Classic West Texas ranch water is a refreshing, easy cocktail to make and we're putting a smoky twist on it with mezcal and a touch of tajin.
With the temperatures rising and outside opening up, I thought it would be the perfect time for me to put you onto a refreshing summertime fave that's native to my home state of Texas. Ranch water has been gaining popularity across and outside of the state for very good reason. It's an excellent low-maintenance tequila drink that pairs well with warm weather and a variety of foods. Today, I'm changing it up just a little bit and showing you how to make ranch water with mezcal instead of tequila. Let's get into the thirst-quenching details.
If you like mezcal and tequila cocktails, you'll love these!
Ranch water is the quintessential Texas cocktail. Whether you are looking for something simple to sip on during patio weather or wondering what kind of drink to serve with Tex-Mex food, this one covers all the bases. So what is ranch water, exactly? It's a combination of a spirit with sparkling mineral water, and lots of fresh lime juice over ice. See? Simple! There is one major detail keep in mind to make it true to Texas style. Firstly, Topo Chico is the only water to use in this drink. Ask any true Texan and they will tell you the same. Anything else and you've simply got a spritzer in your hand, boo. Which isn't bad. It's just not ranch water.
Ranch Water Ingredients
- Tequila (or in this case, mezcal)
- Fresh Lime Juice
- Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water
- Lots of Ice
- Tajin (optional but highly recommended)
Ranch water is meant to be extremely cold, refreshing, and simple. You don't need to do too much with it but I do have a tip to take it up a notch: use Sonic ice! If you don't have a fancy ice crusher or cobbled ice on hand, this is your best bet. Sonic ice is really popular, especially here in Texas, and it adds a nice touch to an otherwise very non-fussy recipe.
As you might imagine, this ranch water variation tastes bright and refreshing. And depending on the mezcal you use, it will also taste a bit charred, floral or earthy. The simple ingredients ensure that the taste of the spirit comes through beautifully, so make sure to use a mezcal that you'd actually want to sip straight. And since this is a no-added sugar cocktail, it's fairly kind to the waistline, as well. Check out the nutrition facts in the recipe card below to see if this fits into your hot girl summer body plans!
I hope you get to kick back and cool off this weekend with this ice-cold mezcal drink in hand. And sharing is caring, so please pin my smoky Texas ranch water cocktail recipe on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
How to Make Ranch Water with Mezcal
📖 Recipe
Easy Mezcal Ranch Water
Ingredients
- Tajin
- 3 ounces fresh lime juice about two limes
- Ice
- 6 ounces mezcal
- 2 bottles Topo Chico
Instructions
- Run a wedge of lime down the side of two glasses. Pour Tajin on this part of the glass so that it sticks to the lime juice. Repeat with second glass.
- Fill each glass about ¾ full with ice.
- Divide mezcal and lime juice evenly between the two glasses then top up with Topo Chico. Enjoy immediately and responsibly!
Video
Nutrition
Robin Sparks says
I'd heard of Ranch Water before but never tried it. Not only did it taste fantastic I'm obsessed with the fact it's a low sugar cocktail - the best!
Marta says
I'm not a huge fan of most ranch water recipes because they're so boring to me. Your version with mezcal has changed my opinion. I loved the smokiness it added to the drink.
Ced says
This might sound dumb but is that tajin on the outside or inside of the glass?
Jazz says
Not dumb at all. It’s on the outside of the glass. If you want to get more of it in with the drink, you can put it around the rim instead!