Three simple ingredients come together in this ranch water recipe, which is bound to become your new go-to summer cocktail.
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to tequila cocktails. And while margaritas, tequila sunrises and bloody Marias are always great, it’s this ranch water recipe that reigns supreme on scorching hot summer days.
Legend has it that ranch water was first mixed by ranch hands in west Texas in the 1960s to quench their dry throats after a long day of work. Since then, ranch water has become a staple in Texas and can be found in just about every dive bar, cocktail lounge and poolside bar in the state.
What goes into ranch water?
Ranch water is a simple cocktail made with 100-percent agave tequila, fresh lime juice and Topo Chico sparkling mineral water, served over ice. The Topo Chico is essential as it gives the drink a kick of earthy mineral flavor and tons of bubbles. Many Texans don’t consider it a proper ranch water recipe unless it’s made with Topo Chico.
The result is a tequila cocktail that’s light, refreshing and free of added sugar or any other sticky, sweet ingredients, so you can easily sip it all day long. The best part, though, is that ranch waters are so easy to make. With just three ingredients and no tools needed, you can have a quality cocktail in a minute flat.
Ranch Water Ingredients
Table view shot of all ingredients for ranch water; knife; chopping board; black texture background;
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Ice: Ice is essential for keeping this cocktail cool and refreshing.
Blanco tequila: Use 2 ounces of your favorite blanco tequila. If you don’t have blanco tequila, reposed or even mezcal make fine substitutes.
Lime: Squeeze half a lime into each glass, then garnish the glass with a lime slice for a bit of color and extra lime flavor.
Topo Chico: This sparkling mineral water is essential for making ranch water. With its earthy flavor and tons of bubbles, it quenches thirst and dilutes the tequila.
Instructions
Step 1: Add ice, tequila and lime juice
Table view shot of fill highball glass about two-thirds full with ice; half cut lime; chopping board; black texture background;
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Fill a highball glass about two-thirds full with ice.
Overhead shot of add tequila; chopping board; ice jar; black texture background;
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Pour in 2 ounces of tequila.
Table view shot of squeeze lime into glass; ice jar; black texture background;
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Squeeze a half of a lime into the glass.
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