A classic Texas Ranch Water Cocktail consists of just three ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico mineral water. But truth be told I couldn’t help but try and make a variation on a drink I loved, and it turns out that a little splash of homemade raspberry syrup makes this cocktail taste like summer in a glass. It’s also worth noting to use fresh lime juice when you’re making a batch. It’s just not the same with pre-bottled lime juice. You can easily turn this drink into a mocktail too! Just mix the syrup with a little fresh lime and Topo Chico for an equally refreshing sipper!
How to Make Fresh Raspberry Syrup
Add the fresh berries, water, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. The sugar will dissolve quickly and then as it cooks, use a spoon to mash the berries. They will break down and give the syrup an incredible, red color. If you can’t find good fresh raspberries, you can use frozen fruit for this syrup. It might have slightly less flavor and less of a red color but will definitely work in a syrup like this. Make sure to strain the raspberries out of the syrup using a fine mesh sieve to get rid of the seeds and you’ll be left with a beautiful, smooth syrup. Store this syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks or you can divide it into ice cube trays and freeze for later use. Quick Cooling Hack: If you made this and want to use the syrup immediately, pour the hot syrup into a metal mixing bowl and stick that mixing bowl on top of a larger bowl filled with ice water. The ice water in the surrounding bowl will rapidly cool the syrup and you can use it immediately.
Is Topo Chico Required for Ranch Water?
Are you asking if the city of Austin will ban you permanently if you use some other sparkling brand? Probably not. Topo Chico is the standard because it is highly carbonated and will give your cocktail more fizz than other sparkling water brands. While it’s not essential, you should at least try it with the original mixer before switching it up.
Making Big Batches of Ranch Water
I originally wanted to make this cocktail as a pitcher drink, but it doesn’t really work because the Topo Chico loses its fizz if it sits in a pitcher for too long. If you wanted to make larger batches of this cocktail, you can batch the syrup and tequila together in jars per the ratio in the recipe and then just pour it over ice and add Topo Chico when the time comes!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to make a variation on the syrup you can use any berry or even watermelon. Adding other liquors is fine, but not necessary in my opinion. I think simple is best with this one.
More Tasty Cocktails Made with Tequila
Classic Margarita Blueberry Pitcher Margaritas Long Island Iced Tea Classic Paloma Cocktail Ranch Water Cocktail
One, 12 ounce, Topo Chico will make 2 drinks.
6 ounces fresh raspberries 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1/2 lemon, juiced
For the cocktail
3 ounces blanco tequila 2 tablespoons raspberry syrup 1 lime, quartered 1 (12-ounce) bottle Topo Chico mineral water
For garnish
Lime wheels Raspberries
Reduce the heat to low to keep the syrup at a low simmer. As the syrup simmers, mash berries with a spoon until they are broken apart. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes. Set a fine mesh sieve over a bowl or reusable glass container. Pour the raspberry mixture through strainer. Press the berries using a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids. Cool syrup before using.
