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    Home » Recipes » Beverage Recipes

    Texas Ranch Water Cocktail

    Published: Apr 26, 2023 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Pinterest pin: Texas Ranch water, with image of cocktail glass garnished with lime.

    You don't have to live in West Texas to enjoy Texas Ranch Water! With its crisp, clean flavors and simple ingredients, this refreshing drink is the perfect way to beat the heat wherever you live! 

    Two highball glasses of Texas Ranch water, with limes and a Topo Chico.
    Jump to:
    • What is Ranch Water?
    • What Tequila Should You Use?
    • Simple Ingredients
    • How to Make West Texas Ranch Water
    • Other Versions of Ranch Water
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Summer Cocktail Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    The classic margarita is getting some competition when it comes to a Texans' favorite summer cocktail! Ranch water is a simple cocktail that is surging in popularity!

    What is Ranch Water?

    Ranch Water is a bubbly cocktail made with just 3 ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico. It is a thirst-quenching drink that is especially enjoyable on hot summer days.

    The original recipe was created somewhere in West Texas, though the exact origin is a bit of a mystery. Many believe that a Texas rancher invented the drink back in the 1960s when he traveled by foot across 50 miles of dusty trails.

    What we do know is that while the classic Ranch Water cocktail has been around for decades it surged in popularity around 2010 when the Gage Hotel added it to their menu at the White Buffalo Bar. It wasn't long after that you could find it on the menu at restaurants all across the states! Now this tequila cocktail is considered the unofficial drink of West Texas!

    It has become such a popular drink that many grocery stores sell it in a can! Though who needs to buy the can when it's such a simple drink to make fresh?

    What Tequila Should You Use?

    When buying tequila for your Ranch Water, look for a high-quality tequila that is made from 100% blue agave. For smooth flavor, I recommend Blanco tequila (silver). Though reposado or mezcal can be used if you want a stronger tequila flavor.

    My favorite tequila brands are Casamigos, Patron, and Don Julio.

    Simple Ingredients

    Overhead of bottle of tequila, Topo Chico, and limes on a cement surface.

    It may be a simple recipe, but each ingredient plays an important role. Here are some other things to consider when selecting your ingredients for this cocktail.

    Lime juice: Lime juice provides a tart and refreshing flavor that balances out th e tequila. Freshly squeezed lime juice has the best flavor. If you must use bottled lime juice make sure it is 100% pure lime juice, with no added sugars or preservatives.

    Topo Chico: Texas Ranch Water purists will tell you that it's not Ranch Water unless it is made with Topo Chico, and I agree! Sure, there are other brands of sparkling water. But you won't get the same flavor or effervescent feel with anything else.

    How to Make West Texas Ranch Water

    This is seriously the easiest cocktail to make! It doesn't even require stirring or shaking!

    1. Simply fill a 12-ounce highball glass with crushed ice. (You can use any cocktail glass or even a mason jar!)
    2. Pour the 2 parts tequila and 1 part fresh lime juice over the ice.
    3. Top the glass off with 4 ounces of Topo Chico.
    4. Give it a taste. You can add more lime or more tequila to suit your palate.
    2 images showing tequila, then topo chico, poured into high ball glass.

    Other Versions of Ranch Water

    While the classic Ranch Water recipe is delicious, there are many ways you can mix it up. Here are a few ideas:

    • Grapefruit Ranch Water: Add an ounce of grapefruit juice for a slightly sweeter and tangier flavor. You can also use Grapefruit Topo Chico!
    • Spicy Ranch Water Recipe: For a spicy kick, muddle a few slices of jalapeno in the glass with lime juice. Then finish the drink with tequila, ice, and mineral water.
    • Tajin Rim: Many Texans love to rim their glass with this chile-lime seasoning for extra flavor! Just pour some spicy seasoning onto a plate or shallow bowl, rub a lime around the rim of the glass, dip the glass into the Tajin, and give it a twist.
    • Sweetened Ranch Water: Add ½ ounce of agave nectar or simple syrup to sweeten things up.
    • Ranch 616 Ranch Water: Kevin Williamson, owner of Ranch 616 restaurant makes his Ranch Water with reposado tequila, adds an ounce of orange liquor, and serves the glass with a full bottle of Topo Chico on the side.
    • Tequila Soda: If you do not have Topo Chico then you can use club soda, essentially making an extra limey tequila soda.
    Close up of a ranch water cocoktail garnished with lime and limes around the glass.

    Recipe FAQs

    What makes Topo Chico so good?

    Topo Chico is a sparkling mineral water that is bottled in Mexico. It has extra carbonation making it more effervescent than most sparkling water, and it has a milder flavor than other mineral waters. This makes it perfect for use in cocktails!

    Are blanco and silver tequila the same thing? 

    Yes, blanco tequila is also called silver. Both names are used for clear tequila that has not been aged in oak barrels. This tequila has a bright, clean flavor profile.

    What's the difference between Ranch Water and a Skinny Margarita?

    These two drinks are very similar! Both are made with tequila and lime juice. Skinny margaritas often have orange liqueur and are made with some type of sweetener, like agave nectar. Ranch Water does not have added sweetener, and of course, it is topped off with Topo Chico.

    More Summer Cocktail Recipes

    • Texas margarita garnished with lime and orange wedges.
      Texas Margarita
    • Lavender vodka collins, garnished with a lavender stem and a lemon slice.
      Lavender Vodka Cocktail Recipe
    • Rocks glass with hot honey margarita, chili-salt rim and a lime and hot pepper wedge.
      Hot Honey Margarita Recipe
    • 3 cups of berry mint juleps on a tray, with mint in the background.
      Berry Mint Julep Recipe

    Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind-the-scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

    Recipe

    Two highball glasses of Texas Ranch water, with limes and a Topo Chico.

    Texas Ranch Water

    Recipe by: Erin
    You don't have to live in West Texas to enjoy Texas Ranch Water! With its crisp, clean flavors and simple ingredients, this refreshing drink is the perfect way to beat the heat wherever you live! 
    5 from 27 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 207 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 ounces tequila 6 tablespoons
    • 1 ½ ounces fresh lime juice 3 tablespoons
    • 4 ounces Topo Chico ½ cup
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
    • Pour the tequila and lime juice over the ice.
    • Top with Topo Chico.
    • Garnish with a lime wedge.

    Notes

    Large Batch Ranch Water: To serve a group, mix 3 cups of tequila with 1 ½ cups of lime juice. For each serving, pour ½ cup of the tequila-lime mixture into a cup of ice and serve with Topo Chico to top it off. This makes 8 servings but can be multiplied to serve more.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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    Photo of Erin Gierhart

    Welcome! I'm Erin: Wife, mom, lover of great food, and former food safety administrator. I am passionate about cooking mostly from scratch recipes that bring comfort, without spending all day in the kitchen. Most recipes on this site can be made in under 30 minutes! This approach to cooking allows me to provide delicious meals for my family while freeing up time to spend with those I love.

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