If you've ever spent a brutally hot summer day in the great state of Texas, you fully understand the drive that lies behind creating a beat-the-heat, thirst-quenching cocktail. And, it's for this reason, the Ranch Water is officially the unofficial cocktail of Texas.
This tequila cocktail is light, easy to sip on, and over-the-top refreshing thanks to fresh lime juice and the excessive bubbliness of Topo Chico. Consisting of only three simple ingredients, it's both easy to whip up and so very fun to sip on. It's perfect for a newbie mixologist and a sure-fire hit for summertime sipping!
Looking for more cocktails to cool off with? Add our Watermelon Margaritas and frosty Peach Daiquiris to your must-make list!
HOW TO MAKE A RANCH WATER COCKTAIL
- Fill a glass to the top with ice.
- Add tequila.
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice.
- Fill to the top with Topo Chico, serve, and enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
- Silver Tequila
- Topo Chico
- Lime Juice
THE TEQUILA
When it comes to a Ranch Water Cocktail, consider pulling from the top shelf. Because this is a straight-shooting cocktail without a lot of fluff, you're going to taste the tequila more than you would in, let say, a margarita. A good silver tequila will do the trick -- Herradura, Cabo Wabo, Patron, and Cazadores are all great tequila options.
HOW MUCH TEQUILA DO YOU USE?
How much tequila goes into a Ranch Water really depends on two things:
- The size of your glass.
- And, how much do you really like the taste of tequila?
If you are using a tall glass (i.e. a collins glass), you can get away with using 1 ½-ounce to 2-ounces of tequila per cocktail. If you are using a short glass (i.e. a rocks glass), stick with 1-ounce to 1 ½-ounce pour per cocktail.
If you aren't a tequila connoisseur and don't particularly get pumped over the taste of it, use the lower end of those measurements. So, that means you would use 1 ½-ounce of tequila if you were drinking out of a tall glass or 1-ounce in a short glass.
TOPO CHICO IS A MUST IN A RANCH WATER
Let it be known -- not all sparkling waters were created equal, and a Ranch Water Cocktail must be made with Topo Chico. Consider it essential.
This sparkling water originated in Monterrey, Mexico in 1895, eventually made its way into Texas, and us Texans have been obsessed ever since. It soared into popularity after being purchased by the Coca-Cola Company and is now available in many states across the U.S.
Topo Chico is different -- it is mineral water, which means it has more flavor than most other sparkling waters thanks to its salt content. Not the mention the bubbles. The bubbles are crisp and (somehow) there seems to be way more of them in a bottle of Topo when compared to other sparkling waters. In a nutshell -- it's sparkling water magic in a bottle.
LIME JUICE
Last, but not least, freshly squeezed lime juice. Keep in mind, there are only three ingredients in this cocktail, which makes them all pret-ty important when it comes to flavor! And, you won't find a more refreshing flavor than freshly squeezed lime juice. It's key to creating a cocktail that'll quench your thirst. Particularly, in the midst of a brutally hot Texas summer.
HOW MUCH LIME JUICE DO I NEED?
If you are making your cocktail in a short glass, you'll want to juice half of a lime. For a Ranch Water cocktail served out of a tall glass, add the juice of an entire lime for optimal refreshment!
6 MORE COCKTAIL RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Chocolate Mudslide
- Lime Martini
- Peach Margaritas
- Coconut Margaritas
- Blood Orange Margarita
- Velvet Falernum Cocktail
The Ranch Water is a three-ingredient, thirst-quenching, Texas tequila cocktail perfect for hot summer days! Tequila, limes, and Topo Chico are all you need!
- 1 - 2 ounces silver tequila
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4-8 ounces Topo Chico
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Fill a glass to the top with ice (preferably crushed ice).
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If you are using a short glass, add 1 - 1 ½-ounce of tequila to the glass and squeeze over the juice of half of a lime. Fill to the top with Topo Chico. Stir and enjoy.
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If you are using a tall glass, add 1 ½ to 2-ounces of tequila to the glass and squeeze over the juice of a whole lime. Fill to the top with Topo Chico. Stir and enjoy.
Recipe Video
