The original Ranch Water recipe has recently seen a surge in popularity outside of its native Texas. The original recipe, for those that don’t know, is simply tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico seltzer water. However, I was recently at the store and saw the new Topo Chico hard seltzer variety pack (I swear this isn’t a paid advertisement) and was inspired to make a little bit of an upscaled cocktail version of Ranch Water.
Now, originally the tequila used is a blanco. After all, the final drink is supposed to look like, well, water. However as I am using a hard seltzer anyways, I decided the color doesn’t matter so much. Enter, a drink that looks more like ginger beer than water.
Ranch Water Reimagined Ingredients
- 50 ml Tequila. I used an Anejo I picked up on a trip to Mexico, but you can use whatever type you prefer.
- 20 ml Lime Juice, freshly squeezed.
- 4-5 dashes Orange Bitters
- 80 ml Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Exotic Pineapple. There are other flavors so feel free to mix and match and try new things!
- 15 ml Agave Syrup, to balance the sweetness.
Making The Cocktail
In a Collin’s glass fill with ice cubes. Then pour in the tequila, lime juice, bitters, and syrup. Give a stir and top up with the hard seltzer. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel and enjoy poolside for maximum effect. Or a ranch, but I guess that’s less relaxing albeit more authentic.
Ranch Water Notes
- Remember, this is my cocktail version of the original Ranch Water, which in my opinion is more of just a mixed drink. If you’re following this recipe, don’t expect the generic version.
- The agave syrup is optional. I like it because every ingredient sans lime juice is alcoholic, so the sweetness balances the alcohol.
Ranch Water Reimagined
Equipment
- glass
Ingredients
- 50 ml Tequila I used Anejo but feel free to use your favorite
- 20 ml Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 5 dashes Orange Bitters
- 70 ml Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Exotic Pineapple
- 15 ml Agave Syrup
Instructions
- Fill a Collin's glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the tequila, lime juice, bitters, and syrup and give a stir. Top with the hard seltzer.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!
