Ready-to-Drink Cocktails are a convenient and accessible option for those seeking familiar cocktail flavors in a portable format. Natural Wine appeals to those who value organic practices, minimal intervention, and unique, terroir-driven flavors.
| Attribute | Ready-to-Drink Cocktails (Cutwater Spirits, High Noon) | Natural Wine |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | Cutwater: Varies, e.g., 5% (Grapefruit Vodka Soda), 7% (Vodka Mule, Tequila Soda), 12.5% (Tequila Margarita, Rum Mai Tai), 13% (Strawberry White Russian). High Noon: Typically 4.5%. | Typically ranges from 10% to 13% for whites and 11.5% to 13.5% for reds; some can reach 14% or higher. Some may be lower alcohol, defined as below 12.5% ABV. |
| Calorie Count | Cutwater: Tequila Soda has 130 calories, Strawberry White Russian has 540 calories, Frozen Margarita Pops are less than 80 calories. High Noon: Around 90-100 calories per serving. | A standard 150 ml glass contains around 120 to 130 calories. A 750 ml bottle averages 600 to 700 calories. |
| Sugar Content | Cutwater: Tequila Soda has no sugar, Strawberry White Russian is very sweet. High Noon: No added sugar. | Does not have added sugar. Some may be higher due to overripe grapes, while others are lower from earlier harvesting. Dry wines have very little sugar, while sweet wines can have several grams. |
| Ingredients Quality | Cutwater: Premium ingredients and real spirits, mixers often made in-house. High Noon: Real vodka, real fruit juice, and sparkling water. | Organically or biodynamically farmed grapes. Minimal intervention is key. |
| Presence of Artificial Flavors/Sweeteners | Cutwater: All but their Whiskey-based canned cocktails feature all-natural flavors and nothing artificial. The Frozen Margarita Pops have no artificial flavors or sweeteners. High Noon: Free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Some may contain non-nutritive sweeteners. | No additives, sugar, or other flavors are added. |
| Carbonation Level | Cutwater: Varies depending on the drink. High Noon: Typically moderate. Iced Tea versions are non-carbonated. | Some are sparkling, such as P illant Naturel (Pet Nat), which uses an ancestral method to create a natural spritz. |
| Flavor Profile | Cutwater: Margarita (tart lime and orange), Spicy Mango Margarita (sweet and spicy), Paloma (delightfully subtle), Gin Collins (subtle), Rum Mai Tai (pineapple, coconut, citrus), Strawberry White Russian (creamy, sweet, strawberry). High Noon: Passionfruit (tropical, citrus-berry), pineapple (sweet, tangy), grapefruit (crisp, lively), peach (luscious, fruity), and various iced tea flavors. | Wide range of flavor profiles; often described as having vibrant acidity and may exhibit funky, earthy, or sour notes. Some may be less fruity and more yeasty, while others can be clean and fruity. |
| Packaging Type | Cans | Not available |
| Price per Serving | Varies | Not available |
| Organic/Biodynamic Certification | Not applicable | Often utilize fruit that is farmed organically, and may be certified by organizations like USDA Organic (in the US) or EU Organic (in Europe). Biodynamic certification indicates holistic and spiritual principles are incorporated. |
| Tannin Level | Not applicable | Skin contact during fermentation can increase tannin levels, particularly in orange wines. Carbonic maceration can result in wines with soft tannins. |
| Vintage | Not applicable | Vintage variation is significant due to minimal intervention, reflecting the climate and terroir of the harvest year. |