Ranch Water Recipe – A Topo Chico Cocktail

This Ranch water recipe is a refreshing, 3-ingredient low calorie cocktail created in West Texas. It’s a Topo Chico cocktail, perfect for a hot day and easy to make. Sharing everything you need to know about this ranch water drink!

If you’ve never heard of ranch water, that likely means you haven’t spent much time in West Texas. That’s because this bubbly, refreshing cocktail is the unofficial drink of the region. 

Whether you’re headed to Texas for a trip soon or are just looking for a tasty cocktail, low in calories, to celebrate warmer weather, we’re bringing you everything you need to know about the ranch water drink.

Why We Love This Ranch Water Recipe

It’s a surprisingly simple to make cocktail that features just three ingredients. You might have noticed ranch water sold in stores, however, there is nothing better than the homemade version and it’s incredibly easy to make.

All you’ll need to whip up this tasty drink is tequila, lime, and Topo Chico. Clear and refreshing, this drink is best served over a lot of ice and with a slice of lime.

A Little History

While Topo Chico might have been tough to find in most parts of the country, West Texas enjoyed easier access to this popular Mexican beverage.

No one knows exactly when it was invented, or even by who. But legend has it that a thirsty rancher created it in the 1960s, leading to its name.

It’s also been told that back in the day, ranchers would pour some of the mineral water out, fill it with a few ounces of tequila and a squeeze of lime juice and drink it right from the bottle!

Regardless of when it was first served, restaurants started adding it to their menus across the region and eventually across Texas starting around 2010.

How Do You Make a Ranch Water?

To make this Ranch Water seltzer, you’ll need the ingredients below!

Ingredients

• Topo Chico Mineral Water – A mineral water madden Mexico.
• Tequila – Use Blanco Tequila for this recipe.
• Lime Juice – Always fresh squeezed.

Directions

• Squeeze fresh lime juice into a bowl.

• Add the lime juice and tequila into a glass filled with ice.

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• Pour Topo Chico over the top and garnish with a lime slice or wedge.

Ranch Water Variations

If you want to add a little more to this Ranch Water Seltzer try some of these ideas below:

Spicy Ranch Water Drink – Add a slice of jalapeño to the cocktail for a little spice.

Grapefruit Ranch Water Cocktail – Give it a fruity flavor with 1 ounce, fresh grapefruit juice.

Lemon Juice – Swap out the lime for fresh lemon juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tequila is best for this Ranch Water drink?

You can choose your favorite tequila to make your tasty Ranch Water. But if you want to keep it true to its origins, opt for a Texas tequila.

Some popular options include:

• Pura Vida, a Texas-made tequila dating back to 1923
• Republic Tequila, a proud and prestigious Texas creation
• Railean El Perico Silver Tequila, made from 100% Blue Agave
• Dulce Vida Anejo Tequila, which holds the title of “Most Awarded Tequila”

You can also use:

• Don Julio
• Patron
• Espolon
• Casamigos

What does Ranch Water Taste Like?

Wondering what ranch water tastes like? Similar to a mojito, but with tequila instead of You can expect the crisp and refreshing taste of sparkling Topo Chico, topped with the fresh taste of lime, and finished with that kick of tequila.

Of course, how strong your drink is will depend on how heavy you go with the tequila!

Virgin Ranch Water Recipe

If you want to indulge in this refreshing cocktail, but aren’t drinking alcohol try swapping the tequila for Ritual Zero Proof tequila.

More Cocktails You’ll Love!

If you love this ranch water recipe, check out some these delicious cocktail recipes!