Oisin Foster
Ranch Water is a cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. It is said to be a healthier alternative to a classic margarita as it is less sugary and has fewer calories. Beer, on the other hand, is a fermented alcoholic beverage typically made from grains, such as barley, wheat, and rice. So, is Ranch Water healthier than beer?
When comparing the two, Ranch Water may be considered the healthier option due to its lower sugar and calorie content. Tequila, the base spirit of Ranch Water, generally has fewer calories and less sugar than beer. Additionally, the mineral water in Ranch Water can provide some health benefits, such as magnesium and calcium. However, it is important to remember that both beverages contain alcohol, which has its own set of health risks when consumed in excess.
While Ranch Water may have some health advantages over beer, it is important to consume either drink in moderation and be mindful of their overall nutritional content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Beer: 150-200 calories per serving; Ranch Water: 100 calories per serving |
| Carbohydrates | Beer: 8-15 grams of carbs per serving; Ranch Water: 2 grams of carbs per serving |
| ABV | Beer: 5% ABV; Ranch Water: 5% ABV |
| Gluten | Beer: contains gluten; Ranch Water: gluten-free |
| Sugar | Beer: contains sugar; Ranch Water: contains sugar (can be sugar-free) |
What You'll Learn
Ranch Water's ingredients
Ranch Water is a cocktail made from three simple ingredients: blanco tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. Blanco tequila, also known as tequila plata or silver tequila, is bottled soon after distillation, offering a pure tequila flavour and a generally colourless appearance. For the lime juice, fresh-squeezed is the way to go, adding a bright, fresh flavour to the cocktail. Finally, for the sparkling mineral water, Topo Chico is the classic choice, known for its plentiful tiny bubbles, but any unflavoured sparkling water or club soda will do.
While the original recipe calls for a 2:1 ratio of tequila to lime juice, some recipes suggest a 3:2 ratio for a stronger drink. The drink is served over ice in a tall glass, such as a highball or Collins glass, and garnished with a lime wedge or wheel.
There are several variations on the classic Ranch Water recipe. Some recipes suggest adding a tiny pinch of salt to boost the overall flavour of the cocktail. Others recommend lining the rim of the glass with lime juice and then dipping it in salt or Tajín, a Mexican spice blend of chilli, lime, and sea salt. Additional ingredients, such as grapefruit juice, orange liqueur, or muddled cucumber or jalapeño slices, can also be added to customise the drink to individual taste preferences.
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Nutritional comparison
Ranch Water is a cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. It is considered healthier than beer because it is lower in calories and carbohydrates. Most spiked seltzers contain about 100 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce can, while a similar-sized beer contains about 150 calories and 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates. Additionally, the use of fermented cane sugars in spiked seltzers, instead of fermented grains, makes them gluten-free.
However, it is important to note that low calorie does not always mean healthier. The "health halo" effect of spiked seltzers may lead people to drink more than they realize, as they believe it to be a healthier option. Spiked seltzers are also not as filling, so someone who would usually drink one or two beers may end up consuming multiple cans of hard seltzer.
Excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of the source, is linked to various long-term health effects, including high blood sugar, heart disease, stroke, digestive problems, liver disease, and cancer. Therefore, while Ranch Water may be lower in calories and carbs, it is not necessarily healthier than beer if consumed in excess.
When comparing Ranch Water to beer, it is also worth considering personal preferences, taste, and enjoyment. Some people may prefer the lighter, less filling nature of Ranch Water, while others may enjoy the taste and satisfaction of a beer. Ultimately, the choice between Ranch Water and beer depends on individual preferences and moderation in consumption.
Health benefits
While beer and ranch water are both alcoholic beverages, ranch water is considered to be a healthier alternative. Here are some reasons why:
Fewer Calories and Carbohydrates
Ranch water is typically made with tequila, lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. Compared to beer, which can range from 150 to 200 calories and 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving, ranch water is lower in both calories and carbs. Most spiked seltzers or hard seltzers, which are similar to ranch water, contain about 100 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates per can.
Gluten-Free
Unlike beer, which is typically made from fermented grains, ranch water is made with fermented cane sugar or agave, depending on the type of tequila used. This makes ranch water a gluten-free option for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Lower Blood Pressure
The naturally carbonated mineral water used in ranch water contains magnesium, which has been linked to lowering blood pressure. Additionally, the vitamin C from lime juice can also help reduce blood pressure.
Weight Management
The mineral water in ranch water contains calcium, which has been associated with weight management.
Dental Health
While the combination of sugar and carbonation in some alcoholic drinks may contribute to dental decay, sugar-free ranch water poses little risk to dental health.
It's important to remember that while ranch water may offer some health benefits compared to beer, it is still an alcoholic beverage. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to negative health outcomes, regardless of the type of drink. Moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption.
Calories and carbs
Calories refer to the amount of energy released when your body breaks down food. Carbohydrates, or carbs, are one of three key nutrients, along with fats and proteins, that provide your body with energy.
Beer is made by fermenting grains such as barley and wheat, which contain carbohydrates. Most beers also contain added sugars, which further increase the carbohydrate level in the beverage. The number of grains and added sugars that remain in the beer depends on the fermentation process.
The calorie count for a standard 12-ounce serving of one of the top 10 most popular beers in the United States ranges from around 95 calories to just under 150 calories. The number of carbohydrates in popular beers will vary based on several factors, such as ingredients and overall sugar levels. In general, light beers are lower in both calories and carbohydrates than many of their full-flavoured counterparts.
For example, Bud Light has 110 calories, 6.6 grams of carbs, and 0.9 grams of protein per 12-ounce serving. Budweiser, on the other hand, is heavier in every category, with 145 calories, 10.6 grams of carbs, and 1.3 grams of protein per 12-ounce serving.
Spiked seltzers, such as Ranch Water, are often viewed as healthier alternatives to beer. They tend to have fewer calories and carbohydrates compared to most beers. Most spiked seltzers have about 100 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce can, while a similar-sized beer would have 150 calories and 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates.
For instance, a can of Lone River Ranch Water has 80 calories and is composed of 0% fat, 100% carbs, and 0% protein.
However, it is important to remember that low-calorie does not always mean healthier. Alcohol is still alcohol, and drinking it in excess has both immediate and long-term health risks.
ABV comparison
When comparing the ABV of beer and ranch water, it is important to note that beer typically has an ABV between 4-7%, with an average of 5%. This means that a 12-ounce beer at 5% ABV contains 0.6 ounces of alcohol. However, craft beers like IPAs can have a higher ABV, resulting in a higher alcohol content per serving.
Ranch water, on the other hand, is a type of hard seltzer. Hard seltzers typically have an ABV of around 5%, similar to many beers. This means that a can of ranch water typically contains about the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce beer. However, it's important to note that the actual ABV can vary between different brands of hard seltzers and beers, so it's always a good idea to check the label.
While ranch water and beer may have similar ABVs, it's worth considering the other components of these drinks. Beer contains more carbohydrates than ranch water, with a similar-sized beer containing 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, compared to 2 grams in a can of hard seltzer. Beer also tends to have more calories, ranging from 150 to 200 calories per serving, while a can of hard seltzer typically contains about 100 calories.
Additionally, the type of alcohol in ranch water and beer differs. Beer is typically made by fermenting grains, while hard seltzers like ranch water are made by fermenting cane sugar. This makes ranch water a gluten-free option, which may be preferable for those with gluten intolerances or allergies.
In conclusion, while ranch water and beer may have similar ABVs, ranch water tends to be lower in calories and carbohydrates and is a gluten-free option. However, it's important to remember that alcohol is still alcohol, and excessive consumption can lead to health risks, regardless of the type of drink.
