How to Make Ranch Water Hard Seltzer

Christmas ranch water hard seltzer is a must-try drink this holiday season and beyond. Serve it up at your next party for a low-carb, low-calorie cocktail.

christmas ranch water on counter

I’m so excited to share this Christmas ranch water hard seltzer cocktail with you.

Like many of you, I’m a huge fan of the television series Yellowstone. In fact, everyone in my family from my 79 yo father to my 25 yo daughter, are fans.

This post contains affilate links at no extra cost to you. Please see my full disclosure here.

If you are as well you might enjoy these gift ideas for Yellowstone fans. When we were watching the premiere of the show, we saw a commercial for canned ranch water from Lone River Beverage Co.

The actor in the commercial was none other than Oscar and Grammy award-winning artist Ryan Bingham, who plays Walker on Yellowstone. 

I read that he partnered with Lone River Beverage Co., which makes the No. 1 ranch water brand in the U.S.

When I saw the ranch water commercial, I was intrigued. I love hard seltzer so I went on the hunt to try to find Lone River ranch water in New Hampshire.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have any luck. So I did what any slightly obsessed person with a cocktail blog does, I researched it and made it at home!

Christmas Ranch Water Hard Seltzer in mug

WHY WE LOVE RANCH WATER HARD SELTZER

  • Easy to make at home
  • Light and refreshing
  • No added sugar or sweeteners
  • Low carb
  • Great sipping drink

WHAT IS IN RANCH WATER?

  • Tequila – Blanco or reposado
  • Lime juice – fresh is always best
  • Sparkling mineral water – Topo Chico is highly recommended
  • Lime slices

Ranch water is known to be the unofficial drink of West Texas. Many Texans don’t consider it a true ranch water recipe unless the cocktail is made with Topo Chico mineral water.

close up of christmas ranch water

CHRISTMAS RANCH WATER INGREDIENTS

Since the holidays are right around the corner, I decided to add a festive touch to the classic recipe by making a Christmas ranch water.  

  • tequila 
  • cranberry lime carbonated water 
  • fresh cranberries 
  • fresh lime slices
  • fresh rosemary 
  • ice cubes

Christmas ranch water ingredients

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TEQUILA

  • Make sure it’s made with 100% agave: True authentic tequila is made with 100% agave, which is mostly what differentiates it from mezcal 
  • Don’t be fooled by the price tag: You do not have to spend an arm and a leg to find a good quality tequila. I’ve been very happy with Espolon Tequila.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST RANCH WATER

Fill a salted rimmed glass with ice cubes and lime wedges.

adding ice to ranch water

Pour in one shot of tequila.

pouring tequila in glass

Top off with cranberry lime carbonated water.

christmas ranch water on counter

Garnish with fresh rosemary, lime slices, and fresh cranberries.

christmas ranch water with cranberries

Cheers!

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EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You’ll only need a couple of items to make this cocktail.

  • Glasses – mason jar mugs and highball glasses are perfect. 
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Stirring spoon

adding ice to ranch water

RANCH WATER FAQS

Can I make this for a crowd?

Yes! To make a pitcher of Christmas Ranch Water, simply use a 2:1 ratio of tequila to lime juice and top each individual glass with cranberry lime carbonated water and garnishments.

If you don’t want to rim the glasses in advance, you could lightly sprinkle salt over the finished cocktail.

Can you make ranch water hard seltzer ahead of time?

No. These cocktails are made with seltzer, so they should not be made ahead of time. They will go flat and lose their fizz. But, they are so simple to make it’s really not necessary. 

pouring tequila in glass

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about ranch water seltzer.

What is ranch water seltzer?

It’s a type of highball drink made with tequila and usually Topo Chico sparkling mineral water and citrus, usually lime.

What does ranch water seltzer taste like?

A refreshing, bubbly, citrusy beverage, usually made with seltzer, lime and tequila, like a less sweet margherita.

Why is my ranch water flat?

You probably waited too long to serve it or you refrigerated it for later. Seltzer will go flat just like pop does, so this drink is best served immediately.

Why is it called ranch water?

No one knows exactly how ranch water got its name.

Rumor has it that a Texas rancher created it in the 1960’s. However it came to be, ranch water was basically a word-of-mouth drink until approximately 2010, when Texas bartenders started adding it to their menus.

mug of ranch water

Substitutions

Here are a few variations you can make on this Christmas ranch water recipe.

  • Rim the glass: run a slice of lime around the edge of your glass and roll it in kosher salt.
  • Change the tequila: switch up the type of tequila you use. Instead of Blanco, try reposado tequila. You can even use mezcal. 
  • Change the citrus: instead of fresh lime juice, use lemon juice, grapefruit juice, or orange juice. 

Where to buy canned ranch water hard seltzer?

If you’d prefer to buy ranch water, here are some brands and locations that are listed as selling it: 

Like this Christmas ranch water hard seltzer recipe? PIN IT!

christmas ranch water pin with text

More tequila cocktail recipes here:

 

christmas ranch water with nutcracker

How to Make Christmas Ranch Water Hard Seltzer

Yield: 1 Ranch Water
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Light, refreshing and easy to make, this ranch water hard seltzer is the perfect drink to enjoy this holiday season.

Ingredients

  • tequila 
  • cranberry lime carbonated water 
  • fresh cranberries 
  • fresh lime slices
  • fresh rosemary 
  • ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour in one shot of tequila.
  3. Top off with cranberry lime carbonated water. 
  4. Garnish with fresh rosemary, lime slices, and fresh cranberries.
  5. Cheers! 

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