Ranch Water Recipe

A Bit More on Ranch Water

While it doesn’t completely feel like a cocktail thanks to just how ridiculously simple this recipe is, Ranch Water is, in fact a cocktail. Well, as much of a cocktail as a Gin and Tonic, Vodka Tonic, or a Cuba Libre. And if you can’t call Ranch Water a cocktail, you can’t call a Martini a cocktail because this actually has more ingredients…

All that being said, Ranch Water is pretty up front and easy. Just chuck some Tequila and Lime Juice into Soda Water and you’ve got yourself a nice refreshing drink. Although the “proper” recipe calls for Tequila Blanco, this recipe also goes well with any other kind of Tequila or, if you’re interested in something a little smokier and quite interesting, try it with Mezcal as well. It’s a simple cocktail yes, but it’s actually quite versatile!

What’s more is that the taste of the Tequila isn’t too diluted by the water and Lime Juice, so the flavour really comes through. Although if you’re looking to sample a few different Tequilas, you’re probably better off trying the Tequila neat, it’s still amazing how different this drink can be with different varieties and brands of Tequilas, so feel free to give it a go.

Is it easy enough to make more than one Ranch Water at once?

Yes it is. Although you’re usually making the Ranch Water in a glass, you can easily make it in a mixing glass or jug. Ranch Water is just three easy ingredients, so mixing them all together, in any container, is pretty easy. Now you can have a whole batch to share with friends!

Will making some Ranch Water to serve later work?

Unfortunately no. Since you’re using Sparkling Water in this recipe, if you make your Ranch Water too far before wanting to drink, you’re going to wind up with a flat cocktail! Thankfully this is a quick and easy enough cocktail to make in real time.

Is there an ideal time to drink a Ranch Water?

We always like drinking Tequila in relatively arid weather. Anything with Tequila in it goes well in a nice dry heat. And Ranch Water is no exception. In fact, it’s possibly one of the best Tequila based cocktails for a hot and dry day. There’s just enough Sparkling Water in there to quench the thirst while the Tequila and Lime Juice is extremely refreshing. The cocktail isn’t overly sour because the amount of Lime Juice is actually quite minimal and diluted just enough with the other ingredients. But, it’s also just sour enough that it’s not just a Tequila and Soda. Sorry to gush so much about the Ranch Water, but we here at What Cocktail Can I Make love something simple and tasty.

Like so many cocktails like this, Ranch Water doesn’t really have much of a story about it. As mentioned, it was created by Texas ranchers as an easy refresher after a long day. It’s a drink created out of necessity. And, like the ranchers who created it, enjoy a Ranch Water after a long hot day in the sun.

Is the Ranch Water a strong cocktail?

Despite this being a pretty basic Tequila cocktail, it’s actually not terribly strong. It’s not a weak cocktail either though, it’s just about average. All in all, Ranch Water wasn’t designed to be a cocktail to get you really drunk. It’s a cocktail that was made to take the edge off and relax with. Yes, of course if you have a few of these things you’ll have a decent buzz going, but that’s not really the intention. So, of course enjoy a Ranch Water or two, just enjoy responsibly.

What kind of music goes best if you’re drinking a Ranch Water?

This is the type of drink meant for old Western movies and the music that goes with them. Although invented by ranchers, Ranch Water also seems like the type of drink some grizzled outlaw in a Western movie would drink in some saloon in a dusty town just before a shoot out occurs.

So if you want to get in a similar mood, why not whip up one of these and put on the soundtrack to your favourite Western. Let the tension build while you sip away. Even better, if it’s a hot day, invite a friend over and have a fake shoot out with water guns. Then you’ll feel like a real cowboy!

Keep reading for more cocktail recipes

Below we’ve linked to some areas of our website that we think you’ll enjoy. Take a look!

All Tequila cocktail recipes: if you’re digging the Ranch Water, perhaps you’ll like the other cocktail recipes that feature Tequila.

All three ingredient cocktail recipes: also check out our simple cocktail section. Every recipe is three ingredients or fewer.