Ranch Water

 Ranch Water, a Cocktail

Ranch Water: photo by Cliff Hutson

Ranch Water is kind of a margarita that's hard to mess up, because it can be very uncomplicated, the basic three-ingredient drink calls only for tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico. (Yes, it has to be Topo Chico).

Some people don't even bother with a glass. They start by pouring out (or drinking) two ounces of the Topo Chico and  then add the tequila and lime juice to the bottle.

Others make an actual cocktail. This drink doesn’t really require a recipe (but, see below) as the amounts of the basic three ingredients can be be varied widely to taste. Others such as orange liqueur or simple syrup, can be added to the mix. 

However, be aware that that there is no substitute for the Topo Chico. In fact, one interesting way to present the drink is to place the bottle of mineral water (which should have quite a bit left in it) along side the cocktail so that the drinker can add more as the level of the glass lowers. This is really nice to sip on in the heat of Summer.

Recipe 

INGREDIENTS

Ice

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila

1 ounce fresh lime juice

1/2 ounce Cointreau or other orange liqueur (optional)

1/2 ounce agave syrup (optional)

2 to 3 ounces chilled Topo Chico mineral water

DIRECTIONS

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the tequila, lime juice, Cointreau and agave syrup, if using, and stir to chill and combine. Top with the mineral water, gently stir again.

¡Bebe responsablemente!