This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Beat the Texas heat with the ultimate refreshing cocktail – Ranch Water! This tequila highball mixed with lime and Topo Chico is the perfect cooling drink that you’ve been looking for.

A glass cup with tajin on the side and ice with clear liquid and a lime wedge inside.


 

If you haven’t heard of this Texan thirst-quencher before, get ready to be introduced to a delightful beverage that perfectly combines simplicity and flavor. Originating from the Lone-Star State, Ranch Water has gained popularity far beyond its borders.

With just three simple ingredients, this drink captures the essence of a hot summer day by offering a cool and refreshing experience with every sip, with more ease than a classic margarita.

what’s Ranch Water?

Ranch Water is a classic Texan cocktail. The origins of it are widely disputed, and uncertainty colors all possible attempts to tell it. Texans have been cooling down with this simple, refreshing drink since the 1960s.

And while a glass is nice, it’s not required. You can easily make this drink in the glass bottle of Topo Chico itself.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make a ranch water drink sitting on the counter.
  • Sparkling Water: Topo Chico is the standard when it comes to making this drink. Although you can of course substitute with any sparkling water of your choice. Even flavored versions.
  • Tequila: use a blanco or silver tequila.
  • Lime Juice: fresh squeezed is the best option.

What’s The Best Tequila?

Silver, or Blanco, Tequila is the best for making this cocktail. This tequila is not aged, which gives it a clear look and strong flavoring.

How to Make

Bottle of Topo Chico with a tajin rim and lime wedge inside for a ranch water cocktail.
  1. Make this drink in a glass or in the bottle of sparkling water. If using the bottle take a nice big sip to reduce the amount in the bottle to fit the alcohol. Rub a lime along the rim of what you are using to drink from, and sprinkle with tajin or Chili lime seasoning.
  2. If using a glass, pour sparkling into the glass.
  3. Add the tequila and a squeeze of lime, and add the lime to the bottle or glass.

Ranch water FAQs

Is Topo Chico required?

You can make this cocktail using any sparkling water, including flavored varieties.

Why is it called ranch water?

No one is sure where the name came from, there’s lots of stories. Most likely since it’s Texas, it has to do with a ranch or particular rancher who was involved in the start of the drink.

Is Ranch water a Texas drink?

Yes, it originated in Texas. Long before the rest of America realized that light, refreshing seltzers were so tasty. However, since the popularization of hard seltzers, it has become well-known throughout the United States.

More Summer cocktail Recipes

Ranch Water

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Author: Serene
Beat the Texas heat with the ultimate refreshing cocktail – Ranch Water! This tequila highball mixed with lime and Topo Chico is the perfect cooling drink that you’ve been looking for.
A glass cup with tajin on the side and ice with clear liquid and a lime wedge inside.

Ingredients  

  • 1 Topo Chico or sparkling water, chilled
  • 3 ounces silver tequila
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • tajin for rim

Instructions 

  • Rub a lime wedge along the edge of a high ball glass (or use the bottle of Topo Chico, taking a big sip first).
  • Sprinkle the rim with Tajin
  • Fill the glass with ice.
  • Pour the sparkling water into the glass. Add the tequila and lime juice. Stir to combine.

Nutrition

Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.03mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Welcome to my kitchen!

Welcome to the House of Yumm!! My name is Serene. I’m the food photographer, recipe developer, and official taste tester around these parts.

You may also like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating