Texas Ranch Water
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Last Updated on June 1, 2022 by Lisa Johnson
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.
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
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.
Pour in the lime juice and tequila.
Top off with Topo Chico mineral water, stir to combine and serve garnished with lime wedges.
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
You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!
- Highball Glasses which are 12-ounces – I used 10-ounce Old Fashioned glasses because I like the color, and yes my drink was quite strong!
- Cutting Board & Chefs Knife
- Measuring Glass
- Citrus Juicer
- Bottle Opener – they are not twist caps, they are sharp metal.
- Cocktail Stirrer Straws
What to serve with ranch water
- Shrimp Tostadas
- Beef Taco Salad Bowls
- Instant Pot Red Chile Pork Tamales
- Creamy Seafood Enchiladas
- Shredded Beef Chimichangas
- Queso Blanco Dip and Chips
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Enjoy!!
Texas Ranch Water
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.
- 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.
