Marfa Ranch Water

Its Friday AND its supposed to be a high of 80 degrees in Seattle today! That calls for a celebratory, refreshing cocktail and we have a great option for you: Marfa Ranch Water.

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The exact origin of this tequila-based drink is unknown, but it apparently heralds from West Texas and we are now bringing it to Western Washington. While some people claim it was invented by a Texas rancher in the 60s, it apparently was the word-of-mouth drink of West Texas dive bars until around 2010 when bartenders in Texas starting adding it to their menus.

The defining characteristic of this refreshing drink is Topo Chico – an excessively bubbly mineral water bottled at the source in Monterrey, Mexico, since 1895 – and according to all the articles I read, its not Ranch Water without it. Before experimenting with this cocktail, I had regrettably never had Topo Chico. But after making Ranch Water, I am now officially obsessed (and apparently I am not the only one). Sold on Amazon Fresh (but I have also purchased it in Metropolitan Market and QFC), Topo Chico should be your sparkling water for the summer. 

There are a lot of variations of Ranch Water you can find by searching the web (e.g., Martha Stewart, GQ, Punch, A Couple Cooks, The Defined Dish, The Real Fashionista), but after trying out several recipes (you can thank me later!) here is my favorite way to make Marfa Ranch Water:

INGREDIENTS:

• Lime wedges
• 1 oz (2 tablespoons) fresh squeezed lime juice
• 2 oz (4 tablespoons) tequila, chilled
• 1 oz (2 tablespoons) Triple Sec (or other orange liqueur)
• Topo Chico mineral water (my favorite is the Twist of Grapefruit flavor)
• Tajin seasoning (or other chile lime seasoning)
• Ice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Run a lime wedge around rim of your Collins or high ball glass; dip in Tajin seasoning.
2. Add tequila, Triple Sec and lime juice to glass.
3. Add ice and stir until cold.
4. Top with Topo Chico to desired taste and continue to add while drinking.
5. Add lime wedge to glass.
6. Enjoy!

And in my ode to West Texas for being us this marvelous drink, Cheers Y’All!