We should warn you, agave ranch water just might become your favorite summer cocktail!
In honor of National Tequila Day—which is coming up on July 24th—we’re sharing our take on a modern tequila classic. Ranch water is a super-simple cocktail with only three basic ingredients: blanco tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico mineral water. No one knows for sure where the original recipe came from, but we’re excited to share our modest improvement, agave simple syrup. The beauty of blanco tequila is that it retains a lot of the pure essence of the agave plant it’s made from. Adding a little agave syrup punches up that agave flavor while also allowing you to make your ranch water the perfect amount of sweet!
Although we list exact measurements in this recipe, feel free to eyeball it. The cocktail is very forgiving, and practically any proportions you come up with will be delicious. Try leaving out the syrup at first, then gradually mixing it in to taste.
Agave Ranch Water
INGREDIENTS (Serves 1)
3 oz blanco tequila
1 lime for juice (plus more for garnish)
Topo Chico mineral water, chilled
Splash of agave syrup
DIRECTIONS
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice. Top off with mineral water and a small splash of syrup. Stir. Keep adding syrup to taste. Garnish with lime wedge or slice.
PRO TIPS
No need to buy a super-expensive brand of tequila for this drink; a mid-level tequila like Casamigos or Espolòn is perfect!
You can use any brand of mineral water, but Topo Chico really is excellent in ranch water.
If you want more of a margarita vibe, rim your glass with Tajin before you add ice.
To kick up the heat, muddle a slice or two of jalapeño in your glass before adding the ice.
Salud!