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5 Amazing Recipes for CBD Cocktails 


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A creative realm of experimentation has recently opened up for cannabis infused beverages. With the substance compatibility of oil soluble cannabinoids and alcohol, the concept of a health-conscious cocktail has become a straightforward reality with growing possibilities for the user. 

If you've caught onto the wave and want to learn how to make your own CBD cocktails at home, then keep reading because we've got you covered. In this article we'll discuss the basics of mixing CBD and alcohol together, while leaving you with four classic CBD cocktail recipes to indulge in. 

A cocktail is a mixed alcoholic drink that contains various, complimentary ingredients. 

Cocktails have evolved significantly over the years and opened the path to mixology, the discipline and skill of developing classic cocktails with an innovative culinary approach. Typically, cocktails consist of at least one spirit as the base, or a strong distilled liquor with approximately 35-50% alcohol by volume (ABV), and a few flavorful ingredients such as fruit juices, spices, bitters, and garnish for a refreshing beverage experience. 

History as a Medicinal Elixir 

The history of alcoholic concoctions dates back centuries when potently distilled alcohol was mixed with concentrated herbal blends to form medicinal elixirs. Born out of the apothecary, these alcohol-based tinctures were swallowed down to help treat varying infections, illnesses, and diseases. 

It's believed that during the late 1800s the term "cocktail" came to life. In the colorful town of New Orleans, a Creole apothecary doctor named Antoine Peychard gained a reputation for not only his hand in medicine, but for making mixed alcoholic beverages that were served in a French egg, called a "coquetier". This unique trend caught on like wildfire, and the word was shortened to "cocktay", and eventually to "cocktail", how it is used today. 

Does CBD and Alcohol Mix Well Together

While CBD drinks are growing in popularity, the truth is that many of them are not as effective as they are advertised to be. Fortunately, CBD and alcohol mix together smoothly to shape beverages that could be worth your while. 

In its natural form, CBD is oil soluble and does not mix with water. This water repellency is an obstacle that stands in the way of many CBD infused beverage ideas from being actualized. To get around this, most CBD brands have resorted to nano-emulsification, a method that uses ultrasonic waves to change the chemical structure of CBD into becoming a water-soluble molecule.

Be wary of water soluble CBD, or an isolate version of the cannabinoid, because most of its therapeutic properties have been stripped away during nano-emulsification. 

Meanwhile, oil and alcohol are two substance types that can be conveniently mixed together to form a homogenous liquid. This means that your CBD cocktail recipes can contain highly effective, full spectrum CBD oil and skip the fuss of nano-emulsification. Enjoy the simplicity of being able to add drops from your CBD full spectrum tincture directly into a cocktail and trust that the medicinal cannabinoid will be fully dissolved into the alcohol for optimal transference throughout the body. 

Is Mixing CBD and Alcohol Safe? 

Exercise discretion when mixing CBD and alcohol

Moderation is crucial when consuming any intoxicating substance, such as alcohol, and it's important to do so with vigilance. Within the cerebral cortex, alcohol consumption can impair your judgement, dull the senses, and negatively impact your coordination. 

At this time there is limited research surrounding the safety of combining alcohol with CBD. From what we do know, CBD and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants, and combining the two together may lead to enhanced sedative effects. Otherwise, there isn't currently more evidence that suggests putting CBD and alcohol together create an inherently dangerous pairing.

Rather it is advised to keep the dose of each compound and total consumption of CBD cocktails to a low amount. 

CBD May Help Alcohol Disorders 

Interestingly, preclinical studies have shown that CBD could be useful for helping various alcohol disorders and reducing alcohol-related damage on the brain and liver. 

When CBD was added to alcohol, users' blood alcohol levels were consistently lower compared to when alcohol was given alone. Moreover, CBD demonstrated significant influence that lowered alcohol drinking in test subjects by reducing motivation for ethanol, relapse, anxiety and impulsivity correlated with ethanol intake. Additionally, CBD showed the abilities to prevent and repair alcohol-related damage on the brain and liver by stimulating autophagy, regulating inflammation, and reducing oxidative stress on these regions [1]. 

Why Drink CBD Cocktails?  

CBD Cocktail Recipes Image: Stainless steel bartending tools; mixer, bar spoon, and shot pourer.

Drinking CBD cocktails can be a source for receiving the multitude of health benefits associated with hemp derived CBD. 

However, it's important to manage expectations because alcohol can exasperate inflammation and lead to more adverse effects when consumed in excess. While we don't recommend resorting to a CBD cocktail every single time for your regular cannabinoid intake, you may notice that a few drops infused into your alcoholic beverage reaps its own highlights. On the other hand, if you wish to use pure hemp instead, you could create your very own hemp cocktails.

Reasons for adding CBD to your drink 

  • Supports a relaxed state 

  • May enhance flavors of the drink 

  • Encourages health consciousness when drinking 

  • May help to treat alcohol disorder 

  • Lowers blood alcohol level 

Incredible CBD Cocktail Recipes to Unwind With 

For your CBD cocktail recipes, it’s important to use a premium grade, full spectrum CBD oil extract with a moderate to high potency dosage for the best results.

We recommend a 1/2 dropper's worth of Full Spectrum CBD Oil 5000mg for 41.6mg CBD per serving.  

1. Old Fashioned with CBD 

CBD Cocktails: Low ball glass with double shot of amber colored bourbon, ice cubes, and lemon garnish.

 What You'll Need 

  • 2 oz bourbon whiskey 

  • 1/2 dropper of CBD oil  

  • 1/4 oz simple syrup

  • 3 dashes of bitters

  • Ice cubes 

  • Cherry 

  • Orange slice 

Let's Get Started: Old Fashioned w/CBD

  1. Begin by placing 2 large sized ice cubes into a glass. We choose to use bigger ice cubes because they take longer to melt which lowers the risks of diluting your CBD cocktail. 

  1. Measure out 2 ounces of the bourbon whiskey of your choice and pour it over the ice. Basil Hayden is a great option if you're looking for something light-bodied and easy to sip. 

  1. Measure out 1/4 ounce of simple syrup, or alternatively you may muddle a sugar cube, and add it to the glass. 

  1. Add three dashes of bitters to balance the sweet notes of the bourbon. 

  1. Follow by adding a half dropper's worth of Full Spectrum CBD Oil 5000mg in natural hemp or citrus flavor. This will provide 41.6mg of CBD to your beverage. 

  1. Gently stir your Old Fashioned for a smooth, velvety texture. 

  1. Top with a Luxardo cherry and orange slice on the rim to spruce up this CBD cocktail. 

2. Hibiscus and Pomegranate Margarita with CBD 

CBD Cocktails: Textured Lowball Glass with CBD Infused Hibiscus and Pomegranate Margarita with Rosemary Sprig

For this CBD cocktail recipe, you'll be using hibiscus calyx, or calyces in abundance, which is the edible dried part that surrounds the hibiscus fruit and not the actual flower. 

Here's What You'll Need 

  • 1/2 cup dried hibiscus calyces 

  • 1/3 cup pomegranate juice 

  • 1/3 cup sugar 

  • 2 oz tequila

  • 1/2 dropper of CBD Oil  

  • 1 and 1/2 oz Triple sec 

  • 1 medium lime, freshly squeezed 

  • Ice cubes 

  • Hibiscus petals, rosemary sprigs, or pomegranate for garnish 

Let's Get Started: Hibiscus and Pomegranate Margarita w/ CBD

  1. Begin by making the hibiscus and pomegranate syrup, which is what gives richness to the drink. Place sugar, hibiscus calyces, and pomegranate juice into a small sauce pan. Mix on low to medium heat for about 5 minutes until sugar dissolves and concoction has thickened. Set aside and let cool. Leftover simple syrup can be sealed and refrigerated for up to a month. 

  1. Within a cocktail shaker, add ice, 1 and 1/2 oz of hibiscus pomegranate syrup, tequila, triple sec, pure CBD oil, and lime juice. Shake vigorously. A simple hack: a glass mason jar with a lid works just fine for shaking things up. 

  1. Strain your elixir into a glass and garnish with hibiscus petals, a rosemary sprig, or pomegranate seeds. Option to have added course turbinado sugar, which resembles golden crystals, to the rim of your glass prior to the pour. 

3. Perfected Moscow Mule with CBD 

CBD Cocktail Recipe of Moscow Mule in Copper Mug with Lime and Mint Garnish

The Moscow Mule was invented in 1941 at New York's Chatham Hotel. Traditionally enjoyed in a copper mug, the cold metal is conductive and insulating, which maintains a refreshingly cold beverage while elevating the notes of the individual ingredients. 

Here's What You'll Need 

  • 2 oz vodka

  • 1/2 dropper CBD oil 

  • 4 oz ginger beer 

  • 1/2 medium lime, freshly squeezed 

  • sugar cube

  • crushed ice

  • mint sprigs 

Let's Get Started: Perfected Moscow Mule w/CBD

  1. Within your copper mug you will muddle a single sugar cube and fresh lime juice. 

  1. Top the mix with 4-6 few mint leaves and very gently muddle together with a few twists to release the herb's oil and aromatic fragrance. 

  1. Pour in the vodka, CBD Oil, and ginger beer into the mug, followed by a gentle stir. 

  1. Top with crushed ice and enjoy this CBD cocktail. 

4. Muddled Blackberry and Gin Tonic with Infused CBD 

CBD cocktails: Glass with a rich, ruby red colored alcoholic drink, and mint and blackberries for garnish.

What You'll Need 

  • 8-10 ripe blackberries 

  • 1/2 medium lime, freshly squeezed 

  • 1 1/2 oz gin 

  • 1/2 dropper CBD oil 

  • 2 to 3 oz of tonic water

  • 1 oz simple syrup 

  • barspoon Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur 

  • mint sprig 

Let's Get Started: Muddled Blackberry and Gin Tonic w/ CBD

  1. Begin by gently muddling the blackberries and freshly squeezed lime juice at the bottom of your cocktail shaker. 

  1. Add to the cocktail shaker your ice, simple syrup, maraschino liqueur, gin, and pure CBD. 

  1. With some enthusiasm, shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds. 

  1. Double strain and pour mixture into an ice filled glass. 

  1. Top with tonic water and stir. 

  1. Garnish with a few mint leaves and 2-3 blackberries to revel in this delicious CBD cocktail.  

FAQs: Best CBD Cocktails

Does CBD and alcohol mix?

Yes, CBD and alcohol mix. In its natural form, CBD is oil soluble and be fully absorbed by alcohol when the two are combined together. This opens up a realm of possibilities for effective CBD cocktails. 

Is CBD and alcohol safe? 

The short answer is "yes"—for most people. However, it's safest to do so in low doses of both alcohol and CBD oil—and to do so in moderation. An increase in blood alcohol concentration can put you at risk of injury and serious hangovers the next morning.   

How Much CBD should I add to my cocktail? 

To maximize the effectiveness of CBD in drinks, use full spectrum CBD oil in a moderate to strong dose. We'd recommend 40 mg per serving, in order to gain adequate wellness benefits that last through the process of breakdown during digestion with oral consumption.  

Will CBD Change the Taste of a Cocktail? 

Natural, hemp derived CBD oils will exhibit a cannabis flavor that can vary slightly between strains. Some users may recognize notes that taste earthy, slightly floral, or even bitter. 

 Resources

  1. De Ternay, Julia et al. “Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 10 627. 31 May. 2019, doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00627 

 

BY
Belinda Hoang

BS in Business Belinda draws inspiration from the intersection of nature and humanity, finding depth in the experiences they offer. Her journey as an educational leader, starting from meditation guide, has led her to advocate for the therapeutic benefits of hemp and plant apothecary. As Neuroga...


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