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.
Also check out our favorite vodka drinks, the best mixed drinks, tequila cocktails and cheap drinks to make at home!
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
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It’s surprisingly simple to make a 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. It reminds us of a skinny margarita meets a gin and tonic.
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. It’s also a wonderful brunch cocktail as it’s refreshing and simple to make.
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 spakrling water with minerals from Mexico.
- Tequila – Use Blanco Tequila for this recipe.
- Lime Juice – Always fresh squeezed.
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.
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, of fresh grapefruit juice.
Lemon Juice – Swap out the lime for fresh lemon juice.
Lime Zest – Add a touch of lime zest over the top to garnish the cocktail.
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 to choose from, it’s far from the only option out there. 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, largely because it was tough to get north of the border.
But that changed in 2017 when Coca-Cola purchased rights to produce and bottle the brand in America. Now, the drink has been steadily growing in popularity.
You can find Topo Chico at most grocery stores like Whole Foods, as well as Target or Walmart. It’s also sold on Amazon too. If you make this Topo Chico Cocktail let us know in the comments below.
Tequila is the only choice for a true Ranch Water. The good thing about tequila is that it only has about 69 calories per ounce and no carbohydrates. It’s also low in sugar too, making this a much healthier option for many people.
What tequila is best for this Ranch Water drink?
You can choose your favorite tequila to make this cocktail. 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.
When to Serve Ranch Water
Ranch Water is a summer cocktail that’s perfect to serve at a:
Summer Picnic
BBQ
More Cocktails You’ll Love!
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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.
John says
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.
Eden says
You can use either, whatever is easier to find. We add lime to it as well, but extra lime flavor is welcomed!
T.M. Bruining says
Love this drink!! Even better with Tajin on the rim of the glass, perfect summer drink!!
Eden says
That’s such a great idea to add Tajin on the rim!!
Renee Thiegpin says
So refreshing and delicious! My husband and I loved this!
Katie says
This is light and refreshing. It hits the spot every time!
Beth says
This is so refreshing and so delicious! My hubby and I love this recipe! Perfect of weekends after a long day!
Kristyn says
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!
Valentina says
This ranch water is a GREAT refreshing drink idea! Love it!
Betsy says
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!
Matt Taylor says
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.
Erin says
Perfect for my tequila-loving friends. Easy to make, too, so that’s a bonus! Thanks for the recipe!
Jennifer says
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.