The Core Truth: High Noon is a Seltzer, Not a Beer
One of the most common misconceptions about High Noon is that it is a beer or a malt beverage. The reality, however, is that High Noon is a vodka-based hard seltzer, a crucial distinction that affects its flavor, ingredients, and overall drinking experience. Unlike the majority of hard seltzers on the market, which derive their alcohol from fermented cane sugar or malted barley, High Noon's alcohol comes from real, five-times distilled vodka. This provides a much cleaner, smoother finish that allows the real fruit juice flavors to shine without the underlying sweetness or grain notes often associated with malt liquor. The brand has actively marketed this difference, positioning itself as a premium, spirits-based ready-to-drink cocktail rather than a simple, beer-adjacent product.
How Much Alcohol is in a Standard High Noon?
For most of High Noon's widely available, core vodka seltzer flavors, the alcohol content is consistently 4.5% ABV. This is comparable to many popular light beers but is delivered in a low-calorie, no-added-sugar format that appeals to a different consumer base. Each 12-ounce can of the core seltzer line also contains just 100 calories. The simple ingredients—real vodka, real fruit juice, and sparkling water—create a refreshing, easy-drinking beverage that is gluten-free. This makes High Noon a compelling choice for those seeking a lighter, more natural-tasting alcoholic option than many other canned drinks.
High Noon vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages: A Comparison
To better understand High Noon's place in the market, it is helpful to compare it against other common beverage types. This table highlights some key differences in ingredients, alcohol content, and nutritional information.
| Feature | High Noon (Vodka Seltzer) | Traditional Beer | Malt-Based Hard Seltzer | Standard Glass of Wine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Vodka | Malted Barley | Fermented Cane Sugar/Malt | Grapes |
| Typical ABV | 4.5% | ~4.2%–6.5% | ~4–5% | ~11–13% |
| Ingredients | Real vodka, real fruit juice, sparkling water | Hops, barley, water, yeast | Malt liquor, sugar, artificial flavors | Fermented grape juice |
| Calories (per 12 oz) | 100 | ~150–200+ | ~100–150+ | ~120–130+ |
| Added Sugar | None | Varies | Often contains sugar | Varies |
| Gluten-Free | Yes | No | Typically Yes, but check label | Yes |
The High Noon Ingredients and Flavor Profile
The commitment to using real ingredients is a cornerstone of the High Noon brand, which contributes to its clean and natural taste. A typical can includes:
- Real Vodka: The alcohol base is a five-times distilled vodka made from Midwest corn, ensuring a smooth finish.
- Real Fruit Juice: Instead of artificial flavors, High Noon incorporates real fruit juice for its distinct, bright flavors.
- Sparkling Water: Provides the light and bubbly carbonation that gives it a crisp seltzer texture.
- Natural Flavors: Additional natural flavors are used to round out the fruit essence.
High Noon's Expanding Product Line and Varying ABVs
While the original vodka seltzers are the most recognizable, High Noon has expanded its offerings to include other spirits-based ready-to-drink products. It's important to note that the alcohol content can differ slightly between product lines:
- High Noon Vodka Iced Tea: Introduced in 2024, this non-carbonated line comes in flavors like Original, Peach, Lemon, and Raspberry and has a 5% ABV.
- High Noon Tequila Seltzer: Launched in 2023, this line is made with real Blanco tequila and real fruit juice in flavors such as Lime, Grapefruit, and Strawberry. Like the vodka seltzers, each can contains 100 calories, but the specific ABV may vary slightly by market or product.
- High Noon Vodka & Soda Hard Seltzer: This refers to the core seltzer line, maintaining the 4.5% ABV standard.
The Reason for the Common Misconception
So why do many people mistakenly refer to High Noon as a beer? The confusion likely stems from several factors. First, the 12-ounce can packaging is ubiquitous for beer and is a familiar format for grab-and-go alcoholic beverages. Second, the marketing often positions High Noon alongside other refreshing, lower-alcohol options suitable for casual social settings like tailgates or pool parties, where beer is a standard. The rise of the hard seltzer category itself blurred the lines, with many early versions being malt-based, making the distinction less apparent to consumers who do not closely read product labels. For those curious to learn more about the specifics of the beverage category, this guide from VinePair offers a comprehensive overview of hard seltzer 10 Things You Should Know About High Noon Hard Seltzer.
Conclusion: High Noon's True Identity
To conclude, while frequently mislabeled as a beer, High Noon is definitively a hard seltzer, with a core product line of vodka-based seltzers that contain 4.5% ABV. It distinguishes itself from malt-based alternatives by using real vodka and real fruit juice, resulting in a crisp, clean-tasting, and gluten-free beverage. The brand's expansion into iced teas (5% ABV) and tequila seltzers demonstrates its continued focus on spirits-based, ready-to-drink options rather than traditional beer. For consumers seeking a refreshing, low-calorie, and real-juice-infused alcoholic drink, High Noon's true identity as a premium spirits seltzer is what makes it a popular choice.
