Low-sugar Mocktail: Ranch Water with Watermelon
/This is another one of our lazy low-sugar mocktails, that you can make right in the bottle with little or no mess. It’s a great option for backyard hosting and other outdoor entertaining because it can be a little messy while you’re learning how to make it. Once you’ve nailed the technique, it only takes a minute or two to make one! Easy and tasty - just the way we like it.
What is Ranch Water?
Before we dive into our Watermelon Ranch Water mocktail recipe, let's talk a bit about the origins of ranch water. Ranch water is a classic Texas cocktail that's known for its simplicity and refreshing taste. Traditionally, it's made with tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico – a sparkling mineral water that's a staple in many Texan households. It's the perfect drink for hot summer days when you need something to cool you down and quench your thirst.
Our twist on this classic involves the addition of watermelon juice and non-alcoholic tequila, making it a fantastic choice for anyone embracing the sober curious lifestyle or simply looking for a delicious mocktail.
What is Non-Alcoholic Tequila?
Non-alcoholic tequila is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the taste of tequila in their drinks but may not want the alcohol, for whatever reason. It offers all the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet notes of tequila, making it a versatile ingredient in a wide range of mocktails.
The non-alcoholic tequila we’re using in this drink is Danny Trejo’s Trejos Spirits tequila alternative. If you don’t know who Danny Trejo is, just think bad guy actor in Desparado, From Dusk Til Dawn and other classics. As a retired actor, he’s known for his work in the community, and his Taco restaurant among other business ventures. Lately, he’s entered into the non-alcoholic spirits competition with a non-alcoholic tequila.
How does Trejos tequila alternative taste?
This tequila alternative is unique and we really love it. The aroma is very grassy and smoky, a hint of old sock which is definitely a hallmark of reposado tequila. The taste is so interesting, with a little bit of heat, a hint of grassiness, lots of smoke and a slight sweetness to it. You could probably drink this on the rocks and you wouldn’t be turned off by it. It’s a great option to pair with watermelon!
A tasty low-sugar mocktail
This mocktail is low-sugar with only 4 grams of sugar for the whole bottle. The watermelon juice has very little natural sugar, and there is usually 1g or less of sugar in non-alcoholic tequila. Topo Chico has 0g of sugar.
How to make watermelon juice
Cut up about 2 cups of watermelon into cubes or chunks.
Add to a blender and blend on high until pureed.
Put a big mesh strainer over a pitcher or carafe and slowly strain out the juice. You’ll have to press down on the watermelon pulp quite firmly so use a wooden spoon, and make sure the strainer is sitting snug on top of a sturdy bowl.
Once strained, you can leave in the fridge for a day or two, but warning that the juice will start separate if left too long at room temperature. Give it a good whisk if that starts to happen!
And now, let’s make some mocktails!
Watermelon Ranch Water Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
1 oz fresh lime juice
2 oz non-alcoholic tequila
3 oz watermelon juice
1/2 bottle Topo Chico
Tajin for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare Your Glass: Start by popping open the Topo Chico bottle and either drinking down the neck, or pouring it into a cup, so there’s room in the bottle for the rest of the liquid.
Add the Lime Juice and Non-Alcoholic Tequila: Slowly pour in the lime juice and the tequila into the bottle **PRO TIP: use a small measuring cup with a spout rather than a jigger or shot glass as it’s easier to control the flow of liquid into the tiny bottle opening!
Add the Watermelon Juice: Slowly top the bottle up with the watermelon juice. It will start to fizz, so go slow and stop if you need to until the bubbles go down and then start filling again until you get to a thumbs width from the top.
Garnish with tajin salt: Rub a lime around the front of the bottle neck, and then tip the bottle slightly down and shake Tajin salt over the bottle. *This is messy, so do it over a cutting board or bowl to catch the excess Tajin.
Don’t forget the lime: Add a lime wedge to the bottle mouth, just like you would with a Corona, and then enjoy!
Join the Mocktail Revolution
So, there you have it – a delicious and refreshing Watermelon Ranch Water mocktail that's perfect for summer. Whether you're already a fan of mocktails or just starting to explore the world of non-alcoholic drinks, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Don't forget to share your creations with me on Instagram using the hashtag #SomeGoodCleanFun and #WatermelonRanchWater. I love seeing how you put your own spin on these recipes and hearing about your mocktail adventures.
Stay cool, stay refreshed, and most importantly, stay sober curious. Cheers to delicious mocktails and a fantastic summer!
Nutrition Information
Calories per drink: 25
Sugar level: 5g per drink (breakdown below)
Watermelon 3.5g
Lime juice 0.5g
Non-alcoholic tequila 1

Watermelon Ranch Water Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz non-alcoholic tequila
- 3 oz watermelon juice
- 1/2 bottle Topo Chico
- Tajin for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Your Glass: Start by popping open the Topo Chico bottle and either drinking down the neck, or pouring it into a cup, so there’s room in the bottle for the rest of the liquid.
- Add the Lime Juice and Non-Alcoholic Tequila: Slowly pour in the lime juice and the tequila into the bottle **PRO TIP: use a small measuring cup with a spout rather than a jigger or shot glass as it’s easier to control the flow of liquid into the tiny bottle opening!
- Add the Watermelon Juice: Slowly top the bottle up with the watermelon juice. It will start to fizz, so go slow and stop if you need to until the bubbles go down and then start filling again until you get to a thumbs width from the top.
- Garnish with tajin salt: Rub a lime around the front of the bottle neck, and then tip the bottle slightly down and shake Tajin salt over the bottle. *This is messy, so do it over a cutting board or bowl to catch the excess Tajin.
- Don’t forget the lime: Add a lime wedge to the bottle mouth, just like you would with a Corona, and then enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories
42.6Fat
0.15 gSat. Fat
0.01 gCarbs
8.81 gFiber
0.45 gNet carbs
8.35 gSugar
5.75 gProtein
0.64 gSodium
1.99 mgCholesterol
0 mg