Spicy Ranch Water
This spicy ranch water recipe is a tasty twist on the classic drink. It’s a great low-sugar cocktail option, made with just a few ingredients.

I recently fell in love with ranch water since it’s a simple cocktail recipe that is perfect for a hot summer day. After enjoying the basic ranch water recipe of tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico, I decided to play around with a spicy version. I love that this has a kick but it’s still a great low-sugar option!
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this simple spicy ranch water reminds me a bit of a spicy margarita, but without all the sugar. It’s simple to make and you only need a few ingredients! It’s refreshing and flavorful, making it my go-to cocktail on a hot summer day!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Basic ranch water is simple and consists of tequila, fresh lime juice, and Topo Chico. This version adds fresh jalapeño and chili-lime seasoning to take it to the next level. You can use fresh lime juice or bottled lime juice. I recommend using blanco tequila but you can use any kind you like.
What is Topo Chico?
Topo Chico is a type of mineral water from Mexico. It is known for its bubbly and crisp flavor. It has a devoted following and it’s the specific sparkling water that is used in a classic ranch water drink. Any club soda can be substituted for the Topo Chico in this recipe. I have a Sodastream, which makes it easy to have sparkling water on hand at all times!
What is TajÃn?
TajÃn is a Mexican seasoning blend made from ground chili peppers, lime, and salt, creating a tangy, spicy, and slightly acidic taste. It adds the perfect spicy flavor to this ranch water! Trader Joe’s also makes a chili lime seasoning blend that can be used in place of tajÃn.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Topo Chico alcoholic? No. Topo Chico doesn’t contain any alcohol, but ranch water is made with tequila.
- Can I make a ranch water mocktail? Absolutely! You can skip the tequila altogether or you can use a non-alcoholic spirit like Ritual’s zero-proof tequila.
- What alcohol does ranch water use? Traditionally it’s made with blanco tequila.
Spicy Ranch Water
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This spicy ranch water recipe is a tasty twist on the classic drink. It’s a great low-sugar cocktail option, made with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon tajÃn seasoning
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced
- 2oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 6oz Topo Chico mineral water or other sparkling water
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass.
- Roll the top edge of the glass in tajÃn seasoning.
- Muddle a few jalapeño slices at the bottom of the glass.
- Top with ice.
- Add lime juice and tequila.
- Top with Topo Chico and garnish with a few additional slices of jalapeño
This ranch water is refreshing. It’s so easy to make.
Love this spicy version. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Perfect drink for summer pool parties, and no sugar!! It was delicious!
Okay, you just took it to the next level! Love the spice!
I love this spicy version of ranch water!! Such an easy cocktail to make and definitely a crowd pleaser.