With summer ending and fall right around the corner, it’s easy to get into the fall blues as the nights get colder and the days a little shorter. There go those balmy summer nights and the delicious cocktails you enjoyed with them.
As we hold on to the last dog days of summer and into the swing of autumn sweaters and pumpkin-spiced everything, here are a few cannabis-infused summer cocktails to keep you feeling warm.
These recipes combine the best of both worlds (cannabis and alcohol) and are easier to make than you think.
Infusing your alcohol of choice with cannabis is the first step in the process. To make it simple, we have listed out the steps for you below:
Infusing Spirits
- Grind your cannabis of choice. Be mindful of the amount that you use as this will determine the potency.
- Using a double-boiler, fill it halfway with water and boil until it is near 212ºF.
- Turn the heat on low
- In the top half of the boiler, mix ground flower with your choice of spirit. Be careful with this step to ensure the alcohol does not boil (if it does boil, remove the top pot immediately and turn the heat off)
- Maintain a low simmer for 2-3 hours
- Use a funnel lined with cheesecloth to pour your finished product back into its bottle
Now that you have the hard part out of the way (which we hope we’ve made it easy for you) you can get to the mixology.
1. Infused Margarita
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Infused Tequila
– 3/4 oz Lime Juice
– 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
– 1/2 oz Grand Marnie
– Pinch of Salt
Directions:
Shake all your ingredients together, muddle and strain over ice into a tall glass and garnish with a lime peel
Why we love it?
This fun drink is a staple for any summer cooldown. What’s a party without a good margarita? To make it even more festive, we suggest adding cucumbers, cilantro or jalapenos.
2. Infused Mai Tai
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Infused Rum
– 3/4 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Orange Curaçao
– 1/4 oz Rich Simple Syrup
– 1/4 oz Orgeat
– 1 Mint Sprig (for garnish)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Pour ingredients into a glass and garnish with a mint sprig.
Why we love it?
This recipe boasts tons of flavor and takes us on a journey to a tropical island without the travel.
3. Infused Mojito
Ingredients:
– 60ml of infused rum
Fresh mint leaves
– 2 teaspoons of white sugar
– A fresh lime
– Bitters
– Ice
– Club soda
Directions:
In a medium-sized glass, squeeze lime juice and add bitters. Next, add 3 fresh mint leaves. Using a wooden pestle crush mixture, add a few ice cubes and pour infused rum. Top off with club soda and a slice of lime.
Why we love it?
This drink is crisp and refreshing. The fresh taste gives us summer vibes while also relaxing us into the early days of fall.
4. Infused Moscow Mule
Ingredients:
– 60ml of infused rum
Fresh mint leaves
– 4 oz. ginger beer
– 2 oz. infused vodka
– 1 lime wedge
Directions:
Fill traditional Moscow mule copper cup with crushed ice, stir in ginger beer and infused vodka. Squeeze lime wedge over the top and sit on the side of the cup.
Why we love it?
One of the simplest recipes on the list, this Moscow mule is simple, crisp, and smooth. You won’t want just one (so take it easy!).
5. Infused Pina Colada
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 cup ice
– 1/2 cup diced pineapple, frozen
– 2 ounces pineapple juice
– 2 ounces coconut cream
– 1 1/2 ounces infused white rum
– 1 ounce infused dark rum
– Sliced pineapples
Directions:
Blend ice, frozen pineapple, juice, coconut cream, and the white and dark rums until smooth. Pour the drink into 2 glasses and garnish the rim with pineapple slices.
Why we love it?
Do you like Pina Coladas? Okay, we will save you our rendition of the song, but this cocktail is sweet and enhanced with two types of infused rum.
Now that we shared this list with you it’s your turn to try these recipes. Just remember infused cocktails are delicious but be careful, after one you’ll want more. Always go low and slow, especially if you’re a new consumer who may not know their own dosage yet.
Additionally, if you’re planning on hosting an end of summer party, try spicing it up by adding some infused treats. While cannabis cooking may be a little intimidating right now, edibles have come a long way in quality and spectrum. Take a look at some of our favorites that could be the next big hit with your friends.
