Do High Noons Contain Alcohol?
Yes, High Noons contain alcohol. They are a brand of premium hard seltzer, which by definition is an alcoholic beverage. The key distinction for High Noon is the type of alcohol used. Unlike many hard seltzers that are made with fermented cane sugar or malt liquor, High Noon uses a base of real vodka. This choice of a distilled spirit creates a cleaner, smoother finish that many consumers prefer.
The standard High Noon Vodka Seltzer contains an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.5%. This is a moderate alcohol level, comparable to many light beers. Beyond the vodka, the beverage also includes real fruit juice, sparkling water, and natural flavors, with no added sugar and only 100 calories per 12-ounce can.
High Noon's Alcohol Base: Vodka vs. Malt Liquor
The difference between High Noon's vodka base and the malt liquor used in other seltzers is a major point of consumer interest. Here's a breakdown of what that distinction means:
- Vodka Base: High Noon's use of real, five-times distilled corn vodka provides a cleaner, purer taste profile. It serves as a neutral foundation that allows the real fruit juice flavors to shine without any residual 'beery' or overly sweet taste. Because it is distilled from corn, the original High Noon Vodka Seltzers are also gluten-free.
- Malt Liquor Base: Many other hard seltzers use malt liquor, which is fermented from a malted grain. The brewing and fermenting process can leave behind a slightly heavier taste. While often masked by artificial flavors, some find the malt base less clean than a spirit-based alternative. Seltzers using malt may also not be gluten-free, depending on the grains used.
The Rise of Spirit-Based Seltzers
High Noon was a pioneer in using real spirits for their hard seltzers, a move that contributed to its massive success. The strategy tapped into a growing consumer preference for premium ingredients and transparent sourcing in their beverages. This has led to a major shift in the canned cocktail market, with many other brands now following suit and offering spirit-based options. For example, High Noon has since expanded its product line to include Tequila Seltzers and Vodka Iced Teas, all using real, high-quality spirits.
Comparison Table: High Noon vs. Other Popular Canned Drinks
| Feature | High Noon Vodka Seltzer | Standard Malt-Based Seltzer | Standard Light Beer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Real Vodka | Fermented Cane Sugar or Malt Liquor | Malted Grains |
| ABV (Alcohol by Volume) | 4.5% | Typically 4-5% | Approximately 4.2% |
| Ingredients | Vodka, real fruit juice, sparkling water | Fermented cane sugar/malt, water, artificial flavors | Water, barley, hops, yeast |
| Calories (per 12oz) | ~100 | ~100 | ~100 |
| Added Sugar | No | Often includes | No |
| Gluten-Free | Yes | Usually No | No |
| Taste Profile | Clean, crisp, and fruity | Can have residual malt taste, sweeter profile | Malty, bready |
Understanding High Noon's Different Product Lines
While the classic High Noon is vodka-based, the brand has expanded its offerings to include other spirits, all of which contain alcohol.
High Noon Tequila Seltzer:
- Alcohol Base: Real Blanco Tequila.
- Flavors: Combines tequila with real fruit juice flavors like Strawberry, Lime, Grapefruit, and Passionfruit.
- Result: A spirit-based tequila seltzer that offers a cleaner taste profile than many malt-based competitors.
High Noon Vodka Iced Tea:
- Alcohol Base: Real Vodka.
- Flavors: A non-carbonated line with flavors such as Original, Peach, Lemon, and Raspberry.
- Result: Provides a hard tea option that stays true to the brand's commitment to quality spirits and no added sugar.
Is High Noon Safe to Drink? A Note on Recalls
As with any alcohol, responsible consumption is advised. High Noon products, when properly labeled and manufactured, are safe to drink for those of legal age. However, in July 2025, a recall was issued for some High Noon Beach Variety packs due to a mislabeling error at a can supplier. Some cans were mistakenly labeled as a non-alcoholic energy drink, leading to the potential for unintended alcohol consumption. The company worked with the FDA to manage the recall and advised consumers to dispose of any affected products. For the most current safety information, it is always wise to consult official announcements or recall resources from organizations like the FDA. The incident highlights the importance of quality control and staying informed about product safety announcements.
Conclusion: High Noon and Its Alcoholic Nature
To definitively answer the question, do High Noons have alcohol in them, the answer is yes, they are alcoholic beverages. The standard High Noon vodka seltzers contain 4.5% ABV, a moderate amount comparable to many light beers. What truly sets High Noon apart in the hard seltzer market is its choice to use real, high-quality vodka as its alcohol base, combined with real fruit juice, rather than cheaper malt liquor or fermented cane sugar. This commitment to premium ingredients has helped High Noon build a reputation for a clean, crisp flavor and rise to prominence as a top-selling spirit brand by volume. When reaching for a High Noon, consumers can expect a gluten-free, low-calorie, and alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktail, available in a variety of fruit flavors.
High Noon: The Bottom Line
High Noon is an alcoholic hard seltzer made with a real vodka base, real fruit juice, and sparkling water. It is distinct from many other hard seltzers on the market that use a malt liquor base. This gives High Noon a cleaner flavor profile and makes it a gluten-free option. The brand has expanded to include other spirit-based products, such as tequila seltzers and vodka iced teas, all of which contain alcohol. For responsible adults seeking a refreshing canned cocktail, High Noon provides a variety of alcoholic, flavorful options.
