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Texas Ranch Water

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Texas Ranch Water is a tart and refreshing cocktail made with tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, and topo chico mineral water. It is like a sparkling margarita without any sweeteners, which makes it a healthier option that you can enjoy all summer long.

Three blue glasses filled with ice, tequila, lime juice and mineral water with lime wedge garnish.

What is ranch water?

Ranch water is a tequila based cocktail that was created by a rancher in West Texas over six decades ago, or at least that the way the story is told. Cocktails tend to have murky origins and the stories turn into folklore that spreads across the country.

It is said to have been made famous by cattle ranchers looking for a refreshing cocktail on hot summer days, and the growing popularity of Top Chico in recent years has pushed it to new heights.

It is super simple to make, with the expectation that people make it their own by changing up the amounts used. It is best made with a good quality tequila blanco, lots of fresh lime juice (2:1 ratio tequila to lime juice) and Topo Chico mineral water from Monterrey, Mexico. Topo Chico has higher level carbonation that most other brands and a bit of salinity that enhances the flavor and mouth-feel.

Topo Chico Ranch Water ingredients

Ingredients to make Texas ranch water.

Ranch Water variations

  • Topo Chico also has Twist of Grapefruit and Twist of Tangerine flavors for a fun change.
  • Make your drink spicy by adding four or five slices of jalapeño pepper.
  • Salt the rim like you would a margarita, or spice things up with Tajin chile-lime seasoning salt.
  • For a bit of sweetness add 0.5-ounce of agave nectar, simple syrup, or 10 drops of liquid stevia.
  • To taste more like a margarita, add 0.5-ounce of orange liqueur or any flavor of your choice.
  • Swap out the tequila for mezcal if you prefer a smokier flavor.

How to make Texas Ranch Water with Topo Chico

Fill a highball glass with ice.

Crushed ice in a blue glass.

Pour in the lime juice and tequila.

Tequila and lime juice over ice in a blue glass.

Top off with Topo Chico mineral water, stir to combine and serve garnished with lime wedges.

Looking down on a blue glass filled with a bubbly clear drink with lime wedge garnish.

Recipe Notes & Tips

  • You want to maintain a 2:1 ratio of tequila to lime juice.
  • Add less mineral water for a stronger drink, add more to lessen the kick!
  • Rub the rim with lime juice and dip into a shallow plate of sea salt or chile-lime seasoned salt if desired.

Tools used to create this recipe

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What to serve with ranch water

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Enjoy!!

Three blue glasses filled with ice, tequila, lime juice and mineral water with lime wedge garnish.

Texas Ranch Water

Texas Ranch Water is a tart and refreshing cocktail made with tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, and Topo Chico mineral water.
5 from 3 votes
Print Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: sparkling tequila cocktail recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 Serving
Calories: 138kcal
Author: Lisa Johnson

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces high-quality Tequila Blanco
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 3 to 5 ounces Topo Chico mineral water
  • lime wedges to garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the lime juice and tequila.
  • Top off with Topo Chico mineral water, stir to combine and serve garnished with lime wedges.

Notes

  • You want to maintain a 2:1 ratio of tequila to lime juice.
  • Add less mineral water for a stronger drink, add more to lessen the kick!
  • Rub the rim with lime juice and dip into a shallow plate of sea salt or chile-lime seasoned salt if desired.
Recipe Modifications:
  • Topo Chico also has Twist of Grapefruit and Twist of Tangerine flavors for a fun change.
  • Make your drink spicy by adding four or five slices of jalapeño pepper.
  • Salt the rim like you would a margarita, or spice things up with Tajin chile-lime seasoning salt.
  • For a bit of sweetness add 0.5-ounce of agave nectar, simple syrup, or 10 drops of liquid stevia.
  • To taste more like a margarita, add 0.5-ounce of orange liqueur or any flavor of your choice.
  • Swap out the tequila for mezcal if you prefer a smokier flavor drink.

Nutrition

Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

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