Want to learn how to make a Texas Ranch Water? All you need is ice, tequila, lime and sparkling water. That's it! This might just be one of the easiest summer drinks we've ever made! Keep reading and I'll show you how.
The Story Behind Ranch Water
Some drinks just hit different on a hot day, and Ranch Water is one of them. It’s the kind of no-fuss cocktail that feels right at home on the porch after a long afternoon working outside. The first time I had one, I remember thinking, this is what summer is supposed to taste like—light, crisp, not too sweet, and dangerously easy to sip.
Ranch Water has Texas roots, but it fits just as well here on our Kansas homestead. It’s what I reach for when we’ve spent the day sweating in the garden or in the kitchen with my pressure canner, and the thought of a heavy, sugary drink sounds just awful.
Three simple ingredients—tequila, lime, and Topo Chico—come together to make something that’s somehow greater than the sum of its parts. Add a salted rim if you’re feeling fancy, or just pour and enjoy. Either way, it’s the perfect way to cool off and unwind.
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Why This Recipe Works
Whether you’re winding down after a long day in the garden or just want something light and bubbly, Ranch Water is the perfect drink. This tequila cocktail is crisp, refreshing, and won’t leave you feeling weighed down like some cocktails do.
The magic is in the balance—bright, tangy lime, smooth tequila with just a hint of earthiness, and that perfect effervescent fizz. Think of it like a margarita that ditched the sugar and went on a refreshment spree. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s exactly what you want on a hot day.
Ingredients
- Tequila | my favorite tequila brands are silver or blanco or any aged tequila
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Sparkling water | I love an ultra bubbly Topo Chico or regular club soda
- Optional: Salt for rimming the glass and garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Dip the rim of a glass in lime juice and then salt. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Add a shot of tequila, two if you are feeling a little extra!
Top it off with sparkling water. The amount will depend on the size of your glass.
Gently stir to mix the flavors.
Variations
Variations and Tips
Ranch Water is as simple as it gets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t mix things up. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Citrus Boost: Swap out half the lime juice for fresh grapefruit juice for a slightly sweeter, citrusy twist.
- A Little Heat: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the glass before adding your tequila for a subtle spicy kick. This isn't so spicy, though. For the best flavor, add a few slices of fresh jalepeno and a shake of spicy chili lime seasoning. Not too much, but this spicy ranch water recipe is addictive!
- Herbal Refresh: Drop in some fresh mint or basil for a light, garden-fresh spin.
- Smoky Touch: Use mezcal instead of tequila for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Salt or No Salt? A salted rim adds a little something extra, but if you want to keep it simple, just squeeze in your lime and go.
Pro Tip: Topo Chico is the gold standard for Ranch Water because of its intense carbonation—it stays bubbly longer than most sparkling waters. If you don’t have it, any high-quality sparkling mineral water will do, but you will notice the difference!
Top Tip
Now here's my top tip for making ranch waters- don't skimp on the sparkling water!
Another trick I use when drinking ranch waters in the summer heat is to use a full bottle of Topo Chico, especially if I am outside sweating in the sun at barbecue.
There are so many different ways to make this Texas ranch water drink, but it doesn't have to be complicated! Stick with this simple recipe and then after you've tried it once, decide what you think are the best results.
Whether you are sweet, sour, or spicy, a cocktail glass or a 12-ounce highball, this bubbly cocktail will be perfect for you!
FAQ
Texas Ranch Water is the ultimate thirst-quencher that's as Texan as a rodeo. It includes fresh lime, sparkling water and tequila.
Opt for a highball or Collins glass. Dip the rim in salt. Fill your glass to the brim with ice cubes. Add a shot of your preferred tequila into the glass. Squeeze the juice of a fresh lime directly into the glass. Finish your Texas Ranch Water by pouring sparkling water over the tequila and lime mixture. Stir and enjoy!
- lime
-tequila
-sparkling water
Yes and no. All carbonated waters begin to go flat after opening. If you want to make this ahead of time, I would slice and juice the limes, make a salt mixture for the rim and just put it in the refrigerator with the unopened sparkling water and tequila. When you are ready to serve, quickly pour the ingredients into glasses of ice!
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. For more delicious recipes from scratch and homesteading tips, follow me on instagram @NinnescahHomestead
Recipe
Texas Ranch Water
Equipment
- high ball glass or Collins glass
Ingredients
- 1 shot tequila
- 8 ounce Sparkling water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ice
Instructions
- Dip the rim in salt. Fill your glass to the brim with ice cubes.
- Add a shot of your preferred tequila into the glass.
- Squeeze the juice of a fresh lime directly into the glass.
- Give it a gentle stir with a long spoon or a cocktail stirrer to blend the flavors.
Notes
Variations for this ranch water recipe
Grapefruit
I love everything grapefruit when it comes to cocktails. To make a grapefruit ranch water, follow this easy ranch water recipe but instead of adding lime, add a shot of fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. If you like a little sweetness, you can always add a splash of orange liqueur or simple syrup to give it a more intense citrus flavor. Circle the rim of the a tall glass with a grapefruit slice and then dip with a mixture of sugar and coarse salt.Spicy
If sweet is good, then spicy is oo-la-la! Hang on to your stetson, let's give this classic ranch water cocktail a lip-tingling upgrade. One of my best friends is from Oklahoma, and how they make this drink in her home town is the HOT version! It's kind of addictive, so I'm giving you fair warning. You are going to make the texas ranch water cocktail just like the original, but instead of dipping the rim in salt, you are going to generously add spicy seasoning tajin rim. This isn't so spicy, though. This is just the beginning! For the best flavor, add a few slices of fresh jalepeno and a shake of spicy chili lime seasoning. Not too much, but this spicy ranch water recipe is addictive!Minty
This one is a little reminiscent of a mule. Dip the rim of the glass with lime and then coat in a salt/sugar mixture. In the bottom of the glass, muddle a few mint leaves with the crushed ice cubes. I like to add a slice of candied ginger as a garnish. This one can be served plain or add a splash of simple syrup to sweeten it up!Nutrition
Cheers to the summer, friend!
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Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these! Fresh margaritas made with tequila and lime, Salty Dogs made with fresh grapefruit juice, non-alcoholic kombucha mocktails.
Megan
I’m going to drink these allllll summer long! Light & refreshing.
Meg
Me too! I can't wait for garden walks with a ranch water in hand! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Denise
These are a new favorite summertime drink!
Melissa
Love these! Easy and low calorie.