Branch water

• Water from a natural stream that has been acquired as close to the source as possible.
• Popularly/commonly the addition of plain water to a mixed drink. This water may have been naturally limestone-filtered by passing through underground limestone. For example, "bourbon and branch" refers to bourbon whiskey with water.
• Water that is steeped with a fresh young branch of a Douglas Fir tree, imparting upon it a distinct resinous flavor. This is distinct from natural stream water, which is steeped in a profusion of fallen brush and streamside plant material.