Ranch Water
Known as the unofficial cocktail of West Texas, Ranch Water is an incredibly simple and refreshing highball, perfect for hot weather. The combination of Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and bubbly Topo Chico mineral water creates a drink that is light, effervescent, and supremely thirst-quenching. It's often described as a cleaner, drier, and more mineral-driven version of a skinny margarita, celebrated for its no-fuss preparation and crisp taste.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
Ranch Water is classified as a cocktail, specifically belonging to the highball category. Highballs are simple, refreshing drinks typically made with a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a tall glass over ice. This categorization reflects its straightforward preparation and light, effervescent character.
Serving
Served ice-cold in a tall Highball or Collins glass, this is a light, easy-drinking cocktail with a moderate alcohol content. An optional salted rim can enhance the flavors, much like a Margarita.
Serving size
Approximately 200-250 ml / 7-8.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Salted rim (optional)
Backstory
Ranch Water is said to have originated with West Texas ranchers in the 1960s who wanted a simple, refreshing drink to quench their thirst after a long day of work in the heat. Its popularity surged more recently, spreading from local Texas bars to the rest of the United States and beyond. The key to its authenticity is often cited as the use of Topo Chico, a highly carbonated mineral water from Mexico that gives the drink its signature fizz.
Origin
West Texas, USA, circa 1960s.
Ranch Water
Ranch Water is the drink's primary and most recognized name, strongly associated with its Texan roots. It is sometimes referred to more descriptively as "Texas Ranch Water" to highlight its origin or simply as a "Tequila Soda with Lime," which accurately describes its core components.
Original name
Ranch Water
Alternative names
- Tequila Soda with Lime
- Texas Ranch Water
Characteristics overview
This drink is characterized by its crisp, dry flavor profile with prominent notes of fresh lime and agave, served with a lively effervescence from the mineral water. It offers a clean, ultra-refreshing mouthfeel and a bright aroma, making it an ideal summer cooler.
Flavor
Crisp, citrusy, mineral, dry, agave-forward
Aroma
Bright lime, earthy tequila
Taste balance
Sour, slightly salty
Aftertaste
Clean, short, refreshing
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Clear to slightly cloudy, highly carbonated
Texture
Light, watery, crisp
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
A dry and sour-forward drink with high carbonation and a light body, where the fruitiness comes solely from fresh lime. The alcohol presence is moderate and well-integrated, resulting in a clean, refreshing taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need just three core ingredients for a classic Ranch Water: Blanco tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a highly carbonated mineral water. Topo Chico is the traditional and preferred choice for the water.
- Blanco Tequila60 milliliters / 2 ouncesUse a good quality 100% agave tequila.
- Lime Juice30 milliliters / 1 ounceFreshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
- Topo Chico Mineral WaterApproximately 120 milliliters / 4 ounces, to topIf unavailable, use another highly carbonated mineral water.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No shaker is needed as this drink is built directly in the serving glass. Essential tools include a jigger for accurate measurements and a citrus press for fresh juice.
- Jigger for measuring spirits and juice.
- Citrus juicer for extracting fresh lime juice.
- Bar spoon for gentle stirring.
Instructions
This is a simple "build-in-glass" cocktail that requires no shaking. Simply fill a glass with ice, add the tequila and lime juice, top with sparkling mineral water, stir gently, and garnish.
1. (Optional) Prepare the glass by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it in a plate of coarse salt.
2. Fill the prepared Highball glass with ice cubes to the top.
3. Pour the Blanco tequila and fresh lime juice over the ice.
4. Top the glass with Topo Chico mineral water.
5. Gently stir with a bar spoon just once or twice to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
6. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A simple lime wedge or wheel is the classic garnish, which complements the drink's fresh citrus flavor and can be squeezed in for an extra lime kick.
- Lime wedge or wheel, placed on the rim or dropped into the drink.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens, including caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten (when using 100% agave tequila). It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
Ranch Water is a relatively low-calorie and low-sugar cocktail, containing around 150 kcal and just a few grams of carbohydrates and sugar per serving, primarily from the fresh lime juice.
Calories
Averagely 140-160 kcal / 585-670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 3-5 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 2-4 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfectly suited for casual, warm-weather occasions where refreshment is key. It's an excellent choice for backyard barbecues, summer parties, and laid-back happy hours. Its simple, thirst-quenching nature makes it a go-to for any relaxed social gathering.
- Summer party
- Barbecue
- Casual get-together
- Happy hour
Pairing suggestions
Its crisp, dry, and citrusy profile makes Ranch Water an excellent companion for Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. It beautifully cuts through the richness and spice found in dishes like tacos, carne asada, and cheesy enchiladas. It is also perfect with lighter fare like fresh ceviche or a simple bowl of guacamole and chips.
- Tacos al pastor
- Grilled steak (Carne Asada)
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Spicy Tex-Mex food
- Ceviche
Ranch Water: The Unofficial Cocktail of West Texas
Ranch Water is the quintessential Texan thirst-quencher, a minimalist highball that has gained widespread popularity for its refreshing simplicity. Combining just Blanco tequila, fresh lime, and super-bubbly mineral water, it's a dry, crisp, and effervescent cocktail perfect for hot days. It is built directly in the glass, offering a lighter, more mineral-forward alternative to a Margarita. This makes it an ideal partner for spicy foods or simply for casual sipping in the sun.