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