What is ranch water?
Ranch Water is the ultimate summer cocktail—light, citrusy, bubbly, and made with just three ingredients. This traditional Texan drink has a margarita flavor but is even easier to make and much lighter. It’s the kind of cocktail you whip up in under a minute, with no blender, shaker, or fuss. Just pour, stir, sip.
Why will you love this recipe
If you love tequila but want something fresher and less sugary than a margarita or paloma, Ranch Water is your drink. It’s:
- Effortless (seriously, 3 ingredients!)
- Crisp and refreshing
- Low in sugar and calories
- Perfect for BBQs, pool days, and sunny afternoons
Ingredient Notes
- Tequila blanco: Smooth and clean, this is the classic choice. If you want a warmer flavor, you can use reposado.
- Fresh lime juice
- Sparkling water
- Optional: A pinch of salt in the glass brings the whole drink together.
How to make Ranch water
The traditional recipe for Ranch Water is very simple and involves only three ingredients: Tequila (tequila blanco is best for this recipe), fresh lime juice, lime wedges or lime wheels, and Topo Chico. Fill the glass with ice. Add the tequila and lime juice to the glass. Top with sparkling water and add a pinch of salt. Stir gently and serve.
Ranch water variations
- Spicy ranch water: Muddle jalapeño slices or add a chili-lime rim.
- Add sweetness: Mix in ½ oz agave syrup or triple sec.
- Add flavor: Try grapefruit juice, orange slices, or a splash of elderflower liqueur.
Home cook to home cook tips
- Salt hack: Rim the glass with chili-lime salt (like Tajín) for an extra punch.
- No Topo Chico? Don’t worry. Use whatever sparkling water you have—just make sure it’s well chilled and bubbly.
- Make it a pitcher: Multiply the ingredients by 4 or 6, pour into a pitcher, and serve at your next BBQ.
- Want to level it up? Infuse your tequila with fresh herbs or fruit (like pineapple or jalapeño) for extra flavor.
Ranch water selzer
Equipment
- 1 cocktail glassware
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 4 oz sparkling water
- Salt
Instructions
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add the tequila and lime juice to the glass.
- Top with sparkling water. Add a pinch of salt.
- Stir gently and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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