I recently discovered the joys of mixing up a batch of High Noon Vodka Iced Tea, and let me tell you, it’s quickly become my new go-to summer cocktail. The crisp, citrusy flavors of the High Noon blend seamlessly with the classic taste of iced tea, creating a thirst-quenching elixir that’s perfect for lazy afternoons on the patio or lively gatherings with friends.
What Is High Noon Vodka Iced Tea?
High Noon vodka iced tea It’s a canned, ready-to-drink hard iced tea from High Noon (Spirit of Gallo) made with real vodka and brewed tea, non-carbonated, gluten-free, and with no added sugar.
Ingredients:
For The Base:
- 1 can (12 oz) High Noon Hard Seltzer (Lemon, Peach, or Black Cherry work wonderfully)
- 4-6 oz freshly brewed black tea, cooled to room temperature
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons simple syrup (optional, to taste).
For Garnish:
- Fresh lemon or lime wedge
- Fresh mint sprig
- Lemon wheel for rim decoration.
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Tea: Brew a strong cup of black tea using your favorite brand. I love using Earl Grey or English Breakfast for their robust flavors. Allow the tea to steep for 4-5 minutes, then remove the tea bag and let it cool completely. You can speed this process by placing it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare Your Glass: Fill a tall Collins glass or a mason jar with ice cubes. For an extra touch, rim the glass with a lemon wedge and dip it in sugar for a sweet accent.
- Build Your Cocktail: Pour the cooled black tea into your prepared glass, filling it about 1/3 of the way. Add the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Add the High Noon: Slowly pour the High Noon hard seltzer over the tea mixture. The key here is to pour gently to maintain some of the carbonation that makes this drink so refreshing.
- Mix and Garnish: Give the mixture a gentle stir with a bar spoon or straw. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge and a sprig of mint for that perfect Instagram-worthy presentation.
Pro Tips for The Perfect High Noon Vodka Iced Tea:
Flavor Combinations:
- Classic: High Noon Lemon + Earl Grey tea + fresh mint
- Peachy Keen: High Noon Peach + black tea + a splash of peach juice
- Berry Bliss: High Noon Black Cherry + sweet tea + fresh berries
Temperature Tips:
- Always use completely cooled tea. Hot tea will cause the High Noon to lose its carbonation quickly.
- Keep your High Noon cans chilled in the refrigerator beforehand for maximum refreshment.
- Consider freezing some brewed tea in ice cube trays to prevent dilution as they melt.
- Make-Ahead Secrets: You can prepare a large batch by brewing a pitcher of tea the night before and storing it in the refrigerator. This way, you’re always ready for spontaneous happy hour moments or unexpected guests.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Start with less sweetener than you think you need. High Noon already has a subtle sweetness, and you can always add more simple syrup to taste. 1-2 teaspoons is usually perfect for most palates.
- Carbonation Preservation: To maintain that delightful fizz, pour the High Noon last and stir gently. Aggressive mixing will flatten your drink faster than you can say “cheers!”
What To Serve High Noon Vodka Iced Tea With
Light Appetizers & Snacks:
- Cucumber Sandwiches with Herb Cream Cheese: The cool, crisp cucumber perfectly complements the refreshing nature of your cocktail. I love making these with dill cream cheese on pumpernickel bread for an elegant touch.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a beautiful contrast to the citrusy notes in your High Noon vodka iced tea.
- Watermelon and Feta Bites: These sweet and salty combinations are absolutely divine when paired with a Peach High Noon vodka iced tea. The flavors dance together on your palate.
Savory Classics:
- Deviled Eggs with a Twist: Try adding fresh herbs like chives or dill to your deviled eggs. The creamy richness balances beautifully with the light, bubbly texture of the cocktail.
- Smoked Salmon Crostini: The smoky, sophisticated flavors create an interesting contrast with the bright, refreshing qualities of your High Noon vodka iced tea drink.
BBQ & Grilled Favorites:
- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: This is my go-to pairing! The citrus marinade echoes the lemon notes in your cocktail while the grilled char adds depth to your dining experience.
- Cedar Plank Salmon: The woodsy flavors from cedar plank cooking complement the botanical notes found in black tea, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: For a more casual vibe, these tangy, sweet sliders pair wonderfully with the effervescent quality of High Noon hard seltzer.
Vegetarian Grilled Options:
- Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad: Especially perfect when using High Noon Peach flavor. The warm, caramelized peaches against peppery arugula create a restaurant-quality pairing.
- Grilled Corn with Lime Butter: The sweetness of corn and the tang of lime create a perfect summer harmony with your cocktail.
Fresh Salads & Summer Sides
Light And Refreshing Salads:
- Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad: Toss thinly sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. This cooling salad is absolutely perfect for hot summer days.
- Quinoa Tabbouleh: The fresh herbs and lemon dressing in this Mediterranean favorite echo the bright flavors in your High Noon iced tea.
- Summer Berry Spinach Salad: Mixed berries, candied pecans, and goat cheese over fresh spinach with a light vinaigrette create a beautiful color contrast on your table.
Classic Summer Sides:
- Coleslaw with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing: The tangy, crisp texture provides a nice contrast to the smooth, bubbly cocktail.
- Potato Salad with Fresh Herbs: I always add fresh dill and chives to my potato salad when serving it with High Noon iced tea. The herbs tie everything together beautifully.
Desserts:
- Lemon Bars: These tangy squares are absolutely divine with the citrus notes in your cocktail. I like to dust them with powdered sugar just before serving.
- Berry Tart with Pastry Cream: The fresh berries and light cream complement without overwhelming the delicate flavors of your drink.
- Peach Cobbler: When using High Noon Peach flavor, this classic dessert creates a perfect flavor echo that guests absolutely love.
Ingredient Substitutes:
High Noon Hard Seltzer Substitutes:
- 1.5 oz premium vodka + 8 oz plain sparkling water + 1 tablespoon fresh citrus juice + 1 teaspoon simple syrup. This creates the closest flavor profile to High Noon and gives you complete control over sweetness and flavor intensity.
Other Hard Seltzers:
- White Claw (Lemon, Black Cherry, or Watermelon flavors work beautifully)
- Truly (Lemon, Peach, or Berry flavors are excellent choices)
- Bon & Viv (Grapefruit or Cranberry for a unique twist)
- Bud Light Seltzer (More affordable option with similar results)
Non-Vodka Alternatives:
Gin-Based Substitute:
- 1.5 oz gin + 8 oz tonic water + fresh lime juice.
Rum-Based Option:
- 1.5 oz white rum + 8 oz club soda + fresh lime juice + mint
- Perfect for a more tropical take on the classic recipe.
Wine-Based Alternative:
- 4 oz dry white wine + 4 oz sparkling water + lemon juice.
Tea Substitutes:
Green Tea Options:
- Jasmine Green Tea: Adds floral notes that complement citrus flavors beautifully
- Sencha: Provides a grassy, fresh flavor that’s lighter than black tea
- Earl Grey Green: Combines the bergamot flavor with a lighter tea base
Herbal Tea Substitutes:
- Chamomile: Creates a soothing, honey-like flavor perfect for evening cocktails
- Hibiscus: Adds a tart, cranberry-like flavor and beautiful ruby color
- Mint Tea: Provides a cooling effect that’s incredibly refreshing
- Lemon Balm: Offers citrusy notes without additional citrus juice.
Ready-Made Tea Options:
Bottled Iced Teas:
- Pure Leaf Unsweetened Black Tea: Convenient and consistently flavored
- Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea: Slightly sweeter profile than Pure Leaf
- Honest Tea Organic Black Tea: Great organic option with clean flavor.
Powdered Tea Substitutes:
- Unsweetened Iced Tea Mix: Convenient, but adjust ratios carefully
- Matcha Powder: 1/2 teaspoon mixed with hot water, then cooled for a unique twist.
Citrus Juice Alternatives:
- Lime Juice: More tart and tropical
- Orange Juice: Sweeter and more mellow
- Grapefruit Juice: Adds slight bitterness and complexity
- Meyer Lemon Juice: Sweeter and more floral than regular lemons.
Natural Sweeteners:
Honey-Based Options:
- Raw Honey: Dissolve 1 tablespoon in 2 tablespoons warm water
- Agave Nectar: Use directly, no dilution needed
- Maple Syrup: Adds unique flavor depth; use sparingly.
Fruit-Based Sweeteners:
- Fresh Fruit Juice: Apple, white grape, or pear juice
- Muddled Fresh Fruit: Berries, peaches, or melon
- Fruit Preserves: 1 teaspoon mixed with warm water until dissolved.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this cocktail lies not just in its incredible taste – that perfect marriage of crisp carbonation, robust tea flavors, and bright citrus notes – but in its remarkable versatility.
More Recipes:
- Copycat Starbucks Gummy Shark Drink Recipe
- Copycat Nola Nespresso Recipe
- Dunkin’ Sabrina’s Strawberry Refresher Recipe
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