Texas Ranch Water Is Your Perfect Summer Cocktail

Texas Ranch Water is undeniably your perfect summer cocktail. This oh-so refreshing drink is lighter and less sugary than other typical summer cocktails. Texas Ranch Water’s simple ingredients are low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a guilt-free summer cocktail that you can whip up in a flash. It’s perfect for dinner parties, on the beach, by the lake or on a boat. But beware on a hot day … you may not realize how many you are consuming!

What Is Texas Ranch Water?

Texas Ranch Water is a popular cocktail, particularly in the southwestern United States. Spend time in Texas and you will find it on all the drink menus. Everyone knows this cocktail by name. Yet, it is a strikingly simple cocktail that typically consists of just three ingredients: white tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico. In addition to its refreshing taste, the allure of this drink lies in the the lore surrounding this cocktail.

The origins of Texas Ranch Water are often debated. Some say ranchers created this drink in the earlier days after a long day in the sun. They needed a drink to quench their thirst, but wanted an added kicker. Other rumors go to Rancher Alfred Gage, who is said to have created and offered the cocktail in the 1960s at his well known hotel bar. Others credit Kevin Williamson at Ranch 616 for perfecting it. Regardless of its true origins, it is a refreshing cocktail that you will enjoy again and again.

On a recent visit to Austin, Texas, I discovered that my go-to drink for years is actually called Texas Ranch Water! The bartender asked if he could prepare a local drink for me — Texas Ranch Water — and when I gave it a try, it tasted oh-so familiar! Only one slight difference existed, which gave it the extra oomph I have been waiting for.

To make Texas Ranch Water, start by filling a tall glass with ice. Add 2 oz. of tequila blanco, followed by the juice of half a lime. Top it off with Topo Chico, and stir to combine! Topo Chico was indeed the new twist I had been waiting for all along!

Topo Chico v. Regular Sparkling Water

What is Topo Chico? Topo Chico is a brand of sparkling mineral water that comes from a natural source in Monterrey, Mexico. The difference between Topo Chico and regular sparkling water is that Topo Chico is a mineral water, containing natural minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Regular sparkling water, on the other hand, is typically made from purified water that has been carbonated. Legend has it that an Aztec princess was cured from disease after drinking this nutrient-rich mineral water. However, most people choose Topo Chico simply for the taste over conventional sparkling waters.

Because Topo Chico is a mineral water, it can have a slightly different taste and mouthfeel compared to regular sparkling water. It has more intense carbonation over regular sparking waters, most likely attributed to the water’s natural mineral composition. This creates a sharper, more effervescent sensation in the mouth. Interestingly, some feel it also has a slightly salty taste from the natural minerals in the water. The glass bottle packaging contributes to a fresher, sparkling water taste over other waters in plastic bottles or cans.

The good news is Texas Ranch Water can be made using regular sparkling water if you don’t have Topo Chico on hand. It is a super simple recipe, with ingredients you most likely have at home.

What Kind of Tequila Works Best?

This Texas Ranch Water recipe calls for tequila blanco, which is the classic way of making this drink. I personally prefer the taste of tequila blanco, as it is lighter in flavor. My favorite tequila is Casamigos Tequila 100% Azul Agave Azul. Founders George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman started Casamigos in 2013, with an organic approach to making tequila using 100% blue weber agave from Mexico. The company was later acquired by spirits company Diageo, but the three founders are still involved in its leadership. It is super smooth and swirls nicely in your mouth, whether you enjoy it on the rocks or in a cocktail. Patron Silver is another great choice and more readily available — also made with blue weber agave.

Texas Ranch Water Is Low In Calories and Carbs

Texas Ranch Water is lower in calories and carbs, making it a perfect summer drink. It contains only three ingredients — tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico/sparkling mineral water. This makes it one of the lightest mixed cocktail calorie-wise that you can consume. Here is an estimated calorie breakdown for this recipe:

• 1.5 oz tequila: approximately 97 calories
• 0.5 oz lime juice: approximately 8 calories
• 6 oz Topo Chico sparkling mineral water: 0 calories

Total estimated calories in Texas Ranch Water equals only 105 calories! Of course, calorie counts may vary depending on the specific brand of tequila and mineral water used, as well as the serving size. For a little extra sweetness, you can add a little agave or simple syrup. But this obviously increases the number of calories. Remember, less is more with this cocktail and it tastes perfect with only the three main ingredients. For extra lime flavor, top off your Texas Ranch Water with some lime zest, adding only 3 more calories!

Sip on Texas Ranch Water This Summer

You can see how Texas Ranch Water is your perfect go-to summer cocktail! Its simple ingredients are always on hand, so you can whip it up in mere minutes. Sip away on Texas Ranch Water instead of sugary, frozen cocktails and feel better. You will revel in the fact that you are consuming less calories, less carbs, and less sugar but not sacrificing taste! Cheers!