Christmas Ranch Water, AKA Christmas Tequila Cocktail

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Last Updated on 2023-11-07 by Linda

Tis the most marvelous time of the year, when “Spirits” are high and smiles abound. Before you think I am waxing poetic let me bring you back to reality. I was just looking for puns to incorporate the spirit of the holiday aka Christmas Cocktails. Todays festive selection is a fun tequila cocktail or what we call Christmas Ranch Water.

I realize Tequila cocktails may not first come to mind over the holidays but I aim to change that thought. There is nothing wrong with this tequila drink any time of the year.

Christmas Ranch Water

I bet you are wondering what the heck is Texas Ranch Water and in particular Christmas Ranch Water? Ask around about the drink’s beginnings, and you’ll get multiple answers, though most say it was first brought to life in either Austin or West Texas.

Regardless of where it came from there is no disputing that it is a tequila-water cocktail,, often dubbed Texas Ranch Water, a simple name for a simple drink.

While no-one will dispute, tequila with lime juice aka Margaritas have been popular forever, this version of the tequila cocktail recipes has been a Texas secret until the last few years. It is the perfect twist for the holiday season, so similar to a skinny Margarita but more holiday appropriate. An original Ranch Water would use club soda or regular sparkling water but we are jazzing it up.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cocktail

• It’s sweet and tangy, bubbly and light
• its festive as all heck
• Easiest tequila cocktail you can make
• Easy to find simple ingredients
• It’s a fun drink
• Low-calorie cocktail

Ingredients for Christmas Ranch Water

Time to gather our simple ingredients and get creative. This drink won’t make itself. If you were making a classic Ranch Water you would use fresh lime juice but we are making it “Christmassy”.

• tequila 
• cranberry lime carbonated water 
• fresh cranberries 
• lime wedges
• fresh rosemary 
• ice cubes

  Please note that this article may contain Amazon affiliate links.  You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.

Equipment Needed to Make This Christmas Ranch Water Cocktail

• Highball
• Jigger
• Bar spoon

Directions for this Simple Cocktail

Christmas Ranch Water sounds far more complicated than it is. A simple drink with knock ot flavour. We are going to outline the step-by-step instructions to get you started.

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in one shot of tequila.
3. Top off with cranberry lime carbonated water. 
4. Garnish with fresh rosemary, lime wedge and cranberries.
5. Cheers! 

Some Tips to Make this the Best Cocktail of the Season

• Use blanco tequila (aka silver tequila). Silver tequila has a mild, fresh, citrusy flavor that is heavy on the agave, which works very well in this cocktail.
• Use good ingredients. With such a simple drink recipe, the ingredients you use make all the difference between a good cocktail and the best ranch water recipe you can stir up!

FAQ for Ranch Water

What’s the best tequila to use for this cocktail?

Definitely pick your favorite blanco tequila (silver tequila) for this recipe. Silver tequila has a fairly mild flavor and is more citrusy than other types of tequila. 

Can you make it ahead of time?

Since this tequila cocktail contains sparkling mineral water, it is best made fresh and consumed immediately because sparkling water loses its bubbles pretty fast. It’s so easy to throw together that if you want to serve it to guests, The one step that you can definitely save time on and make ahead is slicing the  fresh limes and prepping the rosemary, especially if you’re hosting a party.What can I use to rim the glass?

If you’re feeling fancy and want to add a little something to the rim of the glass like salt or a seasoning

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