Ranch Water

You can optionally add a barspoon or two of agave nectar to this cocktail in order to balance its tartness.

According to Texans, who are particularly fond of this drink, this cocktail cannot be called Ranch Water unless it’s using Topo Chico.

This incredibly refreshing drink is hard to mess up, and serves as a template you are strongly encouraged to play around with.

Depending on the season and what’s available in your area, you could experiment with either a small amount of orange liqueur, peppers, or mint. You could also muddle some berries (blackberries or raspberries) and have them either sitting at the bottom of the glass, or shake and strain them along with the tequila and lime juice for a cleaner look.

While there’s no clear indication as to where this drink originated from, its current form is very popular in Texas, particularly in the West.

The name is probably related to farmhands and cowboys looking for a punchier way to hydrate themselves in the tough desert heat.