Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Watermelon Schnapps
- .5 oz Grenadine Syrup
- Club Soda
Instructions
Fill the glass:
- Fill a highball glass halfway with ice cubes.
Add the spirits:
- Pour the watermelon schnapps and vodka into the glass over the ice.
Add grenadine and soda:
- Add the grenadine syrup, then top off the drink with club soda.
Stir and serve:
- Stir gently to combine, and serve immediately for a fruity, refreshing cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This particular candy-themed cocktail likely emerged from the modern bar scene, a response to a demand for sweet, approachable drinks that taste like childhood treats. It does not have a storied history or a specific inventor. It is more a product of popular culture and ingredient availability than a classic recipe.
The Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2 sits comfortably in the ‘vodka highball’ family, alongside drinks like the Vodka Cranberry or a simple Gin and Tonic. What sets it apart is the specific combination of watermelon schnapps and grenadine, pushing it firmly into the candy cocktail category, distinguishing it from more balanced or spirit-forward highballs.
You would typically find this drink served at a casual neighborhood bar, a summer BBQ, or a house party. It is not the kind of drink you would expect to see on the menu at a craft cocktail lounge, but it absolutely has its place for those who appreciate a fun, sweet, and easy-drinking option.
What it tastes like
From the first sip, the Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2 hits with a burst of artificial watermelon candy sweetness, courtesy of the schnapps and grenadine. The vodka acts as a clean, almost neutral base, allowing the fruit flavors to dominate. The finish is sweet and slightly fizzy from the club soda, which provides a bit of a cleansing effect, though the candy notes linger.
Using a standard 80 proof vodka and 22 percent ABV watermelon schnapps, this drink comes in around 8 to 12 percent alcohol by volume, depending on how much club soda you use to top it off. This makes it a moderately strong drink, often a bit stronger than a typical light beer but generally less potent than a spirit-forward cocktail like an Old Fashioned. It is a good choice for session drinking.
The technique
Building this drink is about as simple as it gets. Start with a highball glass filled about halfway with ice. Pour in the vodka and watermelon schnapps first, ensuring they mix well with the initial ice. Next, add the grenadine, which will settle somewhat at the bottom, creating a subtle color gradient. Finally, top the glass with club soda. A quick, gentle stir is all it needs before serving.
The most important technique for this type of drink is a gentle stir. Once you have added the club soda, stir just enough to combine the ingredients without excessively agitating the soda. Overstirring will flatten the carbonation, leaving you with a less effervescent and less refreshing drink. Keep the fizz intact for the best experience.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Any standard unflavored vodka works well here. Brands like Smirnoff, Tito’s, or Absolut are perfectly suitable. There is no need for anything top shelf, as its role is primarily to provide the alcohol base without competing with the strong fruit flavors.
- Skip
- Avoid flavored vodkas unless you are intentionally creating a different variation. Vanilla or citrus vodkas would clash with the watermelon profile. Also, avoid anything too harsh or unrefined, as even in a sweet drink, off flavors can come through.
- Why
- Vodka serves as the neutral canvas for this cocktail. It provides the alcoholic kick without adding its own distinct flavor, allowing the watermelon schnapps and grenadine to be the stars of the show and define the drink’s candy-like character.
Watermelon Schnapps
- Use
- DeKuyper Watermelon Pucker or Bols Watermelon are the go-to brands for this ingredient. Their sweet, artificial watermelon flavor is precisely what gives the drink its signature ‘Jolly Rancher’ taste.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with watermelon juice or watermelon liqueur. Juice will dilute the alcohol and lack the intense candy flavor, while a liqueur might have a different sweetness level or texture that alters the drink significantly.
- Why
- This is the hero ingredient that defines the Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2. Its distinct, sweet, and somewhat artificial watermelon flavor is what makes the drink taste like the candy it is named after. Without it, you just have a vodka soda with grenadine.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Sour Rancher
- A tangy twist on the classic.
- Add 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice to the mix before topping with club soda. This cuts through some of the sweetness and adds a welcome tartness.
Sparkling Rancher
- Bubbly and a little more sophisticated.
- Instead of club soda, top the drink with a dry sparkling rosé or prosecco. This adds complexity and a different kind of effervescence.
Frozen Rancher
- A frosty, slushy version.
- Combine all ingredients except the club soda with 1 cup of ice in a blender. Blend until smooth, then pour into a chilled glass. You can add a splash of club soda at the end for a slight fizz if desired.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
White rum can work as a substitute, though it will add a subtle sweetness and a different character to the drink.
Watermelon Pucker or a good quality watermelon syrup (add an extra 0.5 oz vodka to compensate for lost ABV) can stand in, though the flavor profile might shift slightly.
Raspberry syrup or even a splash of cranberry juice can provide a similar color and a touch of tart sweetness, but it won’t be quite the same flavor.
A standard pint glass or even a sturdy rocks glass will work. Just adjust the ice and club soda to fill it appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2?
A Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2 cocktail contains vodka, watermelon schnapps, grenadine syrup, and is topped with club soda.
Is the Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2 a strong drink?
It is a moderately strong drink, typically ranging from 8 to 12 percent ABV, comparable to a strong beer or a glass of wine.
Is this drink very sweet?
Yes, the Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2 is designed to be very sweet, with prominent candy-like watermelon flavors from the schnapps and grenadine.
Can I make the Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2 less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can use less grenadine, add a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice, or increase the amount of club soda.
What kind of vodka should I use for this cocktail?
Any decent quality unflavored vodka will work well. There is no need for premium brands, as its role is to provide a neutral alcohol base.
Can I make a batch of Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2 for a party?
Yes, you can pre-mix the vodka, watermelon schnapps, and grenadine in a pitcher. Add ice and club soda to individual servings to maintain fizz.
What is a good garnish for a Watermelon Jolly Rancher 2?
A watermelon wedge or a lime wheel makes for an appropriate and attractive garnish for this cocktail.
Is this a good summer drink?
Absolutely, its refreshing, fruity, and sweet profile makes it an excellent choice for hot weather and casual summer gatherings.
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