Ranch Water – The Texas Cocktail for Summer

Ah, those lazy, hazy days of summer – when all you want to do is lounge around on an enclosed porch, or beat it to a covered pavilion, so you can enjoy the day but get out of the heat.  If you’re at this point of your day, and you discover you are parched and in need of refreshment, look no further than the featured cocktail of the summer: Ranch Water.

This tried-and-true mixed beverage has been around since at least the 1960s.  Texas ranch hands, retiring from their long, hot days of herding, branding, and tending cattle, longed for something to cool their thirsty throats, and plain water just didn’t cut it – they wanted a little bit more pizzazz.  Enter Ranch Water, a fizzy, cool Texas cocktail, comprised of Blanco (White) Tequila, fresh lime juice, and Topo Chico. 

It’s such a simple drink to make that after you include the three main ingredients, you can jazz it up to your own liking without losing the original flair of the beverage.  Add some chile-lime salt to the rim, grab some grapefruit-flavored Topo Chico, or toss some slices of fresh or pickled jalapeño in the bottom of the glass for and extra kick!  As for Alto, ask our friendly bartenders for this refreshing summer cocktail – they can make it any way you like!  (Also, if you’re looking for a stronger taste of delicious tequila, just say so – we’ll concoct your Ranch Water with one of our Reposado or Anejo Tequilas.

Here is the basic recipe for Ranch Water:
3 oz. of Blanco Tequila (appx. 2 shots)
1.5 oz. of fresh lime juice (appx. 1 shot)
Topo Chico, chilled
Fresh lime wedge for garnish