Celebrate National Ranch Water Day With These Fresh Twists on a Classic Cocktail
There’s a good reason Ranch Water has become a spring and summer staple—it’s crisp, light, effortlessly cool, and made with just a few simple ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. It’s the ultimate laid-back cocktail, often served in a highball glass over ice with a lime wedge and good conversation.
And today? It’s officially the time to raise a glass. National Ranch Water Day is here, and it’s the perfect excuse to toast this Texan-born drink with a few refreshing upgrades.
Thanks to Dulce Vida Tequila, we’ve got some delicious takes on the original—whether you’re craving something bold and spicy, fruity and sweet, or classically smooth. Here’s how to celebrate Ranch Water Day, one refreshing sip at a time.
🌵 Classic Ranch Water
Before we get to the creative variations, here’s the OG Ranch Water in all its minimalist glory.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Top with Topo Chico or other sparkling mineral water
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice, then top with mineral water. Give it a quick stir and garnish with lime.
🔥 Spicy Jalapeño Ranch Water
If you like a little heat with your refreshment, this spicy version hits the spot.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Dulce Vida Blanco Tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2-3 slices fresh jalapeño
- Top with sparkling water
- Tajín or chili-salt for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim your glass with Tajín if desired. Muddle jalapeño slices in the bottom of the glass, then add ice, tequila, and lime. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
🍓 Blueberry-Lime Ranch Water
Bright and fruity with a gorgeous hue, this one’s a winner for any warm-weather gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Dulce Vida Lime Tequila or Reposado
- 1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or lightly muddled)
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Top with sparkling water
Instructions:
Add blueberries to the bottom of a glass and gently muddle. Add ice, tequila, lime juice, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a few whole berries and a lime wheel.
🍯 Sweet Citrus Ranch Water
For a softer, sweeter spin, this version balances tart lime with a touch of honey and orange zest.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Dulce Vida Reposado Tequila
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey + water)
- Dash of orange zest
- Top with sparkling water
Instructions:
Combine tequila, lime juice, and honey syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake lightly, strain into a glass with fresh ice, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with orange peel.
🌶️ Smoky & Sharp Ranch Water
If you want complexity without losing the drink’s crisp nature, add a splash of mezcal or use a smoky tequila.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Dulce Vida Blanco Tequila
- 0.5 oz mezcal
- 1 oz lime juice
- Top with sparkling water
- Smoked sea salt rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with smoked salt. Add ice, tequila, mezcal, and lime juice. Top with mineral water, stir gently, and enjoy the smoky refreshment.
A Toast to the Simplicity
What makes Ranch Water so enduring is its simplicity—it doesn’t ask for complicated ingredients or tools, just a little citrus, a good pour of tequila, and a dash of sparkle. But as the Dulce Vida variations prove, there’s plenty of room to play around and make it your own.
So whether you’re staying true to the original or adding your personal twist, today’s the perfect excuse to pour one, kick back, and celebrate this easygoing icon of warm-weather cocktails.
Happy National Ranch Water Day!
