Summer Sips: Cannabis Cocktails - Part 1

Warm weather and cold adult drinks go together like sunshine and happiness. Now, imagine adding canna-cocktails to that mix. Whoa! Can you picture the joy you love taking you even higher?

Long before modern mixologists began creating liquid art with cannabinoids, natural drinks were already a cultural phenomenon, rock stars before rock stars existed. While today’s cannabis-infused cocktails seem edgy and new, the blend of unique and unusual ingredients has been a favorite among thirsty makers since Neanderthals first grunted, “Hold my beer.”

Note: This is Part 1 of a Two-part Series.

Link to: "Summer Sips: Cannabis Cocktails - Part 2"

Origins: Ancient Herbal Infusions

In ancient cultures across North Africa, South Asia, and the Far East, regions that now include modern-day Egypt, India, and China, the main use of cannabis was not for pleasure. It was valued for its medicinal properties. For centuries, people mixed it into teas, tonics, and tinctures for its calming effects, pain relief, and even spiritual importance. These weren't cocktails as we know them today, but they set the stage for cannabis as a natural, ingestible tonic.

The Apothecary Era

Fast-forward to the mid-1800s, when cannabis was no stranger to the ingredient list of products available in early pharmacies across the United States. You could walk into an apothecary, and alongside traditional medicines and various botanical concoctions, you could find cannabis-infused wines, bitters, and syrups. These canna-concoctions were often sold to the public for conditions ranging from digestive issues and stress relief to chronic pain and inflammation.

These canna-concoctions were often sold to the public for conditions ranging from digestive issues and stress relief to chronic pain and inflammation.

Back then, medicinal products weren’t regulated like they are today, meaning consistency and potency could vary wildly - wilder than the West itself.

Temperance, Prohibition, and New Cultural Norms

As the United States grew and the 19th Century came to an end, views on both alcohol and cannabis started to shift. Eventually, the temperance movement, which had gained momentum throughout the 1800s, peaked in the early 20th Century. This led to Prohibition and the ratification of the 18th Amendment in January 1919. For context, the 19th Amendment, which prohibits voter discrimination based on sex, was added to the U.S. Constitution just a year later in 1920. Now, imagine if social media had existed back then and how it would have intensified these two cultural issues, which seemed to be going in opposite directions. It’s interesting how some things never change, even though we act like they do.

At the same time, cannabis faced more regulation and growing distrust from society. By the 1930s, it was frequently associated with narcotics in dramatic headlines and fear-driven propaganda. Eventually, cannabis was made illegal. The notorious film Reefer Madness notably exemplified the cultural dysfunction.

Cannabis-infused drinks have quickly disappeared from pharmacy shelves. The once-common mix of plants and alcohol became both a social taboo and a legal problem. While speakeasies provided a safe place for those wanting a drink, cannabis and similar products did not have that option and were often wiped out. What used to be seen as a respectable remedy turned into something viewed as deviant and dangerous. This was the Green Scare.

The Return of the Green Spirit

Fast forward to today. The movement for cannabis decriminalization is growing across North America. More people are enjoying cannabis in social settings again. The stigma that once surrounded it is fading. Attitudes are shifting back to the more open-minded views of the time before Prohibition.

It was only a matter of time before the canna-cocktail emerged. These smoke-free drinks are no longer just niche experiments. They are now showing up at music festivals, artistic events, trendy bars, and even upscale dinner parties.

Your great-great-grandmother, the 1920s flapper, would be quite impressed. What was once old is new again, except for your great-great-grandmother. She’s not new again.

Your great-great-grandmother—the 1920s flapper—would be highly impressed. What was once old is new again… minus your great-great-grandmother. She’s not new again. Obviously.

From The Buzz to The Balance

These days, cannabis cocktail fans focus on how they feel. They want to feel present, uplifted, and blissfully balanced. More people curious about cannabis are trying these drinks as an alternative or a complement to alcohol. They are looking for something new, exciting, and fun. They want an experience that matches their values and mindset. 

Pro Tip: Maximizing Joy

To be clear, no one is drinking canna-cocktails primarily for hydration after a workout. You're here for the THC, and maybe the THCa, right? Here’s the scoop: THC dissolves in fat. This means your body absorbs it better when your digestive system, especially the small intestine, is ready with fats. To get the most enjoyment, while drinking a cannabis-infused cocktail, pair it with something fried, buttery, or creamy. Think fries, cheese, or guacamole; you get the idea. Avoid celery sticks and non-fat ice cream—they kill the buzz. Eating some fats not only helps absorption but also gives you a good reason to enjoy those snacks your mom warned you about. 

Celery sticks and non-fat ice cream are buzz killers, literally.

Consider it pre-gaming for your post-game. Eat the snacks now, so you can enjoy the munchies more later. Another tip: Make sure Grubhub and Uber Eats are saved in your contacts. Who knows, we might write a follow-up article with some THC-friendly appetizer ideas. Infused sliders or stuffed jalapeño THC poppers, anyone?

DIY: Creating a Cannabis Infusion

If you've made cocktails or even lemonade at home, you're ready to create your own infusions. Adding cannabis is surprisingly easy—especially if you start with flower. The key steps? A little heat, some patience, a bit of music, and good vibes. If things go sideways, there's no need to panic; no pets will be harmed. Just take a deep breath or a hit off your bong and try again.

Any of your failed attempts are safe with us. We won't tell anyone. 

Your First Flower Infusion

The easiest way to incorporate cannabis into your cocktails is to start with flower. The first step is decarbing—that's short for decarboxylate. This means you bake your bud, which activates cannabinoids like THC and makes them ready for infusion.

First, choose your strain. You can use either THCa or CBD flower, depending on your preference. THCa will give you the signature high, while CBD provides a relaxing experience without intoxication—perfect for those who want the benefits without the buzz.

To prepare it, break your flower into small chunks, spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, loosely cover it with foil, and bake at 240°F (115°C) for 40 to 45 minutes. Once done, let it cool completely. .

After cooling, it’s time to soak. Important: Bake and Soak is not the same as Wake and Bake. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 gram of flower for every 2 to 4 ounces of liquid, depending on how strong you want the infusion. Place the baked buds into your liquid of choice—vodka, white rum, or any clear spirit. However, you don’t need to limit yourself to alcohol. You can also infuse lemonade, iced tea, simple syrup, or even coconut water if you prefer non-alcoholic options. Be willing to experiment and have fun.

Don’t feel limited to booze. You can also infuse lemonade, iced tea, simple syrup, or even coconut water if non-alcoholic is your preference. There are no wrong answers. Be willing to have fun and experiment a bit.

Seal the container, shake it up, and let it steep. At least overnight is best, but a couple of days usually gives better results. If you’re infusing for 12 to 72 hours, room temperature is fine; for longer, it’s best to refrigerate.

Once your steeping is done, strain out the plant material with a fine strainer or cheesecloth and dispose of the buds—they’re spent. Bottle up the good stuff, and just like that, you’ve got a homemade cannabis infusion ready for your cocktails.

Infusion: Summary of Steps

1. Choose your flower
2. THCa for a classic high
3. CBD for a relaxing, non-intoxicating experience.
4. Pre-process your bud:
5. Break into small chunks (not ground). Spread on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet.
6. Optional: Cover loosely with foil. Some say they cover, others say they don't. It's your call.
7. Bake at 240°F (115°C) for 40–45 minutes. Let cool completely.
8. Soak it:
9. Use about 1 gram of flower per 2–4 oz of liquid.
10. Add to a container with your base—alcohol (clear) or non-alcoholic (like lemonade or iced tea).
11. Seal, shake, and steep at least overnight (up to a few days for richer flavor). Room temp is fine for up to 72 hours; refrigerate if steeping longer.
12. Strain & bottle:
13. Use a fine strainer or cheesecloth. Discard the spent buds.
14. Bottle your infusion and get mixing.

Flavor note: Infusing with flower will lend an herbal, earthy, sometimes piney flavor to your mix — similar to how gin or vermouth brings botanical notes. You can balance or complement that with citrus, ginger, mint, or other fresh ingredients. In any case, start with a small first batch as a foundation to your first stepping stoned in your canna-fication education.

Canna-Cocktails' Tools (Optional)

None of these steps are required, although having a strainer, which you probably already own, will make things a lot easier. Also, remember these tools are not just for craft canna-cocktails. They won't spoil or go out of style. And honestly, life isn’t complete without a muddler. As the French philosopher Descartes once said, "Je pilonne, donc je suis."

Cocktail Shaker

1. Why it’s useful - Essential for mixing drinks with multiple ingredients or for cocktails that need a good chill or froth (like a whiskey sour).
2. Details - A classic Boston shaker or a cobbler shaker both work. Look for metal versions—avoid plastic for a more professional look and feel.

Muddler

1. Why it’s useful - Perfect for smashing fruits, herbs, or spices to release their flavors. Great for drinks like mojitos or old-fashioned cocktails.
2. Details - Go for wood, stainless steel, or bamboo over plastic. You want something durable that doesn’t leave a weird taste.

Jigger

1. Why it’s useful - An absolute must if you want to measure out your ingredients accurately. Helps keep your cocktails balanced and consistent.
2. Details - Stainless steel jiggers are best for durability and ease of cleaning. They usually have two sides for different measurements (e.g., 1 oz and 1/2 oz).

Strainer

1. Why it’s useful - Helps you remove ice, herbs, or fruit pulp from your cocktail, giving it a smooth finish. A must-have for shaken cocktails.
2. Details - A classic hawthorne strainer works best. Make sure it fits your shaker for easy pouring. You can also use a fine mesh strainer for even more precision if you’re straining finer bits.

Citrus Juicer or Reamer

1. Why it’s useful - Fresh citrus juice makes all the difference in a cocktail. A manual juicer or reamer allows you to extract juice from lemons, limes, or oranges with minimal effort.
2. Details - Stainless steel versions are best; they’re easy to clean and won't absorb citrus oils or scents.

Ice Cube Tray or Ice Molds

1. Why it’s useful - Ice is crucial in cocktails. Using large, slow-melting ice cubes or spheres can keep your drinks from getting watered down too quickly.
2. Details - Silicone molds make it easy to pop out large ice cubes. Avoid using plastic trays—they don’t look as good and can impart funky flavors into your ice.

Stirring Spoon

1. Why it’s useful - For cocktails that need to be stirred (like martinis or manhattans), a long stirring spoon helps mix your drink properly without bruising the ingredients.
2. Details - Metal spoons work best here. A bar spoon (long, with a twisted handle) adds a professional touch and is great for both stirring and layering drinks.

Glassware

1. Why it’s useful - The right glass enhances the experience. Whether you’re serving a margarita, a martini, or a highball, using the proper glass showcases your drink.
2. Details - No need for crystal unless you’re feeling extra, but definitely avoid plastic glasses—they're not only tacky but can affect the taste. Look for sturdy, clear glassware.

Bar Mat

1. Why it’s useful - Helps keep your work surface clean and dry while you're crafting your cocktails.
2. Details - Silicone or rubber mats are easy to clean and won’t slide around. They’re also kind of a pro touch!

Conclusion - Part 1

In Part 2, we will be sharing some of our favorite recipes. Stay tuned.

Link to: "Summer Sips: Cannabis Cocktails - Part 2"