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Home » Recipes » Drinks

By Joanie Zisk Published: Jun 7, 2022 · Updated: Jun 7, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Ranch Water - Three Ways

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a highball glass filled with ranch water next to a lime

A classic Ranch Water recipe including 2 variations; spicy and sweet. Easy to make and perfect to enjoy during the summer.

a glass of ranch water on a silver tray next to a half of a lime, topo chico, and tequila

Before moving to the mountains of North Carolina, I lived in Texas for over 20 years. In Houston, I first discovered Ranch Water - the refreshing West Texas cocktail that is so easy to make it almost isn't even a recipe.

Although I enjoy drinking classic Ranch Water, my daughters came up with two other versions of this cocktail which both add a different flavor to the drink. One is a little sweet, and the other is deliciously spicy.

What Is Ranch Water?

Texas Ranch Water is a simple, three-ingredient cocktail that's almost impossible to mess up. Reportedly, it has been around since the 1960s but has recently become popular because it is seen as a healthier alternative to a classic margarita.

This uncomplicated cocktail is made with just 3 ingredients - tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico mineral water. While some friends in Texas won't use any other type of sparkling water, I'll often use the kind I have on hand.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Ranch Water - 3 Ways: While I love sipping on a traditional Ranch Water, my daughters have come up with 2 spectacular versions of Ranch Water: in one, they've added pineapple juice to the lime juice, tequila, and sparkling water and in the other version, they've added fresh slices of jalapeños and coated the rim with Tajin, a chili/lime seasoning.
  • Low in calories and low in carbs: Think of Ranch Water as a Texas-style margarita without all the sugar.
  • A customizable recipe: You can alter the ingredient amounts to suit your taste or calorie goals.
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Ingredients

ranch water ingredients on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen

Ingredient Notes

  • Tequila: There isn't a specific brand of tequila that you need to use, but I recommend using a Blanco tequila (silver tequila) because of its crisp, clean taste. You could, however, use mezcal or reposado for a more tequila-forward flavor.
  • Lime juice: I like using fresh lime juice but you can use bottled lime juice instead.
  • Sparkling water: Traditionally, Topo Chico is used. This brand of mineral water is incredibly carbonated and the extra bubbles add something special to this refreshing drink. Even so, I will often use other brands of sparkling water like LaCroix or Bubly because I always keep those on hand.

How To Make Ranch Water

As mentioned, feel free to adjust the amounts of the ingredients to suit your tastes. This is how we make Ranch Water:

  1. Pour 2-ounces of tequila into a tall glass.
  2. Add ½-ounce lime juice.
  3. Fill the glass with ice.
  4. Pour in 4-ounces of Topo Chico.
  5. Stir and enjoy.
ranch water next to a bottle of tequila, limes, and sparkling water

Ranch Water Variations

  1. Pineapple Ranch Water: This pineapple tequila cocktail is slightly sweeter than the traditional version due to the pineapple juice. Here's what you need:
    • 2-ounces of tequila
    • ½-ounce lime juice
    • 2-ounces pineapple juice
    • Ice
    • 4-ounces Topo Chico
ranch water with pineapple in a glass next to a bowl of sliced pineapples
  1. Spicy Ranch Water: Traditional Ranch Water but with a Texas kick! Here's what you need:
    • 2-ounces tequila
    • ½-ounce lime juice
    • 3 slices of jalapeños (or more to taste)
    • Ice
    • 4-ounces Topo Chico
    • Tajin (a Mexican chili/lime blend) for garnishing the rim of your cocktail glass.

Pro Tips: To rim your cocktail glass in Tajin or another spicy seasoning, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and then dip the glass in a shallow plate of the seasoning.

Leave in the seeds and muddle the jalapeños in the glass for extra flavor and spice.

spicy ranch water next to a bottle of tajin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can This Recipe Be Doubled Or Tripled?

Absolutely! Just double or triple the ingredient amounts to make extra cocktails.

What Is Topo Chico And Do I Have To Use It?

Topo Chico is sparkling mineral water from Mexico. It is traditionally used in Ranch Water cocktails. Topo Chico is extra-carbonated which makes it super bubbly and fizzy.
You can certainly use any sparkling mineral water that you have on hand.

What Glassware Should I Use For Ranch Water?

While you technically don't need to use a special glass for the Ranch Water cocktail, I like using a tall highball glass or a collins glass.

Is Ranch Water Gluten Free?

Yes! Ranch Water is gluten-free and low in sugar, carbs, and calories.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips for making the very best Ranch Water:

  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice in your cocktail for the very best flavor.
  • If you'd like to add a little sweetness, add a small amount of agave, to taste.
  • Topo Chico has a few flavored varieties of sparkling mineral water. You might like to consider using their grapefruit, tangerine, or lime flavors for an extra twist.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of any ingredient to suit your tastes.

Got Extra Limes?

If you have any fresh limes leftover from this easy Ranch Water recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

  • Key Lime Pie
  • Shrimp Tacos
  • Carne Asada
  • Margarita

Serving Suggestions

This fresh tart lime tequila cocktail is refreshing on its own, but we love to enjoy it with these delicious dishes too:

  • Guacamole
  • Tortilla chips
  • Chicken Fajitas
  • Queso
  • Nachos

If you’ve tried this Ranch Water recipe or any of the variations please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

a highball glass filled with ranch water next to a lime

Ranch Water - 3 Ways

A classic Ranch Water recipe including 2 variations; spicy and sweet. Easy to make and perfect to enjoy during the summer.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 132kcal
Author: Joanie Zisk

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces tequila
  • ½ ounce lime juice
  • ice
  • 4 ounces Topo Chico Mineral Water , or use another brand of sparkling water
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Pour the tequila into a tall glass.
  • Add lime juice.
  • Fill the glass with ice.
  • Pour in Topo Chico.
  • Stir and enjoy.

Notes

To Make Pineapple Ranch Water: Add 2-ounces of pineapple juice
To Make Spicy Ranch Water: Add 3 slices of jalapeños (or more to taste).
Expert Tips
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice in your cocktail for the very best flavor.
  • If you'd like to add a little sweetness, add a small amount of agave, to taste.
  • Topo Chico has a few flavored varieties of sparkling mineral water. You might like to consider using their grapefruit, tangerine, or lime flavors for an extra twist.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of any ingredient to suit your tastes.
Nutrition Facts
Ranch Water - 3 Ways
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 132 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 18mg1%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 7IU0%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 2mg0%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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