Strawberry Ranch Water Is The Drink Of The Summer

If you live in the South, you’ve likely heard about Texas Ranch Water. For the uninitiated, it’s just three ingredients: tequila, Topo Chico (or plain sparkling mineral water), and lime, served over ice. Cocktails don’t get much simpler than that, which might be why it’s the most searched summer recipe in the South. Although the drink originated in Texas, it’s just as beloved everywhere in our region.

I’ll confess something. I’ve never been able to get into the ranch water craze. If I’m drinking tequila, I want it to be in a salt-rimmed margarita or a tangy paloma. Ranch water, while very refreshing, has always tasted too plain to me. Give me some tonic water, at least!

And then I tasted our Strawberry Ranch Water and finally got on the bandwagon. Bright, fruity, and with a nice kick from the tequila, I knew I had finally found a ranch water I could enjoy for its own sake, not as a pale substitute for a margarita.

How To Make Strawberry-Infused Tequila

There is just one catch to this delicious cocktail (and it’s extremely easy, I promise), you have to make strawberry-infused tequila. Don’t stop reading, I do have a lazy alternative that might make this easer to pull together.

1. Combine one bottle of your favorite blanco tequila with a quart of sliced fresh strawberries in a glass jar with a lid. (Editor's Note: Be sure to save the original bottle.)
2. Hide it away in a cool, dark place like your pantry and shake the bottle twice a day, for about two days.
3. Strain it, discarding the strawberries, and pour the bright red tequila into its original bottle. Voila, you have homemade strawberry tequila for many, many ranch waters to enjoy all summer long! 

Editor's Shortcut For Making This Recipe

If you are now craving a Strawberry Ranch Water and don’t have the patience to wait two days for the tequila to become infused, I hear you. Here's what you'll need to do to get that same, refreshing creation:

1. Muddle one or two very ripe sliced strawberries in the bottom of a rocks glass (you can add a pinch of sugar, if you’d like).
2. Stir in the tequila and 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and top off with sparkling mineral water.
3. Stir together and add a few ice cubes. It’s not quite the same, but it will get you there.
   

What People Say About This Recipe

One reviewer commented on its fruity taste: "I love this because it's not crazy sugary ... just perfectly kissed with strawberry flavor." And for a few of our editors, not only is this tasty cocktail perfect for sipping all summer long, but it also makes an unexpected gift idea. We strongly suggest skipping the wine or flowers, and bringing a host a bottle of this homemade Strawberry Ranch Water and, trust me, you will definitely be invited back.