Exploring CBD Cocktails: A Guide to the Best Recipes for Relaxation and Flavor
CBD cocktails are becoming as ubiquitous as turmeric lattes were in recent years. They’re popping up everywhere, from bars to small coffee shops across Europe and the USA. Unlike THC-infused beverages, CBD cocktails won’t make you psychoactive. Instead, they offer a unique experience without the high.
What Are CBD Cocktails?
CBD cocktails are traditional alcoholic beverages with a twist: a drop of CBD oil. There’s a common concern about mixing alcohol with CBD, but these worries are unfounded. The balance between CBD oil and alcohol ensures that no one feels overwhelmed. While you won’t get ‘high’ in the traditional sense, CBD oil cocktails deliver a distinct, trippy effect.
One of the key benefits is the absence of a hangover the next day. This makes CBD-infused drinks highly sought after by those wanting to unwind in the evening without compromising their morning gym routine. It’s the perfect blend for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Taste Profile
The natural taste of CBD is fairly neutral, with subtle green grass undertones. It can add a unique flavor to any drink. Pure oil leans towards an earthier, plant-like taste, which complements many gin-based cocktails. Botanical cocktails, in particular, benefit from CBD’s flavor profile, as it enhances the primary alcoholic ingredient.
CBD Oil Dosage in Cocktails
While bartenders don’t add CBD oil for medicinal purposes, a typical dosage of 3-5 mg per cocktail is sufficient to induce relaxation and happiness.
Legal Considerations
Navigating the legal landscape of infusing food and drinks with CBD can be intricate due to evolving regulations. As of the last available information, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not officially recognize CBD as a food-safe additive, making it technically illegal at the federal level. However, bars and establishments often fall under state liquor control, which operates somewhat independently of FDA regulations.. It’s crucial to emphasize that CBD laws are subject to change, and there may be variations between federal, state, and local regulations. While the FDA can issue warning letters regarding CBD-infused products, the enforcement landscape remains dynamic.
Benefits of CBD Cocktails
CBD is known for its numerous health benefits, which extend to these cocktails:
- Improving heart health
- Reducing the risk of diabetes
- Lowering inflammation
- Alleviating pain
- Easing stress
- Diminishing symptoms of depression
- Preventing acne and other skin issues
- Lowering social anxiety
Crafting Serenity: Five Must-Try CBD-Infused Cocktail Recipes
1. CBD Citrus Spritz
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
- 10 mg Industry Hemp CBD
- 1 oz Citrus Vodka
- ¾ oz Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- 3 oz Champagne
- Club Soda
- Dehydrated Orange Slice (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a stemmed wine glass with ice.
- Pour in the CBD oil, citrus vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add the champagne and top with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice.
2. Watermelon Margacheba
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
- 10 mg Industry Hemp CBD
- 2 oz Spicy Tequila
- ¾ oz Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Agave Syrup
- 5 cubes of Watermelon (four for muddling, one for garnish)
- Chili Lime Rimming Salt
- 1 Lime wedge (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rim a rocks glass with chili lime salt.
- Muddle four watermelon cubes in a cocktail shaker.
- Add CBD oil, spicy tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice. Shake well.
- Strain into the prepared glass over ice.
- Garnish with a watermelon cube and a lime wedge.
3. CBD Blackberry Nohito
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
- Mint and Blackberries (muddled and for garnish)
- 10 mg Industry Hemp CBD
- ¾ oz Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- Club Soda
Instructions:
- Muddle mint leaves and blackberries in a cocktail shaker.
- Add CBD oil, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker. Shake well.
- Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and garnish with a mint leaf and blackberry.
4. CB Deliciousness
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
- 10 mg Industry Hemp CBD
- 2 oz Gin
- ¾ oz Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz Raspberry Syrup
- 2 dashes Orange Cocktail Bitters
- Raspberries (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and double strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with three raspberries.
5. Pineapple Express (Non-Alcoholic)
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
- 10 mg Industry Hemp CBD
- ¾ oz Ginger Syrup
- ¾ oz Lime Juice
- 2 dashes Non-alcoholic Cocktail Bitters
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- Club Soda
- Lemon Zest (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Add CBD oil, ginger syrup, lime juice, bitters, pineapple juice, and ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a tulip glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and garnish with lemon zest.
These cocktails offer a blend of flavors and the relaxing benefits of CBD, perfect for different occasions and taste preferences.
