You may have heard people talk about “Ranch Water”, as it is gaining popularity! Well let me tell you it is a surprisingly easy cocktail to make. Just grab some silver tequila, a couple limes and some Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water. And yes, it has to be Topo Chico, or it’s not a Ranch Water! If you use regular soda water, it becomes a Tequila Soda.
You can also purchase this cocktail in cans, but it’s SO easy to make you might as well throw it together from scratch.
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What is Ranch Water
Ranch Water is a Texas born cocktail that is said to hail from Western Texas where it was the go-to drink of cattle Ranchers! It is made with just 3 ingredients; silver tequila, limes, and Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water
Since it is a refreshing drink that isn’t sweet or sugary, like a traditional Margarita, it was perfect for Ranchers to drink after a day in the hot Texas sun. Now you will find it being ordered and served in bars and homes across Texas (and the US).
Ingredients
Just 3 simple ingredients to mix up your own Ranch Water Cocktail:
- 3 oz Silver Tequila
- 1.5 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
- 4 oz Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water
Like we said before it HAS to be Topo Chico to be considered true Ranch Water. Some will have you adding a pinch of kosher salt, but I don’t find that to be necessary.
Topo Chico
You can find Topo Chico in just about any grocery store. It will be in or near the soda/pop section. You will also find Topo Chico with a hint of lime, which I love to buy for this drink too.
Tequila Blanco
We love tequila around here and there’s no shortage of tequila cocktails on Mom’s Dinner!
Since you can definitely taste the flavor of the tequila in this cocktail, I would stick to a mid-range priced bottle. Make sure you get a silver/blanco/white tequila. Avoid añejo or reposado tequila for this drink.
Some of our recommended Silver Tequilas are:
- Casamigos ($$$)
- Cazadores ($$$)
- Espolon ($$)
- Jose Cuervo Tradicional ($)
Ranch Water Variations
ANY of these variations will make the cocktail null and void of the name “Ranch Water”… BUT you know I can’t help but give some more options to spice up cocktail time!
- Add a fresh jalapeño slice for a kick of heat.
- Rim the glass with tart Tajin.
- Top the drink off with a splash or two of pineapple juice or grapefruit juice.
- Instead of lime try an orange slice, lemon wedge or a combo of the two!
Other Awesome Tequila Cocktails
Authentic Ranch Water Recipe + Video
Ingredients
- 3 oz silver tequila
- 1.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- 4 oz Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water
- ice and lime wheel
Instructions
- Fill a tall Collins glass (or we like to use a mason jar) with crushed ice.
- Pour in 3 oz silver tequila, 1.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice and then top with about 4 oz Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water.
- Give it a little stir and garnish with a lime wheel.
db says
Great recipe and info. However, when you recommend Jose Cuervo and especially Casamigos to tequila fans…well, it makes us sad 🙁
Susie Weinrich says
I stand my Casamigos rec.. still love it. Jose Cuervo Tradicional isn’t bad at all and has a good low price point.
This might really blow your mind, have you tried the Costco brand (Kirkland) silver tequila? Love it.
What is your favorite silver tequila?