Ranch Water: My Favorite Low Calorie Cocktail

Shop My Crystal Glasses Here

As a native Texan, I love my margaritas. Give me a margarita on the rocks with salt on a warm day and I’ll be a happy girl, but it can be hard to justify the many calories in this Tex-Mex classic. Luckily, I have found a refreshing low-calorie alternative that goes great with Mexican food – it was introduced to me as Ranch Water. 

Ranch Water seems to have a different name at every restaurant, but any bartender will know how to make it. What I love about this cocktail is how simple and refreshing it is. I am all about those simple cocktails.

You may be asking what exactly is a Ranch Water cocktail? 

Listen close as it’s hard to follow…that was sarcasm in case you couldn’t tell through the screen. A Ranch Water is just Topo Chico, any brand of silver Tequila (I usually opt for 1800 or Patrón), and a lime wedge. If you want to get fancy you can salt the rim of the glass or mix chili flakes with the salt for some extra spice.

With a Ranch Water, I get to enjoy those margarita flavors without feeling guilty the next day because I truly believe a healthy life is all about moderation. This would also be an easy cocktail to serve at any Summer party or add a seasonal twist for the holidays with cranberries.

You can serve the cocktail in a chilled glass or decorate the rim with the chili and lime seasoning from Trader Joe’s for that perfect pop of red and some extra flavor.

How To Make a Ranch Water Cocktail

1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass; dip the rim in salt or chili/salt mixture (optional)
2. Fill glass with ice cubes
3. Pour 2 oz of tequila in the glass (add more if you prefer your drinks stronger)
4. Add 4 oz of Topo Chico sparkling water
5. Cut 1 lime in half + then cut into 2 wedges
6. Squeeze one lime wedge into the cocktail for lime flavoring and use the other wedge as garnish

Click here for my favorite holiday cocktail for the lazy hostess – when you want to wow your guest and look like you really tried.

What is your Summer go-to cocktail? Have you ever heard of a Ranch Water? Let me know in the comment section below!

PIN ME FOR FUTURE REFERENCE