Texans Swear By This Refreshing Drink All Summer Long

As children prepare to get out of school, it's time to make way for lake parties, barbecues, and—most importantly—summertime here in the great state of Texas. Summer in Texas just isn’t complete without amazing barbecue with friends and family, outdoor activities, and delicious spirited drinks.

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Stay Cool, Texas Style: The Only Summer Drink You Need

Now’s the perfect time to get ready for those summer hosting parties where you bring out your best top-shelf spirits and entertain your guests. According to Cookie and Kate, the best Texas drink to make this summer is the fan-favorite: Ranch Water.

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Ranch Water is a drink that’s perfect for the week but also incredibly refreshing, simple, and—most importantly—delicious. This staple Texas beverage is a go-to during the hot summer months and is often considered the unofficial drink of West Texas.

To make Ranch Water, you’ll need tequila as the base spirit. A high-quality Blanco tequila will make a noticeable difference in the drink’s flavor. You'll also need fresh lime juice—not the concentrated kind—for that bright, tangy flavor, and some sparkling mineral water. Texans typically use Topo Chico thanks to its high carbonation, but if that’s not your thing, you can substitute with another sparkling mineral water or club soda.

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To prepare the drink:

Fill a glass—preferably a rocks glass or highball—with ice.

Pour in 2 to 3 ounces of tequila.

Add about 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, or the juice of half a lime.

Top it off with Topo Chico.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

This simple yet refreshing drink is wildly popular in Texas. It’s not too sweet, not too bitter—just right. If you want to have an awesome summer with an amazing drink, try the Texas staple: Ranch Water.