When it comes to cocktails sometimes simplicity is best and that’s certainly the case when it comes to ranch water. This drink is a classic in West Texas and is gaining popularity throughout bars (and social media) throughout the rest of the country. Citrusy and refreshing; it’s no surprise that ranch water has become popular with cowboys, hipsters and everyone in between. Saddle up and discover why ranch water has become one of my new favorite summer cocktails.
The Casual Foodist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase through these links the Casual Foodist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.
History of Ranch Water
While there is no definitive answer as to who created this tequila highball cocktail but a popular theory is that it was created by a Texas Rancher in the 1960s. In 2010 ranch water started to become popular in bars throughout Texas and today is a staple in Texas bars ranging from honky-tonk to hipster.
What Tequila to Use for Ranch Water
Tequila is the only spirit used in this cocktail so make sure to use one you like. You can use a blanco (unaged) tequila though I prefer the more complex flavor of a reposado (aged) tequila. As this is an unfussy cocktail I would save the fancy anejo tequila for later.
How to Make a Ranch Water Cocktail
This is one of the most simple cocktails you can make and its basically a lighter, fizzier margarita. In a highball glass with ice add the tequila and lime juice. Top with Topo Chico (my Texan friends say Topo Chico is the only sparkling mineral water for this drink) garnish with slices of lime and enjoy your new favorite summer sip.
If you like this Texas Ranch Water Cocktail be sure to look at some of my other recipes!
If you make this Texas Ranch Water Cocktail please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Texas Ranch Water – A Refreshing Tequila Cocktail
Equipment
- highball glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- ice
- 4 oz Topo Chico or your favorite soda water
Instructions
- In a highball glass add tequila, lime juice and ice. Top with Topo Chico and garnish with a slice of lime.
Alex David says
Nice article, Brianna. The recipe for the Texas Ranch Water cocktail is amazing. It is simple to prepare. This tequila is worth trying. I appreciate your efforts in collecting and presenting this information to us. Thank you very much for this article.
Sondra Barker says
Delicious tequila cocktail! Perfect for entertaining guests this summer!
JIll says
The perfect summer drink!
Audrey says
Oh my goodness, I’m so excited for this recipe. I recently had this cocktail at a restaurant and LOVED it.
Anaiah says
This texas ranch water was refreshing and quick to make. Definitely making this drink again!
Elizabeth Flight says
So delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Amy says
Made some when we had a BBQ the other day and our lunch guests loved it!
Julia says
Yum, this was so refreshing!
Ramona says
This was absolutely brilliant and so refreshing! Thanks for sharing!
Anjali says
This tequila cocktail was so simple to make but so tasty!! It was perfect for this incredibly hot summer weather we’ve been having!
Charla says
Sounds like a delicious cocktail that I need to try this summer!
Heather says
Ahh I love the name of this drink! 😀 I’ve never heard of this and I’m kind of upset. These sound amazing for summer!
Joshua says
Made this Texas Ranch Water recipe for some friends and it was a huge hit. Super easy to make as well!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this indeed refreshing recipe! Perfect for my fam, will have it again for sure!
Marie says
I’d never heard of Texas Ranch Water before, but the cocktail has all the flavors I love! So refreshing!! Will make it again and again, it’s perfect for the super hot and humid summer we’re having where I am.
GUNJAN C Dudani says
Perfect timing as I am having my friends over tomorrow and I am serving this to them. Will update you how it went.
Linda says
Simply stunning and yet delicious! Made it the other day for our small gathering and everyone loved it
Kushigalu says
This tequila drink looks refreshing and perfect for the weather here. I will try this soon .
Loreto and Nicoletta says
This cocktail looks so refreshing! I love that it is simple and wonderful history on the drink!🤓 This would have been great during our heat spell last week!😡😱😁😋🥰❤
Heidy says
This recipe looks outstanding, and I am looking forward to making this today since I have all the ingredients on hand minus 1, I think!!! Have a great day! I will let you know how it turns out!
Heidy
Hayley Dhanecha says
This coming Friday my couple of friends are coming over for dinner at mine, wanted to serve something they haven’t tried. Saving this recipe to try it out 🙂
Addie says
This is such a fun drink recipe! Cheers!
Stacy Boswell says
Looks like a refreshing summer drink! I love that you included the history of the drink as I have never heard of it. Thanks for sharing!
Luca - Ruoka on valmis says
So refreshing in this hot summer!
Andrea White says
This looks so refreshing!
Sage says
Wow, such a super easy to make Texas Ranch Water. New favorite drink to sip on!
Allyssa says
Thanks a bunch for sharing this recipe, so refreshing and easy to make! Will surely have this again!
Liz says
Yum, this does sound refreshing!
Hollie says
Thanks for the recipe! It looks like a super refreshing drink. I’m going to try it this weekend!
Jodi Reed says
This is so refreshing.
Andrea White says
So refreshing! Definitely a new go-to!
Kayla DiMaggio says
Loving this ranch water and the name is so fun!
Leah Buehler says
Tequila is pretty much the only liquor I drink and this cocktail sounds delicious! I’m pinning so I remember to make this next time the tequila is out!
Julia says
Wow! This sounds like an ideal cocktail for a warm summer’s day. Thank you for sharing.
ThirstPals says
loved this ranch water recipe. i have tried it from bar rescue and was loving it,, thanks for sharing