High Noon Vodka Seltzer Watermelon 4Pk

High Noon Vodka Seltzer Watermelon 4PK is a four-pack of ready-to-drink vodka sodas made with real fruit juice and 5x-distilled vodka at 4.5% ABV. Named Best Tasting Seltzer by The Tasting Panel Magazine in both 2020 and 2021, this watermelon expression is widely considered the flagship flavor in the High Noon lineup and helped the brand earn Wine Enthusiast's 2021 Beverage Brand of the Year award.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: United States  |  Style: Vodka-Based Hard Seltzer  |  Producer: E & J Gallo Winery

Production & Heritage

High Noon is produced by E & J Gallo Winery, one of the largest wine and spirits companies in the world, founded in Modesto, California, in 1933. The vodka base starts with corn sourced from the Midwestern United States and undergoes five rounds of distillation before being blended with sparkling water and real fruit juice. This vodka foundation is the brand's central differentiator in the hard seltzer category — most competitors, including White Claw and Truly, rely on fermented cane sugar or malted barley as their alcohol base, which yields a fundamentally different flavor profile and mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a vivid burst of candied watermelon reminiscent of a Jolly Rancher, though it quickly gives way to a lighter, more natural melon sweetness. A faint hint of lime zest rounds out the aromatics.

Taste: The entry is sweet and distinctly watermelon-forward, closer to fresh watermelon juice than artificial candy. At mid-palate, a gentle lime acidity builds, adding structure and tartness that balances the fruit. The vodka base keeps the overall impression clean and crisp, without the grainy or yeasty undertones common in malt-based seltzers.

Finish: The finish is relatively short, with the watermelon flavor tapering off quickly into a dry, sparkling seltzer close. A subtle citrus note lingers briefly, leaving the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.

How to Drink High Noon Watermelon

Straight from the can over ice is the most popular serve — the carbonation holds up well, and the cold temperature amplifies the fruit. These cans also work as a surprisingly effective cocktail ingredient. A Watermelon Spritz — High Noon Watermelon topped with a splash of prosecco and fresh mint — makes an easy warm-weather crowd-pleaser. Pour one into a Frozen Watermelon Slushie by blending with ice and a squeeze of lime for a poolside staple. For a layered drink, use it as the topper in a Melon Mule over ginger beer and fresh lime, where the vodka base integrates seamlessly.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and outdoor gatherings where convenience matters
• Stocking a cooler for beach, pool, or tailgate days
• Introducing someone to vodka-based seltzers as a step up from malt alternatives
• Low-ABV social drinking when you want flavor without heaviness

Frequently Asked Questions

What does High Noon Watermelon taste like? It delivers a sweet, true-to-fruit watermelon flavor balanced by light lime acidity, finishing clean and dry thanks to its sparkling vodka-soda base. Reviewers frequently compare the initial aroma to watermelon candy, but the actual taste skews closer to fresh melon juice.

How does High Noon Watermelon compare to White Claw? The most significant difference is the alcohol base: High Noon uses 5x-distilled corn vodka, while White Claw is fermented from cane sugar, resulting in a noticeably different mouthfeel and flavor clarity. In a head-to-head review, Taste of Home gave High Noon a near-perfect score, ranking it above both White Claw and Truly for fruit flavor accuracy.

Is High Noon Watermelon good for beginners? At just 4.5% ABV with a fruit-forward, easy-drinking profile, it is one of the most approachable options in the hard seltzer category. The real fruit juice and clean vodka base make it an ideal starting point for anyone exploring the segment.

Where is High Noon Watermelon made? High Noon is produced by E & J Gallo Winery, headquartered in Modesto, California. The corn used for the vodka base is sourced from the Midwestern United States.

What foods pair well with High Noon Watermelon? Grilled shrimp skewers complement the melon sweetness with smoky char. A fresh watermelon-feta salad echoes the fruit and adds savory contrast. Light fish tacos with cilantro-lime slaw match the citrus notes in the seltzer. Spicy jalapeño poppers are cooled by the carbonation and fruit. Charcuterie boards with mild cheeses and fresh fruit round out the pairing without overwhelming the drink.

What sizes does High Noon Watermelon come in? The watermelon flavor is available in a standard 4-pack of 355ml (12 oz) cans and is also commonly found in variety packs alongside other High Noon flavors.

Is High Noon Watermelon worth the price? High Noon positions as a premium option within the hard seltzer segment, commanding a slight price premium over malt-based competitors like White Claw and Truly. The use of real vodka and real fruit juice — rather than fermented sugar and artificial flavoring — provides a tangible quality distinction that justifies the category-level price difference for most drinkers.

Why High Noon Watermelon?

In a hard seltzer market dominated by malt-based products, High Noon Watermelon stands apart by building on a genuine 5x-distilled corn vodka foundation — a production choice that delivers measurably cleaner flavor and better fruit integration. The recognition backs this up: The Tasting Panel Magazine named the brand Best Tasting Seltzer two years running, and Wine Enthusiast awarded it Beverage Brand of the Year in 2021. Watermelon is the expression that put High Noon on the map, and it remains the most popular flavor in the lineup for good reason. For anyone looking for a hard seltzer that actually tastes like real fruit and finishes without residual sweetness, this is the benchmark.