Ranch Water Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

You don’t have to rope or wrangle any steers to enjoy a bright, refreshing Ranch Water cocktail.

“They grow ’em big down in Texas”, as the old expression goes. And that saying is correct. Whoever “they” are, everything is pretty big in the Lone Star state thanks to them. I lived there when I was kid. My dad was in the army and at the time he was stationed at Fort Hood. I remember our backyard was huge, we had a pool and that was really big, too. My large black lab and I would run all over the yard, jumping around in the various little gardens that peppered our property. One day I learned that the spiders in Texas were pretty big too, as I almost ran face-first into one the size of my head. Thankfully I managed to skid to a stop, turn on my heels and haul my booty back into the house before something really traumatizing could’ve happened.

Texas doesn’t just have big skies and spiders. They got some hooch down yonder that packs a big punch with some sizeable flavor as well. The drink we’ll be whipping up tonight, the Ranch Water, is one of them. Bubbly, citrusy and featuring the sweet, agave notes of tequila, the Ranch Water cocktail is guaranteed to quench your thirst and satisfy your soul after a hot and dusty day.

There are some folks that’ll tell you a woman named Eloise Bryan invented this particular beverage. According to Southern Living, she was a concierge at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas. In that hotel is the White Buffalo Bar, where Bryan says the cocktail originated. In 2021, she told The Washington Post that “a bunch of people out here refer to it as the Ranch Water because cowboys are out there working hard all day, and they want good water, but they want it a little bit spiked.”

This bit of history is contested, however, because when the origin of the drink is brought up, many cocktail enthusiasts point toward a man named Kevin Williamson as the creator. Not to be confused with the creator of the television series Dawson’s Creek, Williamson is said to have invented the Ranch Water at his Austin, Texas restaurant Ranch 616 in 1998. Inspired by a similar beverage he’d drink while out hunting with his father, this version was described as margarita-like and served with a side of sparkling Topo-Chico.

Author Nico Martini, who wrote the books Texas Cocktails and Texas Whiskey, has said “If Kevin didn’t invent this drink at Ranch 616, then I don’t know who did.”

What is the Best Tequila to Use in a Ranch Water?

Our recipe calls for silver tequila to be used, and I think it’s the best way to go. The clear color and crisp, peppery taste of the spirit will combine with the lime and sparkling water in a nicely balanced, harmonious way. Each sip will go down easy. For a more complex experience, try your Ranch Water with a reposado tequila, which is aged and brings with it a little more spice. You can also add triple sec to your drink for a more margarita-like experience.

What type of glass and garnish are used?

You’ll want a tall glass for this drink, like a collins or highball style. Fill with ice, make your drink and garnish with a juicy, tangy lime wedge on top.

Can you use any sparkling water for this drink?

Yes. In fact our recipe itself doesn’t specify a specific brand, so if you have a favorite or just want to shop around, any sparkling water or club soda will do. If you can get a hold of a Topo-Chico flavored with a twist of lime, I highly recommend that.

Ranch Water Variations

If I have a favorite style of cocktail, it would have to be sparkling ones. Especially when the weather is warm, you’ve been working all day in the sun, the sweat is pouring and you’re just begging for a breeze to blow through to cool you down. Fizzy beverages are like that cool breeze, but with a blast of flavor and that satisfying cold feeling as they roll down your dry throat. The spikey combination of booze and bubbles is always a winner, and Twist & Toast has a great array of recipes for you to enjoy.

• Americano – Bitter and sweet, this classic recipe combines Campari and sweet vermouth with club soda. The first drink James Bond is seen enjoying in Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale.
• Tom Collins – One of my absolute favorite go-to cocktails. Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda make an incredibly refreshing treat.
• Gin Rickey – A simple and perfect mix of lime juice, gin and sparkling water. Fans of The Great Gatsby will recognize this one.
• Vodka Soda – Another fantastic and crisp pairing that’ll quench your thirst.