Cannabis has been gaining popularity in the culinary world in recent years, and one of the most exciting ways to incorporate it into your cooking is by infusing it into cocktails. Not only does it add a unique flavor and aroma to your drinks, but it also provides a subtle buzz that can enhance your overall drinking experience. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making cannabis-infused cocktails, from choosing the right strain to creating delicious and potent drinks.
Choosing the Right Strain
The first step in making cannabis-infused cocktails is choosing the right strain. Just like in cooking, different strains of cannabis have different flavors and effects, so it’s essential to select one that complements the flavors of your cocktail. For example, a fruity strain like Blue Dream would go well with a citrus-based cocktail, while a more earthy strain like OG Kush would pair nicely with a whiskey-based drink.
It’s also crucial to consider the potency of the strain. If you’re new to cannabis-infused cocktails, it’s best to start with a low THC strain to avoid getting too high. Some popular strains for beginners include Harlequin, ACDC, and Charlotte’s Web, which have a balanced CBD to THC ratio. On the other hand, experienced users may opt for a more potent strain like Girl Scout Cookies or Sour Diesel.
Decarboxylation
Before infusing cannabis into your cocktails, it’s essential to decarboxylate it first. Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate its psychoactive compounds, namely THC and CBD. Without this step, your drink will not have the desired effects. To decarboxylate your cannabis, preheat your oven to 240°F and spread your ground cannabis on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cannabis turns a light brown color. Let it cool before using it in your cocktails.
Infusing Cannabis into Alcohol
There are a few different methods for infusing cannabis into alcohol, but the most popular one is the fat-washing method. This method involves infusing cannabis into a high-fat alcohol, like vodka or rum, to extract the cannabinoids. Here’s how to do it:
1. Grind your decarboxylated cannabis into a fine powder.
2. In a mason jar, mix 1 gram of cannabis for every 1 ounce of alcohol.
3. Seal the jar and shake it well to mix the cannabis and alcohol.
4. Let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours, shaking it occasionally.
5. After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the plant material.
6. Your cannabis-infused alcohol is now ready to use in your cocktails.
Creating Cannabis-Infused Cocktails
Now that you have your infused alcohol, it’s time to get creative and make some delicious cannabis-infused cocktails. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
1. Cannabis-Infused Old Fashioned
– 2 oz cannabis-infused bourbon
– 1 tsp simple syrup
– 2 dashes of bitters
– Orange peel for garnish
In a mixing glass, combine the cannabis-infused bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir for about 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel and enjoy your cannabis-infused Old Fashioned.
2. Green Dragon Martini
– 2 oz cannabis-infused vodka
– 1 oz green apple liqueur
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1 oz lime juice
– Green apple slice for garnish
In a shaker, combine the cannabis-infused vodka, green apple liqueur, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Add ice and shake well. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and garnish with a green apple slice. Sip on this refreshing and potent Green Dragon Martini.
3. Cannabis-Infused Hot Chocolate
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tbsp cocoa powder
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 oz cannabis-infused dark rum
– Whipped cream for topping
In a saucepan, heat the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat, stirring until well combined. Remove from heat and add the cannabis-infused dark rum. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream. Cozy up with this warm and indulgent cannabis-infused hot chocolate.
Dosage and Safety
When making cannabis-infused cocktails, it’s essential to keep track of the dosage and consume responsibly. Start with a small amount and wait at least an hour before having more to gauge the effects. It’s also crucial to label your infused alcohol and store it out of reach of children and pets. Lastly, never drink and drive, and always consume cannabis responsibly.
In conclusion, cannabis-infused cocktails are a fun and unique way to enjoy the effects of cannabis while sipping on delicious drinks. With the right strain, proper decarboxylation, and infusion method, you can create a variety of potent and tasty cocktails. Remember to consume responsibly and have fun experimenting with different flavors and strains. Cheers to cannabis-infused cocktails!