For the love of tequila, soda, and lime.
Everyone who knows me knows I love cocktails; there are very few pleasures in my life I love more than a well-thought-out, technique-heavy, boundary-pushing taste sensation. However, I’m most impressed when just two or three well-chosen, simple ingredients knock my socks off. When a cocktail contains minimal ingredients, every single part of it must sing in harmony. It must include the right spirit and the perfect amount of sweetness, and the last sip must taste as good as the first.
With this in mind, let me proclaim my deep love for a perfectly simple cocktail: the Ranch Water. Just tequila, soda, and lime form this cocktail, which requires a knowledge of spirits as well as true attention to detail. The balance of rich-but-light tequila, crisp soda water, and bright, bold lime is perfect for street tacos, a night on the patio with friends, or a movie night at home with popcorn.
To help you create the perfect version of a Ranch Water on your own, I’ve broken down the important features to look for in each of the drink’s three ingredients to help guide you on your journey to cocktail perfection.
Tequila
Not all tequilas are made equally, nor are they all worth your money. Agave spirits are sacred and representative of the importance of knowing the sources of ingredients. The best way to find out more about the tequila you are choosing is to ask the purveyor two questions: “Where is it made?” and “How is it made?” Every bottle of tequila is marked with the letters “NOM,” or Norma Oficial Mexicana, which denotes the distillery in Mexico where your bottle was prepared. If you want to know more about that distillery, check out Tequila Matchmaker, a great app and website with loads of information.
When choosing a tequila for a perfect Ranch Water, select one with light citrus notes and a hint of black pepper. I prefer Blanco tequila for a sharper flavor, but if you like the richness that comes from a barrel, Reposado is your best bet. My favorite brands for Ranch Water are Tequila Tromba, Fortaleza Blanco, Gran Agave Blanco, and Patrón Roca Silver.
Soda Water
I am a very picky about my soda water. I want bubbles so sharp they can shave my face, and I want them to last 24 hours. Many brands exist now that have lovely flavors added, but for Ranch Water, I recommend classic, unflavored soda water. The two brands that reign supreme for most cocktail dorks and lovers of bubbles are Mineragua, from the fine folks at Jarritos, and the queen of all soda: Topo Chico. Topo Chico has been made since 1895, and the legend of its history puts all others to shame. The legend states that an Aztec princess fell ill around 1440, and the king sent her to a mountain whose shape resembled a beautiful woman’s face. The waters there cured the princess, and they have been enjoyed for hundreds of years since. Of course, we only want the finest magical water for our Ranch Water.
Lime
Picking a lime is a valuable skill. The heavier the lime, the more delicious juices live inside it. To properly cut a lime, first remove the two ends, cut the lime in half lengthwise, and then quarter those halves lengthwise. This ensures you trap juice inside the fruit for that satisfying squeeze into your Ranch Water. Now, some people like lime juice poured into their Ranch Water. I personally recommend just the juice from the wedge so the cocktail doesn’t become too tart.
The Cocktail
The recipe is simple: Just pour two ounces of tequila in a glass filled with ice, fill the rest of the glass with soda water, then garnish with a lime wedge. Your first sip should remind you of Mary Poppins: practically perfect in every way.
Michael C. Moberly is the national brand ambassador and distillery general manager for Ferino Distillery in Reno and a local spirits educator. His 13 years in the industry have been spent learning, loving, and imbibing with some of its best minds, both locally and nationally. He also is good at wearing hats.
