Is High Noon Drink Healthy? Ingredients & Nutrition Facts Explained

Ever wondered if that refreshing high noon drink in your hand is actually good for you? With the rising popularity of hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails, many health-conscious consumers are questioning what exactly they’re putting into their bodies when they crack open a can.

The high noon drink has positioned itself as a “better-for-you” alcoholic beverage option, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what makes up this trendy vodka seltzer and analyze whether it deserves a place in your cooler from a nutritional standpoint.

Ingredients List

Understanding what goes into a high noon drink is essential for evaluating its health profile. Here’s what you’ll find in each can:

• Vodka – Premium, distilled vodka serves as the alcoholic base
• Sparkling Water – Carbonated water provides the refreshing fizz
• Real Fruit Juice – Depending on the flavor (grapefruit, pineapple, watermelon, etc.)
• Natural Flavors – Additional flavor enhancers derived from natural sources
• Cane Sugar – A small amount for sweetness (much less than traditional mixed drinks)

Unlike many competitors that use malt liquor bases or artificial sweeteners, High Noon prides itself on using real vodka and actual fruit juice, which some consumers prefer for both taste and perceived health benefits.

Timing

While traditional cocktails might require preparation time, the high noon drink offers instant gratification as a ready-to-drink option.

Preparation Time: 0 minutes (simply chill and serve)

Optimal Chilling Time: 2-4 hours in refrigerator or 30-45 minutes in an ice bath

Total Time from Purchase to Enjoyment: Significantly faster than the average 5-10 minutes needed to mix a traditional vodka soda with fresh ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Selecting Your High Noon Flavor

Choose from the variety of available flavors based on your preference. Popular options include Watermelon, Black Cherry, Pineapple, Peach, Grapefruit, and Lime. Consider your flavor preferences and what might pair well with your planned food or occasion.

Step 2: Proper Chilling

For optimal enjoyment, chill your High Noon cans thoroughly. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving, or place in an ice-filled cooler for 30-45 minutes. The colder temperature enhances crispness and reduces the perception of alcohol.

Step 3: Serving Method

While drinking directly from the can is convenient, pouring into a glass with ice can enhance the experience. Use a highball or collins glass filled with fresh ice. This presentation allows the aromas to develop and creates a more cocktail-like experience.

Step 4: Optional Garnishing

Elevate your High Noon experience by adding a complementary fresh fruit garnish that matches your flavor. A slice of grapefruit for Grapefruit flavor, a pineapple wedge for Pineapple, or a lime wheel for Lime can enhance both appearance and taste.

Nutritional Information

Let’s examine what makes the High Noon nutritional profile different from other alcoholic beverages:

A standard 355ml (12oz) can of High Noon contains:

• Calories: 100 calories per can (approximately 40% fewer calories than a standard mixed drink)
• Carbohydrates: 2.3-2.6g per can (varies slightly by flavor)
• Sugars: 2.0-2.3g per can (about 80% less sugar than many premixed cocktails)
• Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV (alcohol by volume)
• Gluten: Gluten-free
• Additives: No artificial sweeteners or preservatives

Compared to traditional mixed drinks which can contain 200-300 calories and 20-30g of sugar, High Noon offers a significantly lighter option. Even compared to a standard beer (150 calories, 13g carbs), it presents a lower-calorie, lower-carb alternative.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While High Noon is already positioned as a “better-for-you” alcoholic option, there are ways to make your drinking experience even healthier:

• Dilution Method: Add extra sparkling water to your High Noon to reduce the alcohol content per serving while maintaining flavor.
• Hydration Pairing: Alternate between High Noon and plain water to stay hydrated and reduce overall alcohol consumption.
• Fresh Fruit Infusion: Add fresh fruit pieces to your glass to enhance flavor naturally without additional sweeteners.
• Mocktail Version: Mix sparkling water with a splash of the same fruit juice used in your favorite High Noon flavor for an alcohol-free alternative.

Remember that moderation is key – the healthiest approach is limiting alcohol consumption overall, regardless of which product you choose.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your High Noon experience with these serving ideas:

Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes: Freeze small pieces of fruit that match your High Noon flavor in ice cube trays for a beautiful and flavorful addition.

Food Pairings: Grapefruit High Noon pairs wonderfully with seafood, Pineapple complements spicy foods, and Watermelon works with light summer salads.

Spritz Conversion: Pour High Noon over ice and add a splash of prosecco for an elevated spritz-style cocktail with minimal additional calories.

Herbal Infusions: Add fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary to complement the fruit flavors and create a more sophisticated drinking experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming “Better-For-You” Means Healthy: While lower in calories and sugar, High Noon still contains alcohol, which has inherent health risks regardless of the form it takes.
• Drinking Warm: Serving High Noon at room temperature diminishes the refreshing quality and can make the alcohol taste more pronounced.
• Overlooking Hydration: The light, refreshing nature can lead to faster consumption without proper water intake between drinks.
• Ignoring Serving Size: Assuming one can equals one standard drink can lead to miscalculating alcohol intake (a standard drink contains 14g of pure alcohol).
• Mixing With High-Sugar Additions: Adding sweetened mixers defeats the purpose of choosing a lower-sugar alcoholic option.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage ensures your High Noon drinks maintain optimal quality:

• Temperature Control: Store unopened cans in the refrigerator at 34-38°F (1-3°C) for best flavor preservation.
• Avoid Freezing: Never freeze cans as they may explode due to liquid expansion.
• Sunlight Protection: Store away from direct sunlight to prevent flavor degradation and maintain the integrity of natural ingredients.
• Consumption Timeline: For best taste, consume within 6-8 months of purchase date, though the product remains safe to drink beyond this time.
• Opened Cans: Once opened, consume within the same day. The carbonation will dissipate quickly, and the flavor profile will change after extended exposure to air.

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Conclusion

The High Noon vodka seltzer offers a lighter alternative to traditional mixed drinks with its real ingredients, lower calorie count, and minimal sugar content. While it’s certainly a “better-for-you” option in the alcoholic beverage category, it’s important to remember that moderation remains key to any healthy approach to alcohol consumption.

Have you tried a High Noon drink yet? Which flavor is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our other articles on mindful drinking and healthier beverage choices. Your body will thank you for making informed decisions about what you consume, even when you’re enjoying a refreshing adult beverage!