Cannabis-Infused Cocktails: To Buy or DIY? [2023]
With cannabis legalization continuing to sweep the country, the demand for different cannabis-infused beverages has grown exponentially as consumers enjoy these new social alternatives to alcohol. In this post, we’re taking a look at some of the hottest cannabis cocktails of 2023 as well as DIY-friendly cannabis-infused cocktail recipes to heighten your next game night.
Enjoying Cannabis Beverages
While cannabis-infused beverages tend to be a healthier choice than their alcoholic counterparts, it’s still important to understand the proper dosages, potential potencies and even risks of consuming cannabis cocktails. In particular, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than an hour for cannabis’ effects to kick in, and they can last up to four hours. If you’re experimenting with alcoholic cannabis-infused beverages, keep in mind that both substances are sedatives and should be approached slowly and cautiously. It’s recommended to start with nonalcoholic cannabis beverages that contain small amounts of THC and to enjoy them at home or in an otherwise safe environment. Likewise, if you are crafting your own infused creation at home, a good rule of thumb is to test your favorite tincture on its own beforehand to gauge its potency. From there, the recommended dosage is about two to three drops per drink. Lastly, do not drive immediately after consuming a cannabis beverage, particularly when paired with alcohol.
That being said, the appeal of cannabis drinks includes their discreet nature, overall convenience and sociability. They give consumers the ability to take a load off from the day with their peers without the fear of forgetting their evening or saying something out of hand under a booze-fueled stupor.
The sober-curious movement is growing, and with it, cannabis drinks are booming. Here are some of our favorite brands creating these delicious cannabis cocktails:
Pabst Labs High Seltzers
Using emulsion technology, these six delicious flavors from America’s favorite PBR brand are worthy of their blue ribbon namesake. Each can contains 10mg THC, and two varieties have added cannabinoids to enhance the experience. These seltzers are said to kick in after about 15 minutes, so you aren’t left waiting for the high.
St. Ides High Teas and Shots
St. Ides has quickly become a favorite among cannabis beverage lovers, with their two fruity flavors, Georgia Peach and Wild Raspberry, each containing a whopping 100mg of THC in every 12-ounce can. In case you don’t have the time to sip, St. Ides packs the same 100mg THC into four-ounce infused shots that taste amazing.
DIY Cannabis-Infused Cocktails
Nirvana Spirits
To get the benefits of CBD without the high of THC and with all the fun of a responsibly consumed and deliciously made cocktail, look no further than Nirvana Spirits infused vodka and gin. Their expertly crafted liquors offer the perfect balance of sativa-infused CBD to any drink, heightening your overall experience. Add these fun recipes to your bar cart repertoire:
“Green” Gimlet
- Combine a few sprigs of fresh mint with an ounce of fresh lime juice, three-quarters of an ounce of simple syrup, two ounces of Nirvana Spirits gin and ice into a shaker.
- Pour over a stout glass with ice and garnish with a cucumber slice for added freshness.
Dirty “Mary-Jane” Martini
- Add two and a half ounces of Nirvana Spirits vodka, a half-ounce dry vermouth and one dash orange bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir, adding a half ounce of olive juice slowly.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, then garnish with an olive-adorned toothpick.
Ripple Dissolvables
Make anything an infused cannabis delicacy with Ripple Dissolvables. Each 10mg powder pouch packs a punch and allows you to dose any beverage with THC instantly. Add their Lemon Blast flavor to a Limoncello mojito to give an extra boost of chill to your refreshing citrusy cocktail.
- Combine three sprigs of mint leaves with a tablespoon of white sugar and a fresh lemon in a shaker jar and muddle.
- Add two shots of Limoncello, two shots of white rum and a packet of Ripple Dissolvables Lemon Blast with ice. Shake vigorously.
- Drain into a glass over ice, top with soda water and enjoy!
Infused Root Beer Float
Not Your Father’s Infused Root Beer is a perfect sweet treat for any classic root beer float. Infused with 10mg THC, this can’t-be-beat flavor is a perfect addition to your next summer cookout. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a smooth sip and impeccable high.
Cheers to Cannabis-Infused Beverages
Cannabis-infused cocktails are here to stay and have earned their place in the industry as well as in the hearts of consumers everywhere. Raise your glasses high and drink up with your close friends this year while remembering to adhere to local, state and federal laws when it comes to drinking age and cannabis consumption access. Please enjoy cannabis-infused cocktails responsibly and if you’ve got any questions about our current line of CVault and EVault cannabis storage solutions, contact us today. Cheers!
Our cannabis-infused beverages article was originally published Sept. 7, 2022. It was updated July 6, 2023.
