Cannabis Infused Beverages Guide: Drinks for Every Occasion

Cannabis-infused beverages offer a unique consumption method - faster onset than traditional edibles, social sharing potential, and endless flavor possibilities. This guide covers everything from simple teas to sophisticated cocktails.

Quick Answer

Cannabis beverages work by infusing THC into fat-soluble carriers (cream, coconut milk) or using water-soluble cannabis products (tinctures, emulsions). Effects typically begin in 15-45 minutes - faster than edibles but slower than smoking. Always start with low doses (5-10mg THC).

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How Cannabis Beverages Work

The Challenge: Water and Oil

THC is fat-soluble - it does not dissolve in water naturally. This is why you cannot simply add cannabis to water and expect effects.

Solutions

Fat-based carriers: Add cannabutter, coconut oil, or cream to hot drinks. Fat binds THC and makes it bioavailable.

Tinctures: Alcohol-based tinctures mix into any liquid. Add drops to taste.

Water-soluble products: Nano-emulsified cannabis products dissolve in water. These specialty products offer fastest beverage absorption.

Onset Times

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Hot Cannabis Beverages

Cannabis Coffee

Simple method:

1. Brew coffee as normal

2. Add 1/2-1 teaspoon cannabis coconut oil

3. Blend or froth until oil is incorporated

4. Add cream/milk if desired

Why it works: Blending emulsifies oil into coffee. Fat from cream helps absorption.

Dose: 1 teaspoon cannabis coconut oil = approximately 20-30mg THC (varies by infusion strength).

Cannabis Hot Chocolate

Recipe:

• 1 cup whole milk or coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cannabutter or cannabis coconut oil
• Pinch of salt
• Whipped cream (optional)

Heat milk, whisk in cocoa, sugar, and cannabis fat. Do not boil. Serve with whipped cream.

Cannabis Chai

Recipe:

• 1 cup water
• 2 chai tea bags or loose chai
• 1/2 cup cannabis-infused coconut milk
• Honey to taste

Brew chai strongly, add infused milk, sweeten with honey. Cannabis coconut milk recipe: infuse coconut milk using same method as coconut oil.

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Cold Cannabis Beverages

Cannabis Smoothies

Add cannabis coconut oil or tincture to any smoothie recipe. Fat content from fruits like avocado or additions like nut butter helps absorption.

Basic recipe:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozen berries
• 1 cup milk or almond milk
• 1 tablespoon cannabis coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• Honey to taste

Blend until smooth. Coconut oil incorporates best into smoothies with other fats.

Cannabis Lemonade

Use tincture for cold drinks - oil-based infusions do not mix well cold.

Recipe:

• Fresh lemonade
• Cannabis tincture (start with 5mg equivalent)
• Simple syrup to taste

Mix thoroughly. Tincture alcohol taste is masked by lemon.

Cannabis Milkshakes

Add cannabis coconut oil to any milkshake. Fat content of ice cream helps incorporation.

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Cannabis Cocktails and Mocktails

Important Safety Note

Alcohol intensifies cannabis effects. When combining, reduce both doses significantly. What would be a normal alcohol serving plus a normal cannabis dose can become overwhelming.

Cannabis Mocktails (Recommended)

For social drinking without alcohol risk:

Infused Mojito Mocktail:

• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime juice
• Simple syrup
• Sparkling water
• 10mg cannabis tincture

Muddle mint with lime and syrup, add tincture, top with sparkling water.

Cannabis Ginger Beer:

• Ginger beer
• Lime juice
• Cannabis tincture
• Fresh ginger slices

Mix and serve over ice. Ginger masks any herbal flavor.

Low-Alcohol Options

If combining with alcohol, use minimal amounts:

Michelada Style:

• 4 oz light beer (not full bottle)
• Lime juice
• Hot sauce
• 5mg cannabis tincture

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Making Cannabis-Infused Milk and Cream

Cannabis Heavy Cream

Use in coffee, hot chocolate, or cooking.

Process:

1. Heat 1 cup heavy cream to just simmering

2. Add 3.5g decarbed cannabis

3. Simmer on low 45 minutes

4. Strain through cheesecloth

5. Cool and refrigerate

Potency: Approximately 300-500mg THC per cup depending on cannabis strength.

Cannabis Coconut Milk

Same process as above using full-fat coconut milk. Excellent for dairy-free beverages.

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Dosing Cannabis Beverages

Start Low

Beverages can hit faster than solid edibles. Start with 5-10mg THC and wait at least 1 hour before consuming more.

Measure Carefully

Use measured doses of tincture or pre-measured cannabis oil. Do not eyeball.

Account for Faster Onset

Water-soluble products and tinctures may take effect in 15-30 minutes. Plan accordingly.

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Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Adding Oil to Cold Drinks

Oil-based infusions do not mix with cold water. Use tinctures for cold beverages or blend with fat-containing ingredients.

Mistake 2: Mixing Cannabis and Heavy Alcohol

Effects compound unpredictably. If combining, reduce both doses by at least half.

Mistake 3: Not Stirring Throughout

Cannabis oil rises to top. Stir or sip through stirrer to get consistent dosing.

Mistake 4: Expecting Immediate Effects

Even fast beverages take 15-30 minutes. Do not consume more while waiting.

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Storage

Prepared Beverages

Most cannabis beverages should be consumed fresh. Store in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Cannabis Cream/Milk

Refrigerate in sealed container for up to 1 week. Shake before using.

Tinctures

Tinctures used for beverages last years in dark glass bottles.

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Best Beverages for Different Occasions

Morning Wake and Bake

Cannabis coffee with coconut oil. Low dose (5-10mg) for functional high.

Relaxation

Cannabis chamomile tea with honey. Calming cannabinoids plus relaxing herbs.

Social Gathering

Cannabis mocktails. Easy to dose, shareable, sophisticated.

Sleep

Cannabis golden milk (turmeric latte). Warm, soothing, sedating.

Hot Weather

Cannabis lemonade or iced tea with tincture. Refreshing and easy.

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Cannabis beverages offer a social, customizable way to enjoy cannabis. With faster onset and endless recipes, drinks deserve a place in every cannabis kitchen.