This ranch water recipe is a refreshing, low-calorie, three-ingredient cocktail created in West Texas. It’s a Topo Chico cocktail, perfect for a hot day, and easy to make!
The first time I tasted it was when we lived in Tennessee. I loved that it’s such a simple drink, and tequila is my preferred spirit, so it’s a win-win for me! I make them often for my friends during the summer, and if anyone doesn’t drink, it’s easy to turn this into a mocktail.
Try my strawberry tequila sodas if you love easy, light, and refreshing cocktails!
Why People Love Ranch Water
- It’s surprisingly simple to make a cocktail that features just three ingredients.
- You might have noticed Ranch Water sold in stores. However, nothing is better than the homemade version, an easy cocktail recipe.
- It reminds me of a skinny margarita that meets a gin and tonic.
- A great cocktail to serve people and easy enough for them to make themselves.
- Makes an excellent brunch cocktail as it’s refreshing and simple to make.
Shopping List and Ingredient Notes
This drink is made with simple ingredients. It’s a refreshing drink that’s easy to create.
Topo Chico Mineral Water – This iconic Mexican sparkling water has gained quite the cult following in recent years, and for good reason. If both are hard to locate, you can create this drink with club soda or soda water. It won’t have the same flavor, but it will still be delicious!
Tequila – The best tequila for this recipe is Blanco Tequila, the main ingredient in ranch water. This type of tequila is unaged and transparent, making it perfect for this drinl. It’s made from 100% agave and has a smooth, slightly sweet flavor.
You only need 1 to 1.5 ounces of tequila for this drink. It’s a refreshing sipper cocktail, so anything more is too much.
Lime Juice – While bottled lime juice may be convenient, it doesn’t compare to freshly squeezed lime juice. The brightness and tanginess of fresh lime juice add an essential element to this drink and make a massive difference in the flavor.
Lime Juicing Tips
- Roll the lime on a hard surface before juicing to help release more juice.
- Cut the lime in half and use a citrus reamer or juicer to get every last drop of juice.
- Add a small pinch of salt to your freshly squeezed lime juice for maximum flavor.
Add the lime juice and tequila into a glass filled with ice. Pour Topo Chico over the top and garnish with a lime slice or lime 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 or serrano pepper to the cocktail for a spicy version.
Grapefruit Ranch Water Cocktail: One of my favorite ways to give it a fruity flavor is by adding a splash of grapefruit juice, about 1 ounce, to the drink.
Lemon Juice: Swap out the lime for fresh lemon juice.
Cucumber: I love the way cucumber constantly adds a fresh flavor to any cocktail. Muddle a little in the glass for a cucumber ranch water.
Chili Lime Seasoning: I’ve seen some people add chili lime seasoning to the rim of the glass, and I love the flavor it adds to this drink!
Orange: add a splash of orange liqueur for a fun twist on the classic ranch water.
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.
Serving Suggestions
Ranch Water is a summer cocktail that’s perfect for happy hour or to serve at any of these occasions or dishes:
- Garden Party or Summer Picnic
- Cinco de Mayo Party
- Pool Party or BBQ
- Summer Movie Night
- Birthday Party
Serve it with a taco salad, Mexican fruit platter, or any of these Mexican desserts.
More Delicious Cocktails You’ll Love
If you love this recipe, try some delicious cocktail recipes to sip on a hot summer day!
This ranch water recipe is a refreshing, low-calorie, three-ingredient cocktail created in West Texas. It’s a Topo Chico cocktail, perfect for a hot day, and easy to make!
Let me know if you make this easy ranch water recipe by leaving a comment and review below! I’d love to know your thoughts!
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Ranch Water Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce lime juice, fresh squeezed
- 1 ounce tequila
- 3 ounces Topo Chico
Instructions
- Squeeze fresh lime juice into a bowl.
- Add the lime juice and tequila into a glass filled with ice.
- Pour Topo Chico over the top and garnish with a lime slice or wedge.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Bubbly water has been having a moment for the last several years. While La Croix gives sparkling water lovers plenty of flavors, it’s far from the only option. And also far from the oldest.
Topo chico is sparkling mineral water that’s been in production since the 1800s!
Made in Mexico, this bottled delight was first created in 1895 but has flown under the radar in the U.S. until recent years. Previously, the drink had a cult following, mainly because getting north of the border was tough.
But that changed in 2017 when Coca-Cola purchased the rights to produce and bottle the brand in America. Now, the drink has been steadily growing in popularity.
You can find Topo Chico at grocery stores like Whole Foods, Target, or Walmart. It’s also sold on Amazon too. Let us know if you make this Topo Chico Cocktail in the comments below.
While you technically can use aged tequila in ranch water, it is not the traditional or recommended choice. Aged tequilas have a more complex flavor profile and are meant to be sipped independently rather than mixed in cocktails. The bold flavors of an aged tequila may overpower the other ingredients in ranch water, so it’s best to stick with Blanco tequila for this drink.
The pictures seem to show Topo Chico Lime. Is that what the recipe actually calls for? Or is unflavored Topo Chico better? Seems Lime is easiest to find locally here.
You can use either, whatever is easier to find. We add lime to it as well, but extra lime flavor is welcomed!
Love this drink!! Even better with Tajin on the rim of the glass, perfect summer drink!!
That’s such a great idea to add Tajin on the rim!!
So refreshing and delicious! My husband and I loved this!
This is light and refreshing. It hits the spot every time!
This is so refreshing and so delicious! My hubby and I love this recipe! Perfect of weekends after a long day!
Totally trying the virgin version! I love bubbly, refreshing drinks & this is the perfect choice! I lived in Texas for 3 years & remember hearing about this drink often!
This ranch water is a GREAT refreshing drink idea! Love it!
This really is a great fun & refreshing drink! Looking forward to this summer when this drink will really shine! I’ll need to serve this at my next backyard BBQ!
I don’t drink alcohol, but I always like making mocktails. The lime and Topo Chico are such a great combination. A refreshing sparkling lime drink. I may or may not have added a little bit of sugar, haha.
Perfect for my tequila-loving friends. Easy to make, too, so that’s a bonus! Thanks for the recipe!
Okay, this is seriously one of the best cocktails I have ever had! My husband and I love it! Can’t wait to make again.