Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

Ranch Water

5 from 1 vote
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Updated: 09/17/21

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

If you are looking for a light, refreshing cocktail to cool you off on a hot day, this Ranch Water is it! Made with tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico mineral water, this fizzy and invigorating refreshment is sure to quench your thirst.

Glass of Ranch Water cocktail with ice, straws, and slices of lime with second glass of Ranch Water cocktail and bottle of Topo Chico in the background

Similar to the classic Margarita, Ranch water is more bubbly while less sweet. Where the name came from exactly isn’t clear, but what is agreed upon is that the cocktail originates from the great state of Texas. Whipping up a round of Ranch Waters is quick and easy!

Ranch Water Ingredients

To make a Ranch Water drink you need only three ingredients! Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe and all measurements.

  • Tequila: Use a good quality tequila that is labeled “100% de agave.” Read more on tequila recommendations for cocktails below.
  • Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled lime juice will work in a pinch and still make a delicious cocktail. You will also want some fresh limes to garnish your cocktail.
  • Topo Chico: While you could use another brand of sparkling mineral water, using Topo Chico makes it the real deal. We consider this ingredient non-negotiable!
TOP PICK

Topo Chico

This unique and delicious mineral water is one of the key ingredients in this delicious cocktail.
Product Image
jigger of tequila pouring into a glass of ice to make a Ranch Water cocktail surrounded by fresh lime slices, straws, and Topo Chico mineral water

Tequila Recommendations

When choosing tequila for cocktails, the most important thing to remember is to look for a bottle labeled “100% de agave.” Agave is what tequila is made from, so this makes sure that your tequila is actually all tequila and not supplemented with lower-quality alcohol and filler.

Since tequila is not the only ingredient in this mixed drink, a top-shelf bottle isn’t required, however, the taste of the tequila is still pronounced so you want to use something that you like. Milagro Silver is our recommendation for a good mid-level tequila that is 100% agave. Sauza is a great budget-friendly option, and if you are looking to splurge for tequila cocktails, I would go with Patron.

How to Make a Ranch Water Cocktail

No fancy techniques or gadgets are needed to make a single Texas Ranch Water cocktail, or a whole round. The cocktail is easy to tweak to your taste and is nearly impossible to mess up.

  1. Pour tequila and fresh lime juice into a glass filled with ice.
  2. Top with Topo Chico and stir.
  3. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
man stirring glass of Ranch Water recipe with ice surrounded by fresh lime wedges and bottle of Topo Chico

How to Serve

Serve your Topo Chico Ranch Water in a glass tumbler with lots of ice and garnish with a slice of lime. Top off your cocktail with Topo Chico to refresh as needed!

Make a Pitcher

To make a pitcher of Ranch Water cocktails, use the following measurements. You can either mix the Topo Chico in right away if you will be serving soon, or combine the tequila and lime juice and let guests top off their own cocktails with sparkling water.

  • 3 cups tequila (24 ounces)
  • 1 1/2 cups of lime juice (12 ounces)
  • 1-2 cups Topo Chico water (8-16 ounces)
glass of Ranch Water with ice, straws, and fresh lime wedges

Other Refreshing Cocktails

If you make this Ranch Water recipe or any of our other cocktail recipes, leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Glass of Ranch Water cocktail with ice, straws, and slices of lime with second glass of Ranch Water cocktail and bottle of Topo Chico in the background
5 from 1 vote

Ranch Water

Serves: 1 drink
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 4 minutes
Ranch Water is a light, refreshing cocktail to cool you off on a hot day. It is made with tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico.

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces Tequila
  • 1 1/2 ounces Lime juice freshly squeezed is best
  • Topo Chico to top

Instructions

  • Pour the tequila and lime juice into an ice-filled glass.
  • Top with Topo Chico.
  • Garnish and enjoy!
Author: Nathan Longley
Course: Drinks
Glass of Ranch Water cocktail with ice, straws, and slices of lime with second glass of Ranch Water cocktail and bottle of Topo Chico in the background

Did You Make This

Ranch Water

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @shakedrinkrpt and hashtag it #shakedrinkrepeat!

Nathan Longley has been his wife’s personal bar tender for as long as he can remember. While he most often enjoys a cold beer, he is known to love our vodka gimlet.

Reader Interactions

    5 from 1 vote

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  1. Sarah says

    5 stars
    Completely agree that Topo Chico is crucial in Ranch Water!

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