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    Home » Cocktail » Texas Ranch Water

    Published: May 25, 2022 · Modified: Jun 1, 2022 by Lisa Johnson

    Texas Ranch Water

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    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.

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    Three blue glasses filled with ice, tequila, lime juice and mineral water with lime wedge garnish and title graphic across the top.

    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

    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

    If you love this recipe, please rate it five stars and help me share on facebook and to help other readers in our community!

    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.
    No ratings yet
    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
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    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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    Hi, I'm Lisa - Welcome to my kitchen! I have a passion for good food and love sharing my creations with friends, family and everyone that loves a homecooked meal. This is where I share my favorite recipes with step-by-step instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you make these delicious recipes in your home.

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