Ranch Water

Ranch Water is a light and refreshing summer cocktail made with only three ingredients. It takes minutes to make so whip one up after a day of yard work or for an impromptu neighbor hangout.

Texas Ranch Water cocktails garnished with lime.
Nick Evans

When the weather gets hot, I’m always on the look-out for my personal drink of summer and this year it is without a question Texas Ranch Water.

This is quite possibly the most refreshing drink I’ve ever had, and it has a little buzz to it without being overly alcoholic. A simple mix of tequila, mineral water, and lime is all it takes to whip up this summer sipper. It's just the thing I need after a day of yard work or for an impromptu neighbor porch hang.

In other words, the perfect summer drink!

What is Ranch Water and Why Is it Called Ranch Water? 

The origins of the Texas Ranch Water cocktail is as murky as a Dark and Stormy. In its most current form, it is simply three ingredients: good Blanco tequila, fresh lime, and Topo Chico mineral water.

To make a Ranch Water, add the tequila to a glass with the fresh lime juice. I usually just squeeze a lime quarter straight into the glass with my hand. Nothing fancy. Then top it off with Topo Chico. Garnish with some extra lime slices if you’re feeling fancy! Cheers!

Be sure to use fresh lime when making this cocktail because it makes a big difference. I recommend 1/4 of a lime per drink, but you can even use more if you want a more intense lime flavor.

Texas ranch water made with tequila cocktails.
Nick Evans

What’s the Best Tequila to Use? 

There isn’t a specific brand of tequila that you need to be on the lookout for here, but I do recommend a Blanco tequila that doesn’t have any smoky notes.

Here is our guide to everything tequila if you want to learn more about the difference between añejo and Blanco and which tequilas are best for sipping versus mixing in cocktails.

Is Topo Chico Required? Should It Be?

Would I refuse a Ranch Water made with a different sparkling water? The answer is no; I would gladly accept the drink.

But there is something to Topo Chico that makes it special. It is incredibly carbonated—more so than other sparkling waters. The extra fizz and bubbles adds an extra something to a refreshing drink like this.

This is 100 percent not sponsored by Topo Chico, but I do keep some in my fridge now solely for this cocktail. That said, the Texas Rangers won’t show up at your house if you use LaCroix or something.

Adding Topo Chico to rocks glass for a Texas Ranch Water cocktail.
Nick Evans

Ranch Water Cocktail Glassware

This drink can be served a few different ways. Generally, it’s served in a 12-ounce highball glass, but I also like it in an 8-ounce tumbler which makes it easier to divide one Topo Chico between two cocktails (if you are looking for a lighter cocktail, which I explain below).

In my opinion, for this drink the ingredients and their simplicity are more important than the glassware.

Ranch Water Variations

While the standard is delicious, you can of course change this up and experiment. The easiest way to do that is to add fruit to the drink. I love some raspberries added in or I use a flavored Topo Chico (their grapefruit is particularly good).

To make a more complex cocktail, try adding a splash of St. Germain or Pimm’s to the drink before you top it with the mineral water. Not Texas approved, but delicious nonetheless!

Texas Ranch Water cocktails garnished with lime.
Nick Evans

More Drinks Made with Tequila

Ranch Water

Prep Time 2 mins
Total Time 2 mins
Servings 2 cocktails

Generally, Topo Chico’s are sold in a 12-ounce glass bottle which will make three balanced cocktails. You can also split a bottle between two cocktails (6 ounces mineral water per drink) for a lighter sipper, which might be your preference.

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces Blanco tequila, divided

  • 1 lime, quartered

  • 8 ounces Topo Chico mineral water

For garnish

  • Lime wheels

Method

  1. Divide the tequila between two glasses:

    Fill two highball or tumbler glasses with ice. Add 1 1/2 ounces of tequila to each cocktail glass.

  2. Slice the lime:

    Squeeze one lime segment into each glass. You will have half a lime leftover, save it for your second round, use it as garnish or if you prefer more lime, add more!

  3. Top with mineral water and serve:

    Top the glasses off with Topo Chico mineral water. Add a few lime wedges or wheels to each drink. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
137 Calories
0g Fat
14g Carbs
1g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 137
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 8mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 39mg 195%
Calcium 48mg 4%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 138mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.