OF THE

Mixed by Jill Rowe/Staff Writer

Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me About Ranch Water?

Recently, I was bartending for a group of people I would characterize as a younger crowd at a private event. They all wanted one thing, Ranch Water. I’ve been serving vodka and gin with soda and lime for years, but this combo seemed like a new fad. It’s not difficult to make, but I was curious about its origin. Has Ranch Water always existed, or have I been living under a rock? It’s true mixing liquor with soda and citrus is not a new concept. A trend gains popularity for a reason, and I wanted to get to the root of the source.

Although tequila and soda have long been a Texas staple, one name and place kept popping up in my research. Ranch Water is believed to have first been brought to life in West Texas. Kevin Williamson, the proprietor of Ranch 616 in Austin, is credited with the creation of this signature name and mixture. Williamson grew up in the South and

Ranch Water

• 2 ounces Tequila

• 1 ½ ounces Lime Juice

• Topo Chico

In a rocks glass, pour 2 ounces of your favorite tequila spent a lot of time as a child hunting with his father along the Texas-Mexico border. Before he probably should have, and against typical hunting protocol, he would embark on day-long hunts with an icy thermos full of tequila and ice. He noticed that as the ice melted, the flavor of the tequila changed.

1 ½ ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice, top with ice and fill with Topo Chico.

In the 90s, Williamson came up with his version of Ranch Water when he casually topped off his glass with mineral water as his margarita depleted. He played about with the recipe, substituting an oaky reposado for the silver tequila and adding a full ounce of fresh lime juice and a splash of orange liqueur. To allow customers to choose the strength of their drink, he serves his version with a full glass bottle of the essential Topo Chico on the side.

Can the Topo Chico be substituted for another mineral water? Purists will tell you no. Bottled near Monterrey, Mexico, since 1895, Topo Chico has built up a loyal following in Texas because of the state’s close culinary ties to Mexico. Legend says that an Aztec King discovered Topo Chico when seeking a cure for the mysterious illness ailing his daughter. She was carried hundreds of miles to the spring. After drinking and bathing in the water, she experienced a miraculous recovery.

Given the basic ingredients, it is likely that bartenders have been preparing variations of the Ranch Water since the heyday of swinging saloon doors. So, it’s probable that the cocktail evolved naturally because of home bartenders and thirsty townspeople. The Ranch Water craze is still going strong as more canned varieties flood the grocery and liquor store shelves. The beauty of Ranch Water is its simplicity. When the air starts to warm up in the spring, remember that liquid relief is right around the corner.

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