Austin’s summer social scene is getting the spotlight in the latest issue of Austin Monthly, featuring everything from the city’s best dive bars to the surprising history behind one of Texas’s most iconic cocktails: Ranch Water, which originated at Austin’s Ranch 616.
Editor-in-Chief Madeline Hollern and Ranch 616 bar manager Jonathan Hall joined Trevor Scott & Sierra Waggoner to preview the issue and share why this summer edition is all about embracing Austin’s laid-back spirit.
Editor-in-Chief Madeline Hollern and Ranch 616 bar manager Jonathan Hall joined Trevor Scott & Sierra Waggoner to preview the issue and share why this summer edition is all about embracing Austin’s laid-back spirit.
Raising a Glass to Ranch Water
Long before ranch water became a staple on cocktail menus across Texas, it was born right here in Austin at Ranch 616.
Hall explained that the now-famous drink was inspired by restaurant founder Kevin Williamson, who mixed tequila, lime and Topo Chico while on hunting trips with his father before eventually adding it to the restaurant’s menu.
“It started here at Ranch 616,” Hall said. “The rest is history.”
Austin Monthly drops by to toast new issue and Ranch Water history with Ranch 616
The Secret to an Authentic Ranch Water
According to Hall, making a true ranch water is all about using the right ingredients.
“You have to have a reposado tequila, you have to have an orange liqueur, fresh-squeezed lime juice and, of course, Topo Chico,” he said.
One ingredient often gets overlooked.
“The orange liqueur softens that lime juice acidity,” Hall explained. “Without it, it just becomes a tequila and soda.”
Austin Monthly drops by to toast new issue and Ranch Water history with Ranch 616
Austin’s Best Dive Bars
The July issue also highlights 25 of Austin’s best dive bars, celebrating the city’s longtime neighborhood hangouts.
“I love dive bars,” Hollern said. “They’re not pretentious—they’re just fun.”
Among the featured favorites are:
Deep Eddy CabaretLala’s Little NuggetThe Cloak RoomMean Eyed CatEgo’s
“This is a great time of year to go to a dive bar because it’s icy cold inside all of them,” Hollern joked.
Austin Monthly drops by to toast new issue and Ranch Water history with Ranch 616
Austin Monthly drops by to toast new issue and Ranch Water history with Ranch 616