Cannabis cocktails As more becomes known about the many benefits of cannabis the more creative people are getting with this natural medication. Edibles have been popular for years but now that it is legal in a lot of places mixologists have been experimenting with different cannabis-infused cocktails. 

CBD, THC or Both

You may have heard the many stories of people that have had negative experiences mixing THC and alcohol. In moderation, it should only lead to benefits and a faster “high” than if ingested with food. The experts say to start low and go slow, have one drink, and wait to see how you feel. The real issue is when you keep drinking to try and feel effects that haven’t kicked in yet as it should take about 30 minutes to become noticeable. If you do happen to overdo it there is a tested trick from the experts to help you out. Start with a glass of fresh lemon juice and chew on 3-4 peppercorns or cloves. This should relieve the anxiety if you have become overwhelmed. 

CBD is another story completely. You get all of the same benefits without the feeling of “being high”. It can be used to enhance the flavour, increase the feel-good effect of the drink and even leave you without a hangover. Another huge benefit to only using CBD is that it can reduce your social anxiety making it easier to strike up a conversation. 

What Are the Benefits?

Cannabis cocktailsBesides the delicious flavours and creativity of crafting different cocktails with cannabis, there are a sweeping variety of benefits. Our bodies are hard-wired to crave cannabinoids as it’s a beneficial substance naturally created by our bodies that regulate just about everything. “We all have endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies already, and cannabinoids [a class of chemicals found in CBD and other cannabis products] also occur naturally in substances like breast milk,” said Cannabis guru and advocate Sailene Ossman. She believes the benefits are endless and helps to rerun balance to the body. 

  • It’s an antioxidant. These delicious creations are full of antioxidants and offer a wide range of healing properties. Cannabis is known to treat body inflammation and helps relieve pain and even helps your skin glow! Reduces pain and acne? Count me in!

  •  It helps protect and repair cell damage caused by alcohol consumption. Drinking in excess can lead to cell damage and increases your risk for illness. Not just a cold or hangover after a long night out, it can lead to certain types of cancer, liver damage, and pancreatitis. Cannabis, specifically CBD, protects against alcohol-induced fatty liver diseases and creates new cells which leads to tissue regeneration.

  • It can help save you from a deadly hangover. THC may make you feel thirstier but CBD actually hydrates you. This helps you wake up feeling ready for the day, and possibly even the gym. -CBD-infused drinks can improve heart health It helps keep your heart healthy and also reduces the risk of diabetes. 

How To Use CBD in Cocktails?

Cannabis cocktailsThis is where all the fun starts! There are so many ways to include cannabis into your cocktails that you can really start to get creative. The unique flavour of cannabis pairs well with any mixed drink and can add herbal undertones. Different strains have different flavour profiles and that can add an extra layer of excitement to the process. 

“If you are using a pure CBD oil, it will taste earthy and plant-like, but this can be a great addition to many cocktails—a lot of gin and amaro-based cocktails work very well with this mixture,” says Fleming. “It also can add a viscous mouthfeel that I find delightful in a nice stirred cocktail.” 

Cannabis-infused Liquors: There are a lot of ways to achieve these infusions at home. It is important to remember that it needs to be heated to get the full effects of the infusion. 

Infused Whiskey: This one is very easy to do at home but will take a couple of days to prepare. 

  1. Pour your whiskey of choice into a sealable container (like a mason jar). 

  2. Add a scoop of ground weed (this could take some playing around with). 

  3. Shake, Shake, Shake. 

  4. Leave the container in a sunny spot for at least 48 hours until it is the potency you are looking for. Don’t leave for longer than a month. 

  5. Strain out the marijuana and you have an amazing homemade infused whiskey to use in any of your favourite cocktails. 

Infused Vodka: This is a fast and delicious way to infuse vodka on the stovetop. 

  1. Heat honey over low heat. 

  2. Grind up your desired amount of weed and mix it into the honey. 

  3. Add in ginger and orange zest (for a more complex flavour) and then pour the vodka in with your mixture. 

  4. Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes. It should still be a liquid when you are done. 

  5. Pour it into a jar and let it cool.

Tincture: This is the option for you if you want that health kick without the taste. It integrates perfectly into liquid so you can make the most of every last drop. This is what a lot of cocktail bars will opt for. 

Oils: This is a cannabis-infused oil that will not integrate fully into a cocktail. It is used to give a nice mouthfeel or to float on top of a drink. This is great for people that would like to enjoy the earthy aroma the oil will give to the experience. The downside to this method is that there will always be some lingering oil in the glass. 

Get out there and get creative! Add some excitement to cocktail making by incorporating some new undertones and flavours while reaping all the benefits of this magical plant!