How to Make CBD Cocktails at Home

CBD cocktails, with or without alcohol, are all the buzz in some East and West Coast cities with relaxed recreational cannabis laws. You don’t have to take a trip to LA to enjoy the flavor and effects of a cannabis-infused beverage, though. If it’s legal in your state, you can make your own cannabidiol (CBD) imbibables at home.

Cannabis Mixology 101: Basic Precautions and Knowledge

One of the most important things to remember about CBD cocktails is that, even though you drink them, they’re an “edible.” That means that your body reacts differently than it does to inhaled CBD. In general, the effects take longer to hit, and last longer. Because of that, Warren Bobrow, who wrote Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails and Tonics, recommends limiting yourself to no more than one CBD cocktail per hour, or to play it safe, one CBD-infused drink per night. Beyond that, Bobrow also suggests that you pay attention to which strain of weed you choose as a base for your infusions or tinctures. It will make a difference in both the effect and the finished flavor of your drink.

Infusion or Tincture — Which Is Best for CBD Cocktails?

There are several different ways to combine weed and alcohol, but the two most popular are through an infusion or a tincture. According to Mountain Rose Herbs, a tincture is a concentrated herbal extract that uses alcohol as a solvent. An infusion is a concentrated herbal extract that uses just about any other type of solvent. Coconut oil is a popular alternative for cannabis infusion because of the mild sweetness and nutty flavor it adds to the mix. As far as which is best, that’s a personal preference. Alcohol-based CBD tinctures infuse the flavor of the herb throughout the entire drink, while oil- or glycerin-based infusions tend to float on the surface, adding a nuanced grassy or citrus-y aroma and flavor note with each sip. Bobrow suggests experimenting with different techniques to find out what works best for you.

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