3 Ingredient Ranch Water Cocktail – earthy with sweet undertones, this top-shelf tequila cocktail recipe is paired with bubbly carbonated water and vibrant, citrusy lime. It is sure to awaken your taste buds – making this ranch water cocktail the perfect addition to any summer get-together.
Ranch Water Cocktail
If you are looking for a refreshing tequila drink to enjoy on warm summer days, look no further than this 3 ingredient ranch water cocktail. It’s vibrant, crisp, and refreshing, making it a crowd favorite.
The best part about this recipe is that it only requires three ingredients – it is super simple, and it’s ready in minutes.
All you need is a lime, some good quality 100% agave silver or gold tequila, and mineral or seltzer water (or club soda).
Why you’ll love this Ranch Water Cocktail Recipe
- It’s light and refreshing – perfect for warm summer days…but also good any time of year.
- It only requires three budget-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for large get-togethers.
- It’s easy to make and ready in minutes!
- It tastes better than canned seltzer drinks!
Equipment you’ll need to make this tequila based cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Ranch Water Cocktail
Below is a list of ingredients you’ll need as well as possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the recipe card.
Tequila – Use a high quality reposado tequila for the best smooth, flavor. You can also use vodka if that is your preference.
Lime – You’ll use both the juice of a lime as well as lime slices/wedge to garnish the drink.
Carbonated Water – Use your favorite carbonated/sparkling/mineral water. Topo Chico or Perrier are good options. Club soda will also work.
How To Make This Easy Ranch Water Cocktail At Home
This cocktail is so easy, it hardly needs steps, but here we go.
STEP ONE: To a tall glass, add ice and two shots of tequila. Add one shot of fresh lime juice. Top the glass off with carbonated water. Give it a stir. Slide in some fresh lime slices and garnish with a lime wedge.
Done!
What To Pair With Your Tequila, Seltzer Water & Lime Cocktail
If you will be serving this tequila cocktail as the main drink at a party and need some food ideas to go along with it, I’ve got you covered! I am going to stick to a Mexican-themed meal plan, but this ranch water cocktail would pair well with traditional backyard bbq as well!
Appetizers
This cocktail goes amazingly well with my Chicken Fajita Dip, Homemade Salsa, or Easy Taco Dip paired with the most amazing homemade tortilla chips.
Main Course
If you want to keep the tequila lime theme going, these Chicken Lime Tequila Fajitas go along perfectly with this cocktail. You can also opt to do something in the oven like enchiladas.
Dessert
Finish off with something fresh like a super easy fresh strawberry shortcake cake, sugar cookie fruit pizza, or even a berry topped mini cheesecake!
Ranch Water Cocktail FAQs
Why do they call it Ranch Water?
With origins in the south, many assume Ranch Water got its name from cowboys that needed to stay hydrated…while also enjoying tequila. The Washington Post has more history and theories.
Which type of mineral water should I use?
Topo Chico is the gold standard for ranch water, but I used Perrier here. Any sparkling/seltzer water will work.
Can I use flavored mineral water instead of plain?
Yes! Both Topo Chico and Perrier come in a “touch of time” variety as well as a few others. Feel free to switch it up.
What kind of tequila should I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of 100% agave silver or gold tequila in this recipe. I used Lobos but Casamigos is another good option.
Can I make this recipe with vodka instead of tequila?
Yes! If you prefer to make this drink with vodka instead of tequila, that is totally okay. You’ll use a 1:1 ratio when replacing the tequila.
How many shots should I use in this recipe?
The number of shots you use in this recipe will depend on how strong you want your drink to be and how tall you’re pouring. I typically use two shots of tequila in this recipe but feel free to adjust as needed.
Is there a substitute for seltzer water I can use?
You can use club soda, seltzer water, sparkling water, or mineral water for this recipe. Basically you just want some fizz to your drink. If you like sweet tequila drinks, you can, of course, make this with a lemon-lime-based soda.
Which type of glass should I use?
You’ll want a tall glass, specifically a highball or collins glass. A highball is a tall, skinny glass and a collins is even taller and holds a couple extra ounces.
Need more cocktail recipes? Try these:
Fuzzy Navel
Skinny Pineapple Coconut Cocktail
Berry Sangria
Christmas Morning Cocktail (good all year!)
Click here for my entire collection of drink recipes.
3 Ingredient Ranch Water Cocktail: Easy Tequila Drink
Ingredients
- 2 shots tequila
- 1 shot fresh lime juice
- carbonated water
- fresh lime slices & wedges
Instructions
- To a tall glass with ice, add two shots of tequila, one shot of fresh lime juice, and top with carbonated water. Slide in some fresh lime slices and garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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This is my go-to drink. I was introduced to it by a friend. It’s an easy drink to water down with club soda and keep on drinking so I can self-monitor my alcohol intake. I love the flavor of a good silver tequila, and this drink is refreshing and lets the tequila shine. It’s great for sensitive tummies and weight maintenance, as there are no added-sugars or any of the miscellaneous additives a bartender might use in a margarita or other mixed drink. I cannot believe it took me so many decades to discover ranch water! And thank you for this recipe. 🙂
Sometimes simple is best, huh? 🙂