Originally Posted On May 14, 2023 and Last Updated On
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Although the whole scope of CBD alcoholic drinks are a newer addition to the pub and club scene, I’m sure they are not only here to stay, but will grow very quickly as deregulation continues to open new markets and opportunities.
Of course the infused drinks mostly started with coffee shops, but your neighborhood bar might have already jumped on the ban wagon as well and are already creating some amazing stuff with CBD.
And if they didn’t, then keep reading and see how you can start playing around with CBD cocktails and drinks right at home. All you need is some alcohol and either CBD oils or tincture.
Why I Like The Idea of CBD Cocktails
One of the things you should understand is drinking CBD drinks doesn’t get you “high” like eating a cannabis brownie, rather it makes you chill and relaxed. This is a serious plus for most bars when you take into account the amount of fights and aggression you can sometimes see in places where people drink heavily.
“If you’re a happy drunk, then CBD could make you a happier drunk. If you’re an angry or violent drunk, the CBD may certainly disinhibit some of that.” James Giordano, professor of neurology and biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center, told VICE.
Not only that, CBD is widely becoming known as a health supplement, and perhaps one that can help ease the side effects of too much drinking, and even helping with your hangover. And at the same time, possibly helping the body with everything from managing physical pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders to reducing the risk of diabetes.
CBD oil and tentures are also known as an alternative to muscle relaxers and pain relievers where a pill would be normally taken. For those who work tough jobs like construction, having a CBD-infused cocktail after work rather than a pill and a beer might feel a lot more relaxed with less chemicals entering your body.
And what’s really interesting is the studies being done on none other than, alcoholism! That’s right.
Studies are being conducted that show very promising results with treatment of alcoholism and even CBD’s effect on the amount of alcohol consumed. “One 2019 review of human and animal studies suggests that CBD may help people with alcohol use disorder reduce their alcohol intake.
The review also suggests that CBD may provide neuroprotective effects against alcohol-related brain damage.”
Pretty cool science!
And of course, as a bartender, it’s always fun to create new drinks and cocktails. And CBD opens up a whole new niche in the drink world. One I am planning on exploring to the fullest. And the best part, you can too. They don’t even need to be alcoholic drinks. In fact, a lot of coffee shops are now offering CBD coffee drinks as well.
What Do I Need?
Okay, you know how to make a drink, but what do you need to make a cbd “infused” drink?
Thankfully not much. Just something to drink and some CBD oil or tincture. Oh, and maybe some ice.
But seriously, with the variety of CBD oils and tinctures today, you can “dose” practically any drink or cocktail you want. You just need to decide whether to use a flavored CBD or non-flavored. Oil or tincture. And what all you want to mix it with.
The CBD: Oil vs. Tincture
First off, you can use whatever you have on hand to dose your drinks. But there is a difference, as each composition has it’s own gravity as far as drinks are concerned.
A CBD tincture is produced by using high proof alcohol to extract the CBD from the cannabis plant, which means it is alcohol based and mixes easily with practically any liquid.
A CBD oil is just that, CBD mixed with natural oils like coconut or soybean oil.
This means that their gravities are different as far as mixology terms are used. All this is is a fancy way of saying the oil will float in or amongst the drink whereas the tincture will mix completely with the drink.
Which one you use totally depends on the drink or cocktail you’re making.
So for example, say I want to make a cool layered shot like a Nutty Irishman (I’ve included the recipe below). You’d add the Frangelico, then float the Baily’s on top of that, then you’d add 15 ml. of your favorite CBD OIL to the top of that. The reason you would want to float this is because the CBD oil, depending on what brand you use, will have it’s own flavor.
Personally I like one that has a “woody cannabis” smell and flavor to it. And it really works well with the toasted hazelnut flavor of Frangelico. That way you’re basing a drink on flavor, not just something dosed with CBD.
And on the other hand, you can make any drink a CBD infused drink just by mixing some CBD tincture into it. Even just a simple scotch on the rocks can be infused. And since some CBD tinctures have literally no taste, you’re not ruining that single molt at all, just giving it a “mellow boost” you might say.
What Alcohol Goes Best With CBD?
If you are using a non-flavored CBD, then really whatever floats your boat. But if you’re using one that is either cannabis flavored, or some flavor has been added, then think what the flavor is and what sort of drink it will go well with.
For the cannabis tasting CBDs, I particularly like mezcal, tequila and vodka. There are a ton more, but using any of those three will get you started in the right direction. See my recipes below for some proven yummy drinks and cocktails.
CBD Cocktail Recipes
Nutty Irishman Chiller
Okay, I added the word “chiller” to this recipe because it’s not an ordinary Nutty Irishman. He’s more chill… And I just invented a drink, yay!
Ingredients:
- Irish Cream (I suggest Baily’s)
- Frangelico
Directions:
- Begin by adding the Frangelico to the bottom of a shot glass.
- Then using a bar spoon or something similar, layer the Baily’s on top leaving about 3 centimeters to the rim.
- Add 15 ml. of your favorite CBD oil – Make sure you use oil or it won’t float right!
- Serve
*Add some whipped cream on top if you want a sweeter shot.
Upscale Lemon Drop Shot
How to improve on the tasty lemon drop shot recipe? Add some CBD oil to the top. Like I said above, vodka and cannabis flavored CBD taste good together. And this shot is already a winner, now it’s even better and more upscale.
Ingredients:
- ¾ fluid ounce vodka (such as Absolute®)
- ¾ fluid ounce lemon juice
- 2½ teaspoons white sugar, or to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Directions:
- Combine vodka and lemon juice in a shot glass. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon sugar on top.
- Place 2 teaspoons sugar in a small plate; dip lemon wedges in sugar.
- Add 15 ml. of your favorite CBD oil – Make sure you use oil or it won’t float right!
- Serve
- Suck on a sugared lemon after drinking the shot.
Golden God
Courtesy of Gitano Jungle Room in New York, NY
Ingredients:
- ice
- 2 ounces Mezcal
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
- 3/4 ounce passion fruit juice
- 1/2 ounce Chartreuse
Directions:
- Shake all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker over ice (briskly) and strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprig and 4-5 drops CBD oil.
- Serve
Rocky Mountain High
Courtesy of The Skylark in New York, NY
Ingredients:
- ice
- 1 oz Stranahan’s Whiskey
- .5 oz Green Chartreuse
- .75 oz elderflower liquor
- .5 oz housemade CBD hemp syrup
- .5 lemon juice
- .5 oz ginger ale
- muddled mint
- muddled sage
Directions:
- Shake ingredients to temperature.
- Add cubed ice in a tall glass.
- Stir in ginger ale.
- Garnish with mint and sage “bud.”
- Serve
In Closing…
Just remember, CBD does differ in many ways like flavors and gravity. So feel free to experiment. You can even use cbd tea bags for a cup of tea if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic variation.
And don’t be scared you’re going to get too stoned and end up watching reruns of Bevis and Butthead! CBD doesn’t work that way. In fact, you may just find your hangover a bit less the next morning.