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 You’ll Love This Ranch Water Recipe
Table of Contents
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 that meets a gin and tonic.
You’ll need tequila, lime, and Topo Chico to whip up this tasty drink. 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.
How To Make a Ranch Water Cocktail
To make this Ranch Water seltzer, you’ll need the ingredients below.
If you prefer to jump to the recipe, scroll to the bottom of this post where you’ll find the recipe card and measurements.
Supplies
- Cocktail Jigger
- Citrus Juicer
- Cocktail Glass
Ingredient Notes
- Topo Chico Mineral Water – A sparkling water with minerals from Mexico.
- Tequila – Use Blanco Tequila for this recipe.
- Lime Juice – Always freshly 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 bit of 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 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. If you make this Topo Chico Cocktail let us know in the comments below.
Tequila is the only choice for 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, 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:
- Garden Party or Summer Picnic
- Cinco de Mayo Party
- Pool Party or BBQ
- Summer Movie Night
- Birthday Party
More Cocktails You’ll Love!
If you love this ranch water recipe, check out some of these delicious cocktail recipes!
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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
Also, check out our Jolly Rancher Shot and Jolly Rancher Punch Recipe!
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.