Food Recipes How to Make Ranch Water, Plus How to Upgrade and Serve It You probably already have all the ingredients to make this low-sugar cocktail. By Samantha Leffler Samantha Leffler Samantha is the senior food editor at RealSimple and previously launched the US Weekly food vertical, where she wrote about the intersection of food and pop culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 16, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Overview Recipe Variations Ways to Serve FAQs It's hard to improve on a margarita, but ranch water is what many margarita fans are switching to, embracing a lightened-up version. Ranch water has reportedly been around for decades but has seen gains in nationwide popularity of late. It's touted as a healthier alternative to a classic margarita, and it doesn't skimp on taste yet manages to provide a satisfying buzz. Here, learn exactly what ranch water is, how to make this delightful drink, ways to customize it, and the best ways to serve it. DEBBY LEWIS-HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES What Is Ranch Water? Ranch Water is rumored to be the brainchild of a rancher in West Texas, who invented it in the 1960s. In its present form, this pleasantly uncomplicated drink is made with just three ingredients: tequila, plenty of fresh lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. It's considered a highball—rather than a cocktail—because it has just one spirit (tequila). While some say any carbonated water, club soda, or seltzer will do, true ranch water aficionados claim that Topo Chico sparkling mineral water—a Mexican brand manufactured under the Coca-Cola umbrella—is key to making ranch water so deliciously refreshing. More carbonated than your average seltzer, Topo Chico's extra bubbliness gives Ranch Water a superior mouthfeel without overpowering and, along with the tequila, helps highlight the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh lime juice. Ranch Water vs. a Margarita Comparisons between ranch water and a margarita are inevitable. Both feature Blanco tequila, have origins in Tex-Mex culture, and are best enjoyed ice cold on a hot day. Unlike a margarita, authentic ranch water doesn't have orange liqueur (like Cointreau) or added sweeteners. Fans say this is part of what makes the drink so refreshing and less sugary. How to Make Ranch Water Here's how to make one serving of this easy drink, plus some variations on the theme. What You Need Ice3 ounces Blanco tequila1½ ounces fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)Topo Chico sparkling mineral water, chilledLime wedge (for garnish) Steps Place ice in a glass and pour in Blanco tequila.Add lime juice.Top with as much Topo Chico as you'd like, and stir.Garnish with a lime wedge. Ranch Water Variations We found a 2:1 ratio of tequila to fresh lime juice works best, but since ranch water only requires three ingredients, feel free to adjust the proportions as you'd like: For a stronger drink, add a bit more tequila or go easy on the Topo Chico. For more tartness, add another squeeze of lime juice. For a more sugary cocktail, add a little simple syrup or a sweet liqueur like Grand Marnier. Once you have ranch water basics down, feel free to experiment a bit. Here are some options: Use one of Topo Chico's flavored varieties, such as Twist of Grapefruit or Twist of Tangerine. Toss some fresh, seasonal fruit in your cocktail, like raspberries, for a touch of sweetness. For a Vodka Ranch Water, replace the tequila with vodka. Stir in a splash of tart grapefruit juice for an extra citrusy punch. If you prefer a little heat, muddle a couple of jalapeño slices at the bottom of the glass. As with a margarita, garnish the rim of the glass with a tasty flavored salt, like a red chile or chili-lime salt. Swap out the tequila for mezcal, which is known for its smoky notes. For a spin on citrus flavor, switch the lime garnish with a lemon wedge or orange twist. Add more refreshment by adding a few crisp cucumber slices and a sprig of fresh mint. Take ranch water to the tropics by infusing it with diced pineapple. How to Serve Ranch Water The perfect recipe is a big factor for concocting the perfect drink, but how, when, where, and with what you serve it is important, too. Since ranch water is technically a highball, a highball glass (at least a 12-ounce one) is a good vessel to start with. That said, ranch water is a very unfussy drink, one that no thirsty Texas rancher would turn down no matter what size or shape of glassware it's served in. What's a Highball Glass? A highball glass is tall and slender, generally holding 8 to 16 ounces, with a straight or slightly curved shape. It usually holds alcoholic drinks with ice and mixers. Host a Crowd Ranch water is a smart, super-easy option for hosting a crowd, but it's best not to add the mineral water in a big batch. Instead, prepare a pitcher of 2 parts tequila and 1 part lime juice, and then refrigerate. To serve on demand, pour 4½ ounces of the mixture into a glass of ice and then top off with chilled Top Chico. Pair With Tex-Mex At 3 ounces of tequila per drink, ranch water can be considered a relatively strong cocktail, so it’s best served with food, and anything Tex-Mex is a natural pairing. At the very least, offer up Ranch Water with chips and homemade guac or salsa, Maximize its Refreshment Quotient Invented as an antidote to the hot, dry plains of West Texas, ranch water was born to refresh, so the hotter the weather, the better it tastes. Cinco de Mayo marks the perfect kickoff to ranch water season, and any outdoor venue provides the perfect backdrop for optimum enjoyment. Frequently Asked Questions Why is it called Ranch Water? No one knows how the term "Ranch Water" came about for sure. Some have speculated it was derived from “branch water,” which referred to the branch (or stream) of water that fed whiskey distilleries in the South. Another theory supposes that ranch water got its name because it was invented on a ranch. Is ranch water less likely to give you a hangover than a margarita? Ranch water's hangover potential depends on how much tequila you use: The more alcohol, the more likely you are to experience a hangover. That said, ranch water is less sweet than a typical margarita, which causes some to be less likely to drink as much of it. Can you order ranch water at a bar or restaurant? Ordering ranch water at a bar or restaurant can be hit or miss. If you're in Texas, you're likely to hit, especially in Austin or San Antonio. In most other states, commit the simple recipe to memory and be prepared to recite it to your bartender.You may have better luck finding ranch water sold in cans or bottles at your grocer's or bottle shop. Topo Chico (target.com) and Lone River (target.com) are among the most popular brands. The consensus is that store-bought ranch water isn't nearly as refreshing as when made fresh, though. Is ranch water healthy? If any alcoholic drink can be considered healthy, ranch water is on that list. Here are a few advantages ranch water has health-wise:Tequila has less sugar and calories than similar liquors, making it a relatively healthy alcoholic option, and Blanco tequila has the fewest calories among other types of tequila.Naturally carbonated mineral water includes magnesium, which can help lower blood pressure, and calcium, which promotes bone health, maintains cardiovascular function, and aids in weight management.The vitamin C from lime juice helps lower blood pressure and boost immunity.While the combination of sugar and carbonation may lead to dental decay, sugar-free ranch water seems to pose little risk to dental health. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. 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