Texas Ranch Water Recipe

The Texas Ranch Water Drink is a bubbly, light drink, perfect for the summertime. Made from just three ingredients, this drink has a margarita-like flavor and a salty rim. Try it with a twist and use your favorite tequila. Then, enjoy Ranch Water with friends and family. Try it with a lime rim or top it with White tequila.

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Texas Water Drink

The Texas Ranch Water Drink is the perfect beverage for the summertime. It’s light, bubbly and has a margarita-like flavor. Plus, it only has three ingredients so it’s easy to make.

You can use your favorite tequila in this drink, so it always tastes just the way you want it. And with a salty rim, this drink is extra delicious. Try it with a lime or top it off with some White tequila for an extra kick.

What is Ranch Water?

Ranch water is a refreshing drink made with just three simple ingredients: tequila, sparkling water, and lime. This is one of those drinks that is almost impossible to mess up. It is sort of like a skinny margarita, but even easier to make.

Why is it Called Ranch Water?

The name “Ranch Water” comes from the fact that this drink was originally created to be served at ranches in Texas. It has since become a popular summertime drink across the state.

it is said that the hard working Texas rancher cowboys need something light and refreshing to drink, like water, but they want it a little bit spiked.

Is this really a Texan drink?

While Ranch Water is most associated with West Texas, it actually originated in California. It was created by a man named Harry Craddock who was the head bartender at The American Bar in London. He eventually moved to Hollywood and brought the drink with him. However, this is often considered the unofficial drink of Texas.

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What Is Ranch Water Made Of?

Ranch water is made with just three simple ingredients: tequila, sparkling water, and lime. It is important to use fresh lime in this drink as it really makes a difference in the flavor. If you want to get fancy, you can rim the glass with salt or sugar.

For people who like their drinks a little sweeter, you can add some simple syrup, although this is not a typical addition to the cocktail.

Best Tequila for Ranch Water

You want to use a white or silver tequila when making this cowboy water. The white blanco tequila is more mild and resembles water which makes the most sense in this ranch water recipe. If you want a stronger tequila flavor, use an aged tequila, which has a stronger flavor. No matter what type of tequila you use for this bubbly cocktail, please use a top shelf like tequila reposado.

Do I Have to use Topo Chico mineral water

Purists will tell you, yes, you have to Topo Chico mineral water. And to get the traditional, best flavor, yes you want to use Topo Chico. It tends to be extra bubbly and that adds to the recipe. However, don’t tell anyone I told you, but no, it is not required. In a pinch, you can use any type of sparkling water. It just will not have as many bubbles.

Where to find Topo Chico Mineral Water

If you’re not familiar with Topo Chico, it is a mineral water that comes from Monterrey, Mexico. It has been around since 1895 and is known for its unique taste and bubbles. You can find it in most grocery stores these days, but if you’re having trouble finding it, you can always order it online.

What Glass is Best for This Ranch Water Drink Recipe

The most traditional glass to use for this Texas cowboy water is a highball glass. This is the type of glass that you would typically use for a mixed drink. It is tall and skinny and holds about 12 ounces. You could also use a mason jar or any type of cup that you have on hand. If you want to get fancy, you could even use a copper mug.

Cowboy Water Variations

There are a few different ways that you can change up this ranch water recipe. If you want a sweeter drink, you can add in some simple syrup or agave. You could also add in a splash of orange liqueur, orange juice or grapefruit juice for a little bit of sweetness. You could also add is smashed fruit.

For a saltier rim, you can use margarita salt instead of regular salt.

You could also Rim the glass with Tajin for a little bit of spice.

If you want a stronger drink, you can add in some aged tequila. This will give the drink a more robust flavor.

Is This a Skinny Cocktail

Most alcoholic drinks are loaded with sugary additives that make it hard to enjoy when you are trying to watch your carbs, and your points. This is a drink that falls into a low carb, low calorie diet and Weight Watchers friendly category. There is no added sugar to the recipe, tequila has 0 carbs and 0 sugar in it. The only carbs added to this drink is from the fresh lime juice. Since the other ingredient is water, this is a drink you can enjoy without the guilt. in moderation, of course.

This drink comes in at 5 points on my WW plan.

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Tips and Tricks for Making Texas Ranch Water Cocktail

You can use any flavor of tequila. 

Make sure the Topo Chico is chilled for best results. 

Use the good ice cubes for this cocktail!

This summer cocktail tastes similar to a margarita. Feel free to also add in some strawberries! 

You could also garnish the rim of the glass with some margarita salt to give it extra flair. 

They also have Topo Chico Touch of Lime. You could use that instead of the regular. 

This cocktail will also be perfect on Taco Tuesday night! Enjoy my favorite taco recipes: Barbacoa Tacos, The Best Blackened Fish Tacos or even Easy Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients

Get the full list of ingredients, with measurements, and step-by-step instructions at the bottom of the post in the printable recipe card.

• Topo Chico, chilled (this is crucial) half a bottle per glass
• Tequila
• Fresh lime
• Ice

How to make a Texas Ranch Water Margarita

Fill your favorite glass with ice. 

Pour in the tequila.

Squeeze in the lime juice.  

Slowly add in the Topo Chico and then stir gently and watch the bubbles. 

Add your lime wedge.  

Enjoy!