Meet your new favorite cocktail, the ranch water.

The house cocktail of a hot, balmy Texas summer is Ranch Water.

Texas Ranch Water is a simple, three-ingredient cocktail that is nearly impossible to mess up.

Texas Ranch Water - Southern Living

Credit:Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

Think of it as something like a skinnymargarita, but even easier.

So why is it called Ranch Water?

What Is Ranch Water Made Of?

Ranch Water ingredients

Credit:Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

The drink is easily modified to individual tasteand that’s part of its appeal.

Here’s a quick step by step:

Can You Make a Big Batch of Ranch Waters?

You sure can make ranch waters for a crowd, but you’ll need to be strategic.

topo chico and ranch water

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Stir together the tequila and lime juice in a pitcher, but don’t add the Topo Chico.

Salt or tajin on the rim or inside the drink are popular additions.

Punching up the drink with some added spice is a popular modification, too.

glass filled with ice

Credit:Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

“Cowgirls, Try adding a couple of pickled jalapeno slices,” suggests community member Cyoung27312.

“Yee haw!”

Add tequila and juice:

Add tequila and fresh lime juice to glass with ice.

tequila and lime juice in glass

Credit:Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

Add sparkling water:

Top with Topo Chico.

Add fresh lime wedge to the rim of the glass.

Just use a ratio of two parts tequila to one part fresh lime juice.

texas ranch water

Credit:Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

But people who prefer more of a tequila-y flavor might alsochoose to use mezcalor even reposado.

These tequilas are aged longer and have a stronger flavor.

Yes, some peopleespecially Texanswill say thatTopo Chicois a nonnegotiable in a Ranch Water recipe.

That’s because the sparkling water packs an extra-bubbly punch that adds sparkle to every sip.

But is it critical?

Remember, the breezy nature of the drink means that anything goes.

You might make your Ranch Water in a highball glass.

But it’s not critical; use whatever glass you have on hand.