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.
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.
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 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.
- 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 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: Frequently asked questions
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.
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 Cocktail
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Print Pin Save RateIngredients
- 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
Nutrition
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.
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