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!
If you love tequila cocktails, try out my strawberry tequila soda, pineapple tequila garden cocktails, and thyme tequila lemonade!
Ranch Water
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.
Why You’ll Love This Ranch Water Recipe
Light and refreshing: This three-ingredient cocktail is incredibly crisp and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days when you need something light but flavorful. It’s so satisfying! It reminds me of a skinny margarita that meets a gin and tonic.
Low-calorie option: Unlike many sugary cocktails, (including the version of ranch water sold in stores) Ranch Water is naturally low in calories while still delivering on taste. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy tequila!
Incredibly simple: You only need three ingredients and about a minute to create this cocktail. No shaking or straining required!
Endlessly customizable: Whether you prefer it spicy, fruity, or with a salt rim, Ranch Water adapts to your preferences while maintaining its refreshing character.
Perfect for gatherings: Since it’s so quick to make and uses minimal ingredients, it’s great for serving at parties or brunch where guests can easily mix their own drinks.
Ranch Water Ingredients
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 drink. It’s made from 100% agave and has a smooth, slightly sweet flavor.
The bold flavors of an aged tequila may overpower the other ingredients in ranch water, so it’s best to stick with blanco tequila.
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.
How to Make Ranch Water
Squeeze the lime juice: Get the most juice by rolling your lime on the counter before cutting it. Fresh lime juice makes a huge difference in this drink!
Add the base ingredients: Pour 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1 ounce of tequila into a glass filled with ice.
Pour in Topo Chico: Top with about 3 ounces of cold Topo Chico for that perfect fizz and refreshment.
Garnish: Add a lime slice or wedge to the glass for that extra touch of citrus aroma.
Customize if desired: For different flavors, try adding jalapeño for spice or a splash of grapefruit juice for a fruity twist.
Enjoy immediately: Sip right away while it’s cold and the bubbles are at their best!
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.
Eden’s Tips
Here are some tips for making the best Ranch Water!
Quality tequila matters: Use a good 100% agave Blanco tequila for the cleanest flavor. The better your tequila, the better your Ranch Water will taste.
The Topo Chico difference: While you can substitute club soda in a pinch, real Topo Chico has a unique minerality that makes this drink special. It’s worth hunting down!
Keep it cold: Make sure your Topo Chico is well-chilled before making this drink, and use plenty of ice in your glass for the most refreshing experience.
Adjust to taste: The recipe calls for equal parts tequila and lime juice, but feel free to adjust the ratio based on your preference. Some people prefer more tequila, others more lime.
Serving for a crowd: For parties, set up a DIY Ranch Water station with tequila, lime wedges, Topo Chico bottles, and mix-ins so guests can customize their own drinks.
Perfect glassware: A highball or collins glass works best for this cocktail, but in a pinch, any tall glass will do. The shape helps maintain the bubbles longer.
Bottle method: For an authentic Texas experience, try drinking it straight from the Topo Chico bottle – just pour out a bit to make room for the tequila and lime juice!
Ranch Water Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a fresh lime wedge perched on the rim of the glass. Here are some more options:
- Lime Wheel – Float it on top for an extra pop of color
- Jalapeño Slice – For those who like a spicy kick
- Chili Lime Salt Rim – Adds flavor and a bit of color
- Cucumber Ribbon – Adds a refreshing twist
- Fresh Mint Sprig – For a hint of herbal freshness
- Grapefruit Wedge – Especially if you’re making the grapefruit variation
How to Juice a Lime
- 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.
Topo Chico
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.
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 Cocktail Recipes
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.
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.