Why Cannabis Drinks Are the Surprise Hit of Summer

Once the summer heats up, so does the popularity of cannabis-infused drinks. Across beaches, patios, and festivals, consumers are reaching for chilled cans of THC and CBD beverages instead of cocktails or beers. This isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a shift in how people are rethinking social drinking, wellness, and summer refreshment. The rise of cannabis drinks is driven by evolving consumer habits, improved formulations, and the perfect seasonal timing.

Why Cannabis Drinks Are Booming

  1. Rethinking Alcohol
    Many adults are exploring the “sober curious” movement or cutting back on alcohol for health and lifestyle reasons. Cannabis drinks offer a smoke-free alternative that still provides relaxation and a social buzz. Their approachable format feels familiar, allowing users to unwind without the calories or hangovers tied to alcohol.
  2. A Controlled, Microdosed Experience
    Cannabis beverages typically feature 2.5–10 mg of THC per serving, giving consumers the ability to pace themselves. This low-dose approach—often called “sessionable” dosing—creates a mild and manageable effect that pairs perfectly with long summer days.
  3. Accessible Retail Channels
    Hemp-derived THC beverages have found wider retail availability than traditional cannabis products, showing up in liquor stores, bars, and even mainstream retailers in some states. At the same time, licensed dispensaries are expanding their infused drink selections, creating a growing overlap between cannabis and beverage culture.
  4. Seasonal Fit
    Summer is the season of refreshment—light, cold, and hydrating. Cannabis seltzers, iced teas, lemonades, and mocktails naturally fit this mood. Unlike heavy edibles, these drinks are designed for socializing outdoors, cooling off, and staying active without feeling sluggish.
  5. Big Brands Enter the Space
    Established beverage players like Pabst Blue Ribbon and Constellation Brands have entered the cannabis beverage market, lending credibility and distribution muscle to the category. Their involvement signals to consumers that infused drinks are here to stay.

Popular Styles Hitting the Market

THC Seltzers
Lightly carbonated and flavored, THC seltzers are leading the trend. Brands like Gigli THC Seltzer and Pabst Labs offer 5 mg and 10 mg options in flavors such as lime, mango, and grapefruit. They mirror the appeal of hard seltzers—but without the alcohol.

Mocktails & RTDs
Pre-mixed cannabis mocktails mimic the feel of cocktails, using flavors like mojito, lemonade, or rosé. They’re especially popular with consumers looking for a more elevated, adult flavor experience.

On-Tap Options
Bars and cannabis lounges are experimenting with THC on draft. Pharos Brands, for example, serves 5 mg pours through tap systems, blending traditional bar culture with cannabis innovation.

Hemp Spirits & Botanical Blends
Brands such as The Pathfinder Hemp & Root are introducing hemp-based botanical spirits that can be enjoyed neat or mixed into mocktails. They bridge the gap between mixology and wellness.

Tea & Coffee Infusions
For those seeking function and focus, Mirth Provisions’ Legal line offers cannabis-infused teas and coffees—ideal for calm, mindful energy without the crash.

Leading Brands to Try

  • Mirth Provisions (Legal Drinks) — Offers THC and CBD beverages in multiple U.S. markets.
  • Gigli THC Seltzer — A hemp-derived THC seltzer with refreshing flavors and microdose options.
  • Pabst Labs THC Seltzer — From the makers of Pabst Blue Ribbon, this line brings classic beverage heritage to cannabis.
  • Pharos Brands — Innovating with THC on-tap serving systems.
  • Triple High Lemonade — A citrus-forward hemp beverage with a 10 mg dose for experienced consumers.

Smart Sipping Tips

  • Check state laws: Hemp-derived THC drinks are federally legal, but some states restrict or ban them.
  • Start low: Try 2.5–5 mg servings first to understand your comfort zone.
  • Expect a delayed onset: Effects can take 30–90 minutes, lasting longer than smoking or vaping.
  • Flavor and formulation matter: Modern brands are masking earthy undertones with fruit-forward, crisp flavors for mainstream appeal.

Cannabis-infused drinks have found their season. They deliver a refreshing, approachable way to enjoy cannabis in social settings, tapping into the same ritual that makes beer and cocktails so popular—but without the hangover or heavy buzz. As brands refine taste and dosing, cannabis beverages are set to become a mainstay of summer, offering a chill new way to sip the sunshine.