The definitive ranking of every High Noon flavor, from the classic vodka seltzers to the new tequila line
If you've been to a pool party, tailgate, or beach day in the past few years, you've probably seen the distinctive sun logo of High Noon hard seltzers. With Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports backing this brand, High Noon has exploded from a niche player to one of the most recognizable names in ready-to-drink cocktails.
But here's the thing: not all High Noon flavors are created equal. Some are genuinely delicious, others are perfectly adequate, and a few... well, let's just say they're better left in the cooler. After extensive taste-testing (someone had to do it), we've ranked every High Noon variety so you know exactly what to grab at StackCart for your next summer gathering.
What Makes High Noon Different?
Before we dive into the rankings, let's talk about why High Noon stands out in the crowded hard seltzer market. Unlike White Claw and Truly, which use malted barley (basically beer without hops), High Noon is made with real vodka and real fruit juice. That means:
- Better taste profile - The vodka base gives it a cleaner, more cocktail-like flavor
- Real fruit juice - Not just "natural flavors," but actual juice
- Lower sugar - Most varieties have only 2.5g of sugar
- 100 calories - Perfect for calorie-conscious drinkers
- 4.5% ABV - Standard seltzer strength with better flavor delivery
This vodka-and-juice approach is why High Noon tastes more like something you'd order at a bar than the sometimes-watery alternatives.
The Definitive High Noon Rankings
S-Tier: The Best of the Best
1. Watermelon (Classic Line) - 10/10
This is the flavor that put High Noon on the map, and for good reason. The watermelon tastes like actual watermelon—sweet, refreshing, and unmistakably summer. It's not overly artificial or candy-like. It's the perfect balance of fruit flavor and clean vodka finish.
Best for: Pool days, beach trips, literally any outdoor summer activity
2. Peach (Classic Line) - 9.5/10
Close second to watermelon, the peach High Noon delivers authentic peach flavor without tasting like cough syrup. It's subtle enough to drink multiple cans without flavor fatigue, but distinctive enough to actually taste like something. A perfect all-day sipper.
Best for: Brunch, day drinking, casual backyard hangs
3. Pineapple (Classic Line) - 9/10
Tropical, bright, and surprisingly authentic. The pineapple walks the fine line between sweet and tart perfectly. Some pineapple seltzers taste like cleaning products; this one tastes like vacation.
Best for: Tiki parties, tropical themes, pretending you're somewhere warm
A-Tier: Excellent Choices
4. Passionfruit (Classic Line) - 8.5/10
A slightly more exotic option that delivers genuine passionfruit flavor—tangy, tropical, and complex. It's not as immediately crowd-pleasing as watermelon, but it's a sophisticated choice that impresses.
Best for: Impressing guests, trying something different, craft cocktail lovers
5. Mango (Classic Line) - 8.5/10
Sweet and tropical without being cloying. The mango is bold but balanced, making it a reliable choice when you want something with punch.
Best for: Spicy food pairings, strong flavor lovers, Mexican food nights
6. Black Cherry (Classic Line) - 8/10
The dark horse of the lineup. Black cherry is richer and more complex than the tropical flavors, with a slight tartness that keeps it interesting. Great for people who find the tropical varieties too sweet.
Best for: Fall tailgates, bourbon lovers transitioning to seltzers, evening drinking
B-Tier: Solid Performers
7. Grapefruit (Classic Line) - 7.5/10
Divisive but good. If you like grapefruit, you'll love this—it's genuinely bitter and citrusy like real grapefruit. If you're expecting something sweet, look elsewhere.
Best for: Grapefruit fans, morning-after recovery, palate cleansing
8. Lime (Classic Line) - 7/10
Clean and simple. It's basically a vodka soda with a lime twist, which is either exactly what you want or kind of boring depending on your perspective. Safe choice, never offensive.
Best for: Vodka soda lovers, keeping it simple, designated driver alternatives
9. Lemon (Sun Sips Vodka Iced Tea Line) - 7/10
High Noon's entry into the iced tea seltzer category. It's refreshing and captures that Arnold Palmer vibe, but it's not quite as memorable as the fruit flavors. Still, it's a nice change of pace.
Best for: Golf course drinking, porch sitting, sweet tea lovers
C-Tier: Take It or Leave It
10. Strawberry (Classic Line) - 6.5/10
Here's where opinions start diverging. The strawberry is fine, but it doesn't pop the way the top-tier flavors do. It can taste slightly artificial compared to the authentic peach or watermelon.
Best for: Strawberry devotees, mixing with other drinks
11. Tequila Seltzer Lime - 6.5/10
High Noon's tequila line is newer and still finding its groove. The lime tequila seltzer is decent—it tastes like a light margarita—but it doesn't quite match the excellence of the vodka line.
Best for: Tequila lovers, margarita fans who want fewer calories
12. Tequila Seltzer Grapefruit - 6/10
A paloma-inspired option that's slightly better than the lime but still not essential. It's fine for variety, but you're not missing anything if you stick to the vodka line.
Best for: Paloma fans, completionists
D-Tier: Skip These
13. Cranberry (Seasonal) - 5/10
When it appears seasonally, the cranberry is... medicinal. It tastes more like cranberry juice cocktail than fresh cranberry, and the tartness doesn't quite work with the vodka base.
Best for: Holiday gatherings only, cranberry sauce enthusiasts
The Pool Pack: Best Variety Pack Value
If you're not sure where to start, High Noon's Pool Pack variety pack is the move. It typically includes:
- Watermelon
- Peach
- Pineapple
- Lime
That's three S/A-tier flavors plus a solid neutral option. You literally can't go wrong with this pack for a party.
Food Pairing Guide
Match your High Noon to your meal:
- Watermelon: Grilled chicken, light salads, fruit plates
- Peach: BBQ ribs, Southern food, fried chicken
- Pineapple: Fish tacos, poke bowls, coconut shrimp
- Mango: Spicy wings, Thai food, Mexican dishes
- Black Cherry: Burgers, steak tips, hearty appetizers
- Lime: Chips and guac, ceviche, anything Mexican
Where to Buy High Noon in Western Massachusetts
If you're in the Granby area, StackCart now carries a full selection of High Noon flavors. We stock:
- Individual cans for mix-and-match builds
- 8-packs of popular flavors
- Variety packs for parties
- Seasonal varieties when available
Skip the big-box store lines and grab your High Noon locally. Plus, pair it with our selection of summer snacks for the complete pool day or tailgate setup.
The Verdict: What to Buy
- For parties: Watermelon 8-pack + Pool Pack variety
- For personal stash: Peach or Pineapple 8-pack
- For adventurous drinkers: Passionfruit or Black Cherry
- For playing it safe: Lime
FAQ: High Noon Questions Answered
Is High Noon better than White Claw?
For taste, yes. High Noon's vodka base and real juice deliver a more authentic cocktail experience. White Claw is a solid budget option, but High Noon is worth the upgrade for special occasions.
How much alcohol is in High Noon?
Standard High Noon is 4.5% ABV, same as most hard seltzers. The Sun Sips line is also 4.5%.
Is High Noon gluten-free?
Yes. Since it's made with vodka (which is distilled) rather than malt, High Noon is considered gluten-free.
Why is High Noon more expensive?
Real vodka and real fruit juice cost more than the malt base and artificial flavors used by competitors. You're paying for quality ingredients.
What's the best High Noon flavor for beginners?
Start with Watermelon or Peach. They're universally loved and showcase what makes High Noon special.
Does High Noon have caffeine?
No, High Noon does not contain caffeine.
How many calories in High Noon?
100 calories per can for the standard line, with 2.5g of sugar and zero carbs (beyond the sugar).
StackCart is your local source for High Noon hard seltzers in Granby, MA. Stop by to build your perfect summer cooler with our full selection of flavors, variety packs, and snacks to match. Small town, big savings—and now, cold drinks too.