This Texas Ranch Water Drink is a light fizzy cocktail that's perfect for hot summer days. Just 3 ingredients create this bubbly dressed-down version of a margarita that is crisp, citrusy and refreshing.
Who doesn't love a crispy, bubbly cocktail on a hot summer day? Well, this Texas Ranch Water has to be the simplest most thirst-quenching cocktail to beat the heat. Just three simple ingredients, tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water, and you'll be sipping away in no time.
I've made my fair share of citrusy, tropical cocktails since spending so much of my life living in Florida. Favorites like the Sea Breeze, Watermelon Splash, Sparkling Mango Mojito, and now this ranch water recipe are my go-to's when summer comes calling.
What is Ranch Water?
The official definition of ranch water is a light, bubbly Texas-style highball drink that contains tequila, lime juice and Topo Chico mineral water.
FAQs
A light, bubbly drink served on Texas' ranches during the summer made of Topo Chico Mineral Water, lime juice, and tequila.
It is a bubbly drink that was made popular on ranches in West Texas to cool off from the summer heat.
Tequila is used in ranch water. You can use your favorite brand but stick to a blanco or reposado. The alcoholic content is about 4%.
You can think of ranch water as a lighter, effervescent margarita. So if you are fond of margaritas you will love this cocktail.
Since the drink has only a slight flavor from lime, the better the tequila, the better the cocktail. Mid-range is a perfect balance and I like to use either a tequila blanco or tequila reposado.
Fresh is always best but if you don’t have any go for a cold-pressed lime juice from the store.
Ranch Water Drink Ingredients
Tequila - use mid-quality tequila for a smoother taste. I like blanco or reposado.
Lime Juice - fresh limes are best. Squeeze about ¼ of a lime in each cocktail. If fresh limes are not available, cold-pressed store-bought lime juice can also be used.
Topo Chico Mineral Water - is the standard and it can't be called Texas Ranch Water without it. However, it's perfectly fine to use other sparkling waters like La Croix or in other flavors just not as authentic.
How to Make Texas Ranch Water Cocktail
- Fill a mason jar or glass with ice and lime slices. Pour in 1-½ to 2 ounces of vodka.
Option: If you prefer, you can add a salted rim prior to adding the ice and lime slices to the jar. Just wet the rim of the jar with lime then dip into coarse salt.
- Cut a couple of wedges of lime. Squeeze 1-2 into the mason jar. The more lime, the tarter the cocktail.
- Top the vodka and lime with Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water. Topo Chico is the official Texas Mineral Water to use but you can also use your favorite lime-flavored sparkling water.
Three ingredients and three steps to one refreshing summer drink. Add a slice of lime for garnish and sip away! Cheers!
Variations
- Add a splash of grapefruit to this ranch water drink
- Try other flavors of mineral water like grapefruit, blood orange, watermelon, raspberry-lime or peach
- Rim the glass with chile-lime salt for a real kick
- Add a splash of Grand Marnier for a smoother cocktail
- Muddle jalapenos in the bottom of the glass then mix the cocktail
More Refreshing Summer Cocktails
Vodka Sunrise is a refreshing cocktail that combines lemon soda, vodka, and a touch of cherry juice to bring you the perfect summer cocktail.
Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail is a thirst quencher full of fresh strawberries, tangy lemonade, and a touch of strawberry vodka.
Blueberry Lemon Gin Rickey from Champagne & Coconuts is a refreshing cocktail made with freshly muddled blueberries and botanical gin. It's naturally sweet and perfect to sip on a warm summer day.
Pineapple Coconut Mojito is easy, cool, and refreshing. A tropical mojito with a little island flavor from coconut, pineapple juice, and sparkling lime water.
Find lots more delicious cocktails on 2CM!
LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK.
Texas Ranch Water Drink
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1-2 lime wedges, squeezed in
- 6 oz Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water, Twist of Lime
- Garnish with lime slices, salted rim
Instructions
- If a salted rim is your preference, before starting the cocktail, rub the rim of the jar or glass with a wedge of lime then dip into coarse salt.
- Add tequila and a squeeze of lime into a mason jar or highball glass with ice. Stir well.
- Top with Topo Chico or other flavored mineral water.
- Garnish with lime slice.
Notes
- Add a splash of grapefruit to this ranch water drink
- Try other flavors of mineral water like grapefruit, blood orange, watermelon, raspberry-lime or peach
- Rim the glass with chile-lime salt for a real kick
- Add a splash of Grand Marnier for a smoother cocktail
- Muddle jalapenos in the bottom of the glass then mix the cocktail
Leave a Reply