Spicy Ranch Water Recipe

This sugar-free spicy ranch water seltzer recipe is made with tequila, limes, a hint of jalapeño, and Topo Chico (sparking water). It’s easy to make in 5 minutes and served in tajin-rimmed glasses.

The best ranch water seltzer

I live in Texas, so it’s about time I publish a ranch water seltzer recipe. Like this spicy skinny margarita recipe, ranch water is a simple and refreshing cocktail made of tequila, limes, and sparkling water. It’s so easy to make and impossible to mess up!

This spicy ranch water is bubbly, tangy, and packs a punch. The jalapeño flavor is not overpowering since we simply muddle it into the tequila to strain it afterward. This ensures the ranch water has a spicy kick but is not crazy hot. Honestly, it’s the perfect Summer cocktail!

Ranch water is our go-to drink at breweries, bars, and dinners. My friends rave about this drink; and, best of all, there is no added sugar, and this tequila cocktail only has 162 calories! So when I came up with the spicy version, everyone was excited.

This tequila lime soda recipe is that it calls for four ingredients, and it is so easy to make that anyone can do it. It’s impossible to mess up! The instructions are simple, and I left step-by-step pictures to guide you.

Why you’ll love this tequila cocktail recipe

• Ranch water is the perfect refreshing Summer cocktail.
• This recipe is spicy but not overpowering.
• An elevated, but simple tequila soda.
• Low-calorie with only 162 calories per ranch water.
• It’s bubbly, tangy from the limes, and spicy from the jalapeños and tajin.
• Easy to make in under 5 minutes.
• It calls for four simple ingredients.
• It is made with tequila.
• No added sugar.
• It’s gluten-free.
• Use any type of seltzer water.
• Try these skinny spicy margaritas or this spicy mango margarita next!

Ingredients needed & substitutions

You only need four ingredients (plus tajin) to make these spicy ranch water tequila seltzers; there is no added sugar which makes them skinny! Here is a list so you have all your ingredients prepared:

• Silver Tequila: This is another term for Blanco tequila. You can use any brand you want; I love Silver Patron.
• Limes: This ranch water recipe requires 2 – 3 large limes.
• Sparkling Water: Topo Chico is the best since it is super carbonated, but any mineral sparkling water works! You can even use lime flavor sparkling water.
• Jalapeño: This adds the perfect amount of spiciness to these ranch waters. You can also use a serrano pepper.
• Tajin Seasoning: You can always stick to the classics and use coarse sea salt, but I love enjoying ranch water in tajin-rimmed glasses. It adds a fun and delicious flavor. You can also use coarse sea salt.

Kitchen tools needed

Here is a list of all the kitchen tools you’ll need to make this ranch water seltzer recipe. Don’t worry, you probably have everything already!

• Cocktail shaker or sealable jar
• Double jigger (shot glass)
• Strainer (if not using a cocktail shaker with one)
• Small plate
• Cocktail glass or drinking cup

How to make spicy ranch water:

This spicy ranch water recipe is easy to make in under 5 minutes. There is no added sugar, and it has the perfect amount of heat. Here are step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference:

Step 1:

First, add the tajin to a small plate – you can use store-bought tajin or make your own (I left instructions on the recipe card). Then, wet the rim of your glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the top edge, then dip it into the tajin, fill the glass with ice, and set it to the side.

Step 2:

Then, muddle the jalapeno slices in a cocktail shaker, and add the tequila and lime juice after. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to infuse the tequila with spice. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a sealable jar or water bottle.

Step 3:

After that, strain and pour into the tajin-rimmed glass filled with ice.

Step 4:

Finally, top it with Topo Chico or sparking water and give it a light mix. I like to garnish my spicy ranch water with lime wedges and extra jalapeño slices. Enjoy!

Recipe tips:

1. Infuse the tequila with jalapeños. This is my #1 tip for these spicy ranch waters. You must infuse the spiciness of the jalapenos into the tequila by muddling the peppers. Your driwon’tn’t have heat if you wait until the end to add the jalapeño slices to your ranch water.
2. Use any type of sparking water. I used Topo Chico because it is extra bubbly, but any kind of plain sparkling water works! You can even use club soda, Pellegrino, or lime-flavor mineral water.
3. Make your own tajin seasoning. I bought tajin at the store, but you can make your own too. Simply mix together 2 Tablespoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of crystalized lime powder, 1 tablespoon of cayenne powder or red chili powder, and 1 tablespoon of chipotle powder.
4. Use fresh lime juice, not bottled. This makes a HUGE difference. Bottle-limed juice is not fresh and leaves a weirdly concentrated flavor.
5. Strain the jalapeño slices out. If you skip this, little specs or seeds of jalapeño may be left in your ranch water.
6. Use vodka. Ranch water is a tequila drink, but if you want, you can use plain vodka too.
7. Make enough for a party. You can double, triple, or quadruple this recipe to serve a party. To measure the correct amount of tequila for each drink, I recommend making them in one batch but in different glasses (not a pitcher).
8. Customize your ranch water. I left a long list of ranch water variations below: orange, lemonade, grapefruit, cranberry, and pineapple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best substitute for Topo Chico in ranch water?

Use any seltzer or sparking water in place of Topo Chico. You can even use club soda, Pellegrino, or lime-flavor mineral water.

Can I use a serrano pepper instead of a jalapeño?

You can use a serrano pepper instead of a jalapeno, but your ranch water will be spicier. Serrano peppers are hotter than jalapeños, so I recommend starting with half or a third of a small serrano pepper.

What is tajin seasoning?

Tajin seasoning is a traditional and popular Mexican spice made from dried peppers, lime, and salt. It has some heat but is not spicy. I left a homemade recipe below in the recipe card.

Can I make my own tajin seasoning for the rim?

Absolutely! I left a recipe below in the notes section of the recipe card.

Can you make ranch water with vodka?

Ranch waters are typically made with tequila; however, you can also use vodka if desired.

How spicy is this ranch water recipe?

The best part about this recipe is that you control the spiciness. I recommend starting with one jalapeño and adding more if desired. You can add ½ tsp of hot sauce to the mixture for extra-spicy ranch water. You can even use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños if you want extra heat.

Is ranch water gluten-free?

Ranch water is 100% gluten-free since it is made with sparking water, tequila, and lime juice.

What is ranch water?

Ranch water is a simple tequila cocktail made from carbonated water, lime juice, and tequila. It originated in Texas during the 1960s.

How to store leftovers:

Spicy ranch water seltzer is best enjoyed right after you make them. If you make extras, you can refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days. Stir them before you serve them if you store them.

If you loved this recipe, try these drinks next!

• Skinny Spicy Margarita Recipe
• Spicy Mango Margarita Recipe
• Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
• Skinny Bacardi Pina Colada

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie! I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend.

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