This Ranch Water cocktail is the epitome of refreshment. With just tequila, lime, and sparkling water, it's perfect for cooling down on a hot day or unwinding in the evening.
The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
I'm a huge fan of light and refreshing cocktails, especially when soaking up the sunny weather. And let me tell you, summers in North Carolina can really turn up the heat.
That's precisely when this Ranch Water cocktail becomes a game-changer. It's incredibly simple, with just three key ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. For a little extra zing, add a dash of salt or Tajín on the rim.
While this cocktail hails from West Texas, where it's a staple for beating the heat, it's quickly become my go-to drink here in my state. If you're a fan of refreshing tequila cocktails, try out my paloma recipe.
A Quick Look at the Ingredients and Tools
- Tequila - you can use blanco tequila or reposado for this recipe, but I enjoy making this with blanco.
- Fresh lime juice - I prefer to use fresh lime juice, but
- Sparkling water - any brand works, but Topo Chico is used most often and gives the drink great fizz
Tools Needed
- Highball or Collins glass
- Jigger (or measuring tool)
- Spoon (for stirring)
How to Make This Cocktail Recipe in 4 Easy Steps
Chill Your Glass: Start by chilling a highball or Collins glass to keep your cocktail cool and refreshing. It'll be fine if you skip this step; it's just great for those extra hot days.
Mix the Base: Fill the glass with ice, pour in the tequila, and add fresh lime juice.
Top It Off: Gently top with sparkling water, ideally Topo Chico.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge, stir gently, and serve immediately to capture the best flavors.
How to Batch Ranch Water for a Party
For a party-friendly batch of Ranch Water, mix tequila and lime juice in a large pitcher and keep it chilled. Set up glasses pre-rimmed with salt or Tajín and slices of lime. When guests arrive, fill glasses with ice, pour the tequila-lime mixture over, and top with sparkling mineral water to keep it fizzy. This setup allows you to enjoy your party without constantly playing bartender, and guests can easily serve themselves.
Tips and Variations
- Go Spicy: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the glass before adding ice for a spicy kick.
- Add a Fruity Twist: Muddle a few raspberries or add a splash of grapefruit juice for a sweet and tart variation.
- Make it sweeter: I love this drink as is, but some of my friends found it too sour. Add a splash of simple syrup if you like sweeter drinks.
- Customize Your Rim: For an extra pop of flavor, rub the rim of your glass with lime and dip it in coarse salt or Tajín before assembling your drink.
Serving Suggestions
Ranch Water is perfect as a standalone refresher or paired with light appetizers like ceviche or guacamole. It’s also the ideal companion for a backyard BBQ or a casual dinner under the stars.
Tanya’s Top Tips
- Use Quality Tequila: The simplicity of Ranch Water means the quality of your tequila will shine through. Opt for a high-quality blanco or reposado to really make your cocktail sing.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Keep your tequila and Topo Chico in the fridge before making your drink to ensure it’s refreshingly cold.
Looking for more refreshing cocktails? Try these out:
- Classic Margarita: A perfect mix of tequila, lime, and Cointreau, famous for its tangy and salty edge. Classic Margarita Recipe
- Bee's Knees: Combines gin with honey syrup and lemon for a sweet and citrusy drink. Bee's Knees Recipe
- Southside: A gin-based cocktail with mint, simple syrup, and lemon, refreshing like a mojito. Southside Recipe.
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do. If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps us grow. Thank you for your support!
Ranch Water Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila blanco or reposado
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice adjust to taste
- 4 to 6 ounces sparkling water Topo Chico preferred
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice. Pour in the tequila and fresh lime juice.
- Top with sparkling water and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy immediately!
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