Made with tequila, Topo Chico, lime juice, and (optional) simple syrup, this Ranch Water Cocktail is a light and refreshing tequila cocktail that’s perfect for summer.
More tequila cocktails to enjoy include our Paloma and Jalapeno Margarita.
Easy Ranch Water Cocktail Recipe
If you love a good tequila cocktail, this ranch water cocktail has your number! It’s light, refreshing, and comes together in just seconds.
Tequila drinkers are pretty familiar with the classic tequila sunrise and strawberry margarita, but this one is something different. It’s not super sweet or fruity – the flavor comes from the fresh lime juice and the tequila – and it’s just so perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Why You’ll Love This Tequila Cocktail
Never had a ranch water cocktail before? Here are a few reasons why it’s going to become your new go-to cocktail.
- Only 3 ingredients. This tequila cocktail is made with just 3 ingredients, plus simple syrup if you choose to add it.
- Ready in seconds. There’s no shaking or blending required. Just pour everything into the glass over ice and enjoy!
- Ideal for parties. Since this cocktail is so easy to make, it’s perfect for serving a crowd. Make-ahead instructions are included below.
What Is a Ranch Water Cocktail?
Ranch water is a popular cocktail that is said to have originated on a Texas ranch. It’s a simple tequila cocktail, made with Topo Chico, tequila blanco, and lime juice.
Cool, refreshing, and bubbly, it’s the perfect drink for summer!
Ingredients Needed
This easy tequila cocktail is made with just 3 ingredients, plus an optional 4th.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Ice
- Tequila – See notes below.
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice is key!
- Simple syrup – The simple syrup gives the drink a little sweetness and balances the other ingredients, but this cocktail can be enjoyed with or without it. Without the simple syrup it makes for an amazingly refreshing low carb cocktail. You can also add your favorite artificial sweetener or use agave syrup.
- Topo chico – Sparkling mineral water will also work.
What Is Topo Chico?
Topo Chico is a brand of sparkling mineral water that’s produced in Mexico. It became quite popular in Texas and other states and people have become quite obsessed with it, saying it tastes better than all other sparkling waters and the bubbles last longer.
Whether or not that’s true, Topo Chico is what you’ll find in authentic ranch water cocktails – but if you have a favorite sparkling mineral water, you can easily swap it out.
What Is The Best Tequila for a Ranch Water Drink?
Ranch water cocktails are typically made with silver tequila (aka tequila blanco). It’s clear, so it doesn’t change the color of the drink, and has a more mild flavor than aged tequila.
I recommend grabbing a decent bottle for this cocktail, not the cheapest one you can find. Since there are so few ingredients, the quality of the tequila definitely matters.
How to Make a Ranch Water Cocktail
The best part about this cocktail? It comes together in just a few seconds.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Pour the ingredients over ice. Add ice to a tall glass, then pour in the tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Finish with Topo Chico.
- Enjoy. Stir the ingredients then add a lime garnish and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Here are a few tips and fun variations to make this ranch water cocktail your own.
- Try flavored sparkling water. Mix up the flavors of this drink and use your favorite flavored sparkling water.
- Serving options. You can stir the ingredients together before adding the sparkling water and add it as a floating topper to the cocktail. Or, you can stir all the ingredients together at once. Totally up to your personal preference.
- Add some muddled berries. This would also be fantastic with some muddled berries such as fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Add a few berries to the bottom of the glass and muddle. Then, add ice and continue with the rest of the steps.
Can I Make This For a Crowd?
Absolutely, this ranch water cocktail is perfect for a crowd. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead cocktail for a party. Just add the same ratio of tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup for the number of servings you want into a punch bowl or pitcher. Chill, pour over ice, and top with sparkling mineral water to serve.
More Easy Summer Cocktail Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Ranch Water Cocktail
Ingredients
- Ice
- 3 ounces silver tequila
- 1 & 1/2 ounces lime juice , fresh squeezed
- 1 ounce simple syrup or agave syrup , optional
- Topo Chico (or sparkling mineral water)
- lime , for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a tall glass.
- Pour in the tequila, lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and top with Topo Chico.
- Gently stir to combine and add a lime for garnish.
