Cannabis-infused beverages have become increasingly popular as the legalization of marijuana spreads. These drinks offer an alternative way to consume cannabis, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes. While there are many options available in the market, some users prefer to make their own infused drinks at home. This allows for better control over the dosage and customization of flavors. In this article, we will explore different methods and recipes to make Cannabis-Infused drinks at home.
Why Choose Cannabis Drinks?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s discuss why cannabis drinks are a great option for many users. While smoking or consuming edibles are popular methods of cannabis consumption, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may have respiratory issues or simply prefer not to inhale smoke. Edibles, on the other hand, can take longer to kick in and may have unpredictable effects.
Cannabis-infused drinks provide an alternative that offers several advantages. First, they are a smoke-free way to consume cannabis, making them appealing to those who want to avoid inhaling smoke. Second, homemade cannabis drinks can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing users to choose their preferred strain and flavors. Finally, cannabis drinks can be a healthier option compared to traditional edibles, as they can be made with natural ingredients and lower amounts of sugar and preservatives.
Making Cannabis-Infused Simple Syrup
One popular method for infusing cannabis into drinks is by creating a cannabis simple syrup. This syrup can be added to a variety of beverages, such as cocktails, mocktails, or even teas. Jamie Evans, also known as the Herb Somm, recommends this method for its versatility and ease of use.
To make cannabis-infused simple syrup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of honey
- 1 tablespoon of food-grade vegetable glycerin
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making cannabis-infused simple syrup:
Step 1: Prep Start by weighing out 3 grams of decarboxylated cannabis flower. Decarboxylating weed is crucial to activate cannabinoids. Grind cannabis, spread on a baking sheet, bake at 240°F (115°C) for 30-40 mins, cool, and use in the syrup recipe.
Step 2: Boil liquids In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of honey. Bring the mixture to a soft boil, stirring until the honey dissolves completely.
Step 3: Mix together Reduce the heat to around 160°F to 180°F (71°C to 82°C) and add the decarboxylated cannabis to the saucepan.
Step 4: Infuse the cannabis Simmer the mixture over low heat for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, reduce the heat and add the vegetable glycerin. This will help bind the CBD and THC to the syrup. Continue to heat and stir for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 5: Strain and start mixing! Pour the infused simple syrup into a sterilized Mason jar through a cheesecloth placed in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. Let the syrup cool before adding it to your favorite beverage.
Recipes for Cannabis-Infused Drinks
Now that you have your cannabis-infused simple syrup, you can use it as a base for a variety of drinks. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Cannabis-Infused Lemonade
Lemonade is a classic and refreshing drink, especially during the hot summer months. With a cannabis twist, it becomes a unique and enjoyable beverage. Here’s a simple recipe for cannabis-infused lemonade:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of cold water
- 1 cup of warm water
- 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Cannabis tincture or cannabis-infused simple syrup
Directions:
- Juice the lemons to obtain approximately 6 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
- In a separate container, mix 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 cup of warm water until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Fill a pitcher with ice cubes and add the sugar mixture, cold water, fresh lemon juice, and your desired amount of cannabis tincture or cannabis-infused simple syrup. Stir well.
- Serve the cannabis-infused lemonade over ice and enjoy!
Cannabis-Infused Sangria
Sangria is a fruity and refreshing beverage that is perfect for social gatherings. By infusing it with cannabis, you can take your sangria to the next level. Here’s a recipe for cannabis-infused sangria:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1-2 limes
- Assorted fruits and berries (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 2 oranges, sliced with the peel left on
- Cannabis tincture or cannabis-infused simple syrup
Directions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, orange juice, and the juice of 1-2 limes.
- Add the sliced oranges and assorted fruits and berries to the pitcher.
- Stir in your desired amount of cannabis tincture or cannabis-infused simple syrup.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the cannabis-infused sangria over ice and garnish with additional fruit slices if desired.
Cannabis-Infused Margarita
Margaritas are a popular choice for cocktail lovers, and with a cannabis twist, they become even more exciting. Here’s a recipe for a cannabis-infused margarita:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces of freshly-squeezed lime juice
- 1 lime, sliced into wedges
- 1 ounce of orange juice (or Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Grand Marnier for an alcoholic version)
- Cannabis tincture or cannabis-infused simple syrup
- Agave nectar or cannabis-infused simple syrup (to taste)
Directions:
- In a tall glass or shaker, combine the lime juice, lime wedges, orange juice, and your desired amount of cannabis tincture or cannabis-infused simple syrup.
- Use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of another glass, then dip the rim into salt for a classic margarita touch (optional).
- Add ice to the glass with the margarita mixture and pour the contents over the ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve your cannabis-infused margarita.
Carbonation for Extra Fizz: Elevate Your Cannabis-Infused Drinks
While cannabis-infused beverages already offer a unique and customizable experience, adding carbonation can take your homemade concoctions to the next level. The effervescence not only adds a delightful fizz but also enhances the overall drinking experience. Here’s how you can introduce carbonation to your cannabis-infused drinks:
Carbonating Cannabis-Infused Simple Syrup:
- Choose Your Carbonation Method:
- SodaStream or other home carbonation devices.
- Purchase carbonated water or club soda.
- Adjusting the Recipe:
- When creating your cannabis-infused simple syrup, reduce the water content slightly to account for the additional liquid from carbonation.
- Mixing:
- Once your cannabis-infused simple syrup is ready and cooled, mix it with carbonated water or club soda in a ratio that suits your taste preferences. Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust accordingly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Pour your carbonated cannabis-infused mixture over ice, and you have a refreshing, bubbly beverage ready to be enjoyed.
Carbonated Cannabis-Infused Drink Recipes:
- Sparkling Cannabis Lemonade:
- Follow the cannabis-infused lemonade recipe, but substitute still water with carbonated water or club soda for an effervescent twist.
- Bubbly Cannabis Sangria:
- Incorporate carbonated water or club soda into the sangria recipe to give it a lively sparkle. Adjust the amount based on your preference for fizziness.
- Effervescent Cannabis Margarita:
- For a fizzy margarita, mix your cannabis-infused margarita ingredients with carbonated water or club soda. It adds a zing that complements the citrusy flavors.
Tips for Carbonation:
- Experiment with Ratios: Play around with the ratio of cannabis-infused simple syrup to carbonated water to find the perfect balance of flavor and fizz.
- Timing is Key: If using a home carbonation device, add the cannabis-infused simple syrup to the carbonated water just before serving to retain maximum effervescence.
- Chill and Enjoy: Carbonated cannabis-infused drinks are best served chilled over ice for a truly refreshing experience.
By adding carbonation to your cannabis-infused drinks, you’re not only enhancing the flavor profile but also elevating the sensory experience. Get creative, mix and match flavors, and toast to your newfound expertise in crafting carbonated cannabis-infused beverages. Cheers!
Conclusion
Making your own cannabis-infused drinks at home allows for customization and control over dosage. With a cannabis-infused simple syrup as a base, you can create a variety of delicious and unique beverages to enjoy. Whether it’s a refreshing lemonade, a fruity sangria, or a classic margarita, cannabis-infused drinks offer a smoke-free and customizable way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. So go ahead, get creative, and start experimenting with your own cannabis-infused drink recipes. Cheers to a new way of enjoying cannabis!