Summer Sips: Cannabis Cocktails – Part 2

Racers! Put on your cheap sunglasses and start your crushed-ice engines. The heat is up, the AC is on, and it's time to get down. There’s absolutely no need for speed. None.

Summer... It turns me upside down

Summer, summer, summer... It's like a merry-go-round

Adult beverage’ing has strolled barefoot out of turn four, crossed the finish line, and is headed straight for the winner’s circle - in the shade, of course.

Grab your straws and checkered flags. Let’s turn this upside down.

Note: This is Part 2 of a Two-part Series.

Recap - Part 1

In Summer Sips: Cannabis Cocktails – Part 1, after a surprisingly enjoyable history lesson, you mastered decarbing, and infusing, to create s cannabis-infused base. And now? Now it's time to turn that elixir into some uh-oh, it's magic cocktails.

Whether you're mellowin' out by the pool or hosting a chill backyard gathering, these recipes will elevate your canna-awareness. From bright and zesty to cozy and crafty, we've got delicious covered under, sideways, down.

Whether you're mellowin' out by the pool or hosting a chill backyard gathering, these recipes will elevate your canna-awareness. From bright and zesty to cozy and crafty, we've got delicious covered under, sideways, down.

Important

Don’t forget The Golden Rule of Cannabis Edibles (and Drinkables):

To maximize the joy, pair what you’re sipping with foods rich in fats.

We’re talking fries. Rich cheeses. Or - screw it - go all in... cheese fries. You get the idea.

And if you want something slow and easy, then avoid the fatty foods, before, during, and a bit after your 420 pit-stop.

10x Important

Please consume responsibly. Never consume and drive, operate heavy machinery, etc.

Cocktail Recipes From Arete's In-House Canna-ologist

A Friendly Reminder - These recipes are intended as guidelines, not rules. Feel free to experiment and adjust ratios and ingredients to fit your taste. Besides, rules were made to be broken anyway. Loosen up McFly, this is a harmless chance to express your creativity. Failure is an option.

Citrus Sunrise Spritz

This one’s low-lift but high-reward; citrusy but bitter just enough to keep you adulting. Pro tip: For something extra special, freeze some rosemary in your ice cubes the night before.

Flavor Profile - Bright, refreshing, slightly bitter

Vibe - Poolside, sunglasses-on, mid-afternoon chill

Ingredients

1. 2 oz Cannabis-infused vodka or white rum
2. 2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
3. 1 oz Aperol (or other orange bitters aperitif) [1]
4. Top with sparkling water
5. Optional garnish: thin orange wheel + rosemary sprig

Instructions

Fill a rocks glass with ice and pour in all the ingredients. Stir gently. Top with sparkling water and garnish with the orange and rosemary.

[1] Want it less bitter? Skip the Aperol and just add a splash more OJ. Still delicious, just a little sweeter and brighter.

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Spicy Paloma Verde

If you want to skip the heat, leave out the jalapeño; it’s still bright and refreshing. Cilantro simple syrup adds a unique twist that makes this a perennial stand out.

Flavor Profile - Crisp, herbal, with a heated kick

Vibe - Fresh, zesty, and slightly adventurous

Ingredients

1. 2 oz Cannabis-infused tequila (or agave-based spirit)
2. 1 oz fresh lime juice
3. 0.5 oz cilantro simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, infused with fresh cilantro)
4. Optional: pinch of chopped jalapeño or similar
5. Top with grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice + club soda
6. Optional garnish: grapefruit wedge + cilantro sprig

Instructions

Shake the tequila, lime juice, cilantro syrup, and jalapeño with ice. Strain into a salted-rim glass filled with ice. Top with grapefruit soda or grapefruit juice and club soda. Garnish with grapefruit wedge and cilantro sprig.

Luxury Lavender Lemon Collins

Lavender syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Or, of course, you can buy it. Either way, the floral notes pair beautifully with citrus and cannabis terpenes for a truly elevated sip.

Flavor Profile - Floral, tangy, elegant

Vibe - Sophisticated, light, and refreshing

Ingredients

1. 2 oz Cannabis-infused gin or vodka
2. 1 oz lavender syrup (made by infusing simple syrup with dried lavender)
3. 1 oz fresh lemon juice
4. Top with club soda
5. Optional garnish: lemon wheel, dried lavender

Instructions

Shake the spirit, lavender syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and add garnish if desired.

Chocolate Mint Nightcap

Think of it as a grown-up milkshake with a buzz. You can skip the cream if you prefer it neat, or add more for a softer, smoother finish. Great after a meal or on a quiet night on the deck.

Flavor Profile - Rich, minty, dessert-y

Vibe - End-of-day indulgence, couch-ready

Ingredients

1. 1.5 oz cannabis-infused dark rum or whiskey
2. 1 oz crème de menthe (green or white)
3. 1 oz crème de cacao
4. 0.5 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half)
5. Optional garnish: mint sprig, chocolate shavings

Instructions

Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into a coupe or lowball glass. Add garnish if you’re feeling fancy.

Tropical Mai Tai (Canna Style)

This one’s a classic for a reason. The orgeat brings a creamy almond richness that plays nicely with fruity or gassy terps. Want to make a batch? Mix everything but the float ahead of time and serve over ice when ready.

Flavor Profile - Fruity, nutty, vacation-mode

Vibe - Island chill, golden hour, loud shirt encouraged

Ingredients

1. 1 oz cannabis-infused light rum
2. 1 oz cannabis-infused dark rum (or float it on top)
3. 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
4. 0.5 oz orange curaçao
5. 0.5 oz orgeat (almond syrup)
6. Optional garnish: mint sprig, pineapple wedge, cocktail umbrella if you're that person

Instructions

Shake everything except the dark rum with ice. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Gently float the dark rum on top. Add garnish and pretend you're somewhere with waves.

Quick Tips

Strength Check - Dial in your cannabis base to match your tolerance. (Start low, sip slow, you know the drill.)

Terp Pairing - Match your strains with the flavor vibe of the cocktail, or vice versa.

Make It a Mocktail - Swap in cannabis-infused lemonade or iced tea for a zero-proof base if you’re skipping alcohol but still want a magical elevated.

Batch It - Playing the party host role? Pre-mix the non-carbonated parts and let guests build their own over ice. Just label clearly so no one gets a surprise buzz.

Final Lap: A Few Tips Before You Cruise

These five cocktails are more than just drinks; they’re a vibe. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or kicking back post-dinner, you’ve got options that can showcase your cannabis infusion in fun, flavorful ways. These recipes are a mouth-watering way to treat yourself and your friends, make new friends, and win the enjoyment race.

So stay cool, stay curious, and once again... please consume responsibly.

So stay cool, stay curious, and once again... please consume responsibly.

(Uh-oh, it's magic) uh-oh, when I'm with you

(Oh, it's magic, uh-oh, it's magic)

Just a little bit of the magic (gotta be magic)

Pulls me through

I gotta hold on you...