30/2022
Filed Under: Beverages, Recipes Tagged With: Cocktail

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