In case you haven't set foot outside lately, it's hot. So hot that simply being out there can trigger lightheadedness and exhaustion. But summertime and the outdoors were made for one another: pool parties, backyard cookouts, days on the beach and al fresco dining have all become synonymous with the season. You can enjoy the outdoors when it's super-hot — you just need a cool-down strategy. Try this trick from Texas, because let's be real — these people know how to deal with heat.
Enter ranch water. Before you ask, no, there's not a trace of Hidden Valley in this drink. Legend has it that this simple refresher was created by a rancher in west Texas in the 1960s. Since the main ingredient in ranch water is tequila, the lore at least tracks, because Texas' western border runs along the spirit's birthplace, Mexico. The cocktail is simple and refreshing, and if you're a fan of tequila it's about to become your summer staple.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Water
![close up of Ranch Water cocktail garnished with a slice of lime](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/NnH1PXEKM56VIJVqdjHlYcJR1PU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ranch-water-photo-by-allrecipes-sq-crop-0458c9f01e9941778a30ebb6280e7ff7.jpg)
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