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    the Best Ranch Water Cocktail

    Published: Apr 4, 2021 · Modified: May 5, 2021 by Elise Shivamber · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Ranch Water is a delicious lighter, lower calorie tequila and Topo Chico cocktail. Three easy ingredients meant for the best cocktail!

    the best ranch water cocktail with Topo Chico in the back.

    Ranch Water: it’s a lighter version of a margarita, or the tastier version of a tequila-soda! This light cocktail is perfect for year-round, but at its peak during the Summer! While I always tend to go towards a 3 Ingredient Skinny Margarita or even a Cherry Moscow Mule, I do really love this simple concoction.

    Jump to:
    • So, what is a Ranch Water cocktail
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Other tequila drinks to enjoy
    • 📖 Recipe

    I never knew what Ranch Water was for the longest time. Every time my partner and I would meet up with friends, he’d drink tequila with Topo Chico and add a splash of lime. It wasn’t until I began blog research that I discovered it!

    In SoCal, where Topo Chico is particularly popular, Ranch Waters are a tradition. Might be controversial, but I’d say they’re just as Californian as from Texas!

    close up of lime wedges in a glass of tequila cocktail

    So, what is a Ranch Water cocktail

    Ranch water is a tequila drink traditionally coming from Texas. Rumor goes that this delicious tequila cocktail was invented in the 1960’s by a rancher. 

    What kind of alcohol is in Ranch Water?

    Ranch Water is a tequila-based cocktail. It is pretty much a tequila-soda with lime.

    overhead of two ranch water cocktails with limes in the back and topo chico in the front

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Ranch Water cocktails typically have only 3 ingredients:

    • Tequila
    • Lime Juice
    • Topo Chico

    While traditionalists won’t let you change up the three integral ingredients, they ~could~ be. But honestly, why would you?!

    pouring tequila into a ranch water cocktail

    Tequila. Could be substituted for mezcal for a smokier taste.

    Limes. Fresh limes are a MUST have. If you really wanted to, you could attempt with lemons and oranges, but why change a great thing?!

    Topo Chico. Honestly, Ranch Water wouldn't be Ranch Water without Topo Chico. (Topo Chico is a delicious mineral water and should be sipped ALL the time, with and without tequila!) If you want to break the purists' rules, substitute for flavored sparkling water.

    ranch water cocktail,ranch water

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of tequila should I use?

    I prefer using a blanco tequila when making this drink, however you can definitely use a reposado tequila too. I don’t recommend using your best tequila for this simple recipe, but any medium-priced tequila is great.

    Where can I find Topo Chico?

    Topo Chico would be in the same grocery aisle as sparkling waters or mineral waters. It should be available in most typical groceries.

    How can I make this more sweet?

    If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add 0.5 ounces of agave syrup or simple syrup.

    Can I make this a spicy Ranch Water?

    Absolutely! Muddle one jalapeño in the bottom of your glass prior to adding additional ingredients.

    Can I use a salt rim?

    Um, DEFINITELY! Ranch Water cocktails taste great without a rim, with a salt rim, or even with a tajín rim! If you'd like to learn how, check out my post on how to make a Skinny Margarita where I go into great detail with step-by-step photos!

    How do I make this cocktail stronger?

    Okay, I like where you’re headed! If this cocktail is too light for you, substitute Topo Chico for lime-flavor hard seltzer.

    Other tequila drinks to enjoy

    • 3-Ingredient Skinny Margarita
    • Blackberry Margarita
    • Spicy Carrot Mezcal Margarita

    📖 Recipe

    ranch water cocktail,ranch water

    the Best Ranch Water Cocktail

    Elise Shivamber
    Ranch Water is a delicious lighter, lower calorie tequila and Topo Chico cocktail. Three easy ingredients meant for the best cocktail!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 cocktail
    Calories 142 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 OZ Tequila
    • 1.5 OZ Lime Juice about 1 lime
    • 4 OZ Topo Chico

    Instructions
     

    • Pour lime juice and tequila into a glass filled with ice.
    • Top with sparkling mineral water.
    • Garnish with a lime wedge.

    Notes

    I prefer using a blanco tequila when making this drink, however you can definitely use a reposado tequila too. I don’t recommend using your best tequila for this simple recipe, but any medium-priced tequila is great.
    If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add 0.5 ounces of agave syrup or simple syrup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 51mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 21IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword lime, tequila
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