Ranch Water

A round of Ranch Waters, please!

Ranch Water is many folks' go-to cocktail these days, including Ree Drummond. Why? Well, it's easy, delicious, and lighter on calories than other alcoholic options out there. Plus, it's bubbly, citrusy, and so refreshing on a hot day! What's not love?

Ree first learned about her new favorite grown-up beverage during her journey to lose weight and get healthier. Her pal Eddie Jackson introduced her to the recipe, and since then she's been opting for Ranch Waters over red wine or frozen cocktails because they're less caloric and sugary. Plus, the drink is topped off with mineral water, so she can tell herself she's hydrating. Ha! 

Ree's daughter Alex soon discovered how delightful a Ranch Water is on a hot summer day, too. (She even demonstrated how to make some on Instagram Live!) Alex calls it "the easiest thing in the world" and she's not wrong. It only takes three ingredients! Serve them for a casual happy hour with homemade tortilla chips, salsa, and guacamole or make a round for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta filled with a spread of Mexican food. Keep reading for a little more info on Ranch Water, and to find out how to mix one up for yourself.

Why is it called Ranch Water and where did it originate?

It's unclear exactly why it's called Ranch Water, but there doesn't seem to be much debate about where the cocktail came from: Texas! PunchDrink.com suggests Ranch Waters were first made by a rancher in the '60s, and gradually became more and more popular by word of mouth. Now, they have spots on menus in many bars and restaurants around the country—there are even canned versions out there!

So, what exactly is Ranch Water made of?

This three-ingredient wonder is made of tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. You can choose any brand of tequila or sparkling water, though the Drummonds like Casamigos and Topo Chico, respectively. While any sparkling water can be used, Ree insists that Topo Chico in a glass bottle is the very best (and most sparkly.) You can also use fresh or bottled lime juice. Ree goes for half of a fresh-squeezed lime in her drink, sometimes more, while Alex prefers the bottled version. "I like the bottled lime juice, I'm kind of weird," she says. "I just think the flavor is better."

Alex's final suggestion? Topping it off with a fun bendy straw.

Can you make multiple Ranch Waters at once?

Sure, but if you're trying to make ranch waters for a crowd, just set out the ingredients and let everyone make their own! This simple cocktail is plenty easy to eyeball, so no strict measuring is required. 

Can you customize a Ranch Water?

Sure! Stir in a splash of tart grapefruit juice for an extra citrus punch, or try using a flavored mineral water like Top Chico's Twist of Lime or Twist of Grapefruit flavors. You could even rim your glass in salt or kick things up a notch and use a chili-lime spice like Tajin instead.