Let's take a trip down to the Lone Star State to discover the vibrant flavors of Texas Ranch Water. Picture this: a refreshing concoction that combines the spirit of Texan ranches with a zingy citrus punch. It's the kind of drink that transports you to wide-open spaces, where cowboys roam and the sun beats down. Whether you're wandering around the garden on a sultry summer evening admiring your tomatoes, or simply craving a low calorie carbonated cocktail, this Texas Ranch Water recipe is about to become your go-to thirst quencher.
Texas Ranch Water is a refreshing tequila cocktail that brings together the mildly peppery flavor of tequila with fresh lime juice in a simple cocktail. Imagine a glass filled with ice, adorned with a rim of salt, and brimming with a tantalizing blend of tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, and effervescent sparkling water.
It's a zesty concoction that awakens the senses, offering a delightful balance of tangy citrus, subtle earthy undertones from the tequila, and a lively fizz that dances on your palate. The best way I can think of to describe it is a skinny margarita that skips on the sweet. It's refreshing on hot days when you want to have a little bit of booze but without all of the calories.
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Texas ranch water 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.
Step-by-step guide on how to prepare a perfect Texas Ranch Water
- Start with a glass filled with ice cubes.
- Add a shot of tequila.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice into the glass.
- Top it off with sparkling water.
- Stir gently to mix the flavors.
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.
Make your own famous Texas Ranch Water Recipe!
Easy, right? Now lets get to the fun part! This will be one of your new favorite summer cocktails because there are so many variations to this classic ranch water recipe. In my humble opinion, the simple ingredients of the original are the best ranch water recipe. But.... we can certainly dress up this original recipe with a different flavor!
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.
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!
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!
My top tip for making ranch waters!
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.
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 drink will be perfect for you!
Can ranch waters be made ahead of time?
Yes and no. One of the cornerstones of this recipe is the sparkling mineral water or Topo Chico. As we know, 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!
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 to showcase the vibrant colors and allow space for ice and garnishes. Dip the rim in salt. Fill your glass to the brim with ice cubes. This not only keeps your Texas Ranch Water chilled but also adds an extra touch of refreshment. Add a shot of your preferred tequila into the glass. Whether you like silver or blanco tequila, it's your call! Squeeze the juice of a fresh lime directly into the glass. This brings a tangy and citrusy punch that perfectly complements the tequila. Finish your Texas Ranch Water by pouring sparkling water over the tequila and lime mixture. The effervescent bubbles will add a delightful fizz and make the drink come alive. Give it a gentle stir with a long spoon or a cocktail stirrer to blend the flavors harmoniously.
- lime
-tequila
-sparkling water
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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- salty dog cocktail recipe
- Fresh margaritas
- HOW TO MAKE KOMBUCHA AT HOME
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!