Here’s to chill summer sips—with a dash of smart dosing. As an expert mixologist, she knows that cannabis and cocktails can play nicely together when built with balance: low-ABV spirits, light THC, and a steady hand with CBD. A few ground rules set the tone: start low and go slow with THC (new or cautious consumers should keep single-serve portions around 2–2.5 mg and wait before adding more), and remember that combining alcohol and cannabis increases impairment—so these are strictly stay-at-home refreshments and never for drivers.
Garden Party CBD Spritz
Bright, fizzy, and herb-kissed—perfect for a golden-hour porch moment.
Build (per drink):
- 1 oz dry vermouth (or 0.75 oz for lighter ABV)
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3–4 oz chilled soda water or dry tonic
- 10–15 mg CBD tincture (unflavored or citrus)
- 2–3 thin cucumber rounds
- Fresh mint, gentle clap
Method:
- In a wine glass with ice, add vermouth, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and CBD tincture. Stir 5–6 seconds to integrate (CBD blends best in alcohol before dilution).
- Top with soda water, slide in cucumber, and crown with mint.
- Optional: a pinch of flaky salt heightens aromatics and softens bitterness.
Why it works: Low-ABV vermouth keeps things sessionable; CBD is added for a mellow, non-intoxicating complement. Choose reputable brands with verified testing and accurate labeling.
Pro move: If your CBD is oil-based, shake the tincture with the vermouth and liqueur first for better dispersion, then add citrus and bubbles.
Pineapple Sunset THC Cooler
Tropical, tart-sweet, and intentionally micro-dosed for a gentle glide.
Build (per drink):
- 1 oz blanco tequila (or 0.75 oz for an even lighter touch)
- 0.5 oz Aperol (or aperitivo bitters)
- 1 oz fresh pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1), adjust to taste
- 2 mg THC tincture (sublingual/sip-ready; alcohol or glycerin base)
- 2–3 oz chilled sparkling water
Method:
- In a shaker with ice, combine tequila, Aperol, juices, syrup, and the measured THC tincture. Shake briefly (7–8 seconds).
- Strain over fresh ice in a tall glass.
- Top with sparkling water and give one lazy swirl.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and pineapple frond.
Why it works: A micro-dose (around 2 mg THC) lets flavor lead while keeping effects controlled. Oral and sublingual cannabinoids can take 15–45 minutes to be felt and up to two hours for peak effect—so sip, savor, and wait before deciding on another round.
Smart Sipping Notes
- Moderation matters: Keep pours conservative when blending cannabis and alcohol.
- Start low, go slow (THC): Beginners should stay near 2–2.5 mg THC and wait before consuming more, as effects build over time.
- Do not drive: Alcohol plus THC amplifies impairment—even at low doses. These recipes are for relaxing at home, not for designated drivers.
- Label literacy: CBD products sold over the counter aren’t FDA-approved for general wellness; quality varies. Look for third-party testing and clear cannabinoid amounts per serving.
Prep & Pantry Tips
Keep citrus fresh, vermouth refrigerated, and tinctures labeled with their strength (mg/mL). Use a bar spoon or quick shake to help CBD integrate with spirits before adding juice and bubbles—then sip slowly. If serving a crowd, pre-batch the non-cannabis base and measure cannabinoids into each glass individually for precise dosing.