The Ranch Water cocktail is a drink built with tequila, lime juice, and sparkling water!
Ranch Water Cocktail Info
The unofficial cocktail in Texas is surprisingly easy. The Ranch Water, a West Texas favorite, is a simple mixture of Blanco Tequila, lime juice, and sparkling water (Topo Chico).
There are many legends about the drink's origins. The most common theory is that West Texas ranchers created the thirst-quenching concoction. They would drink Topo Chico, add a shot of tequila and squeeze a lime into the mineral water, and boom! The Ranch Water cocktail was born. Ranch 616 in Austin is the one that claims Ranch Water's name. Kevin Williamson, chef-owner, said Ranch Water was on the opening menu at the bar in 1998. He was so confident in his story that he applied for a trademark.
It is possible to wonder what makes this Lone Star classic unique from the basic Tequila Soda. Ranch 616 and White Buffalo Bar add orange liqueur to make the drink sweeter. It nearly becomes a Margarita in mixed like that.
Ranch Water, once a niche product, has become a mainstream success. National chains such as Buffalo Wild Wings and On the Border have added Ranch Water versions to their menus. Many companies have also developed hard seltzer canned versions. Many of these seltzers use malt liquor instead of tequila. It's easy to make the real deal with this three-ingredient recipe. You can choose your favorite blanco Tequila, and if you want to explore flavors, you could add some orange liqueur like Cointreau to make it more fun. You can substitute Topo Chico for regular sparkling mineral water or club soda if you don't have Topo Chico.
Ranch Water
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Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Add ice to your highball glass.
- Add the lime and tequila.
- Add sparkling water.
- Serve!