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Originally Posted On: https://zenleafdispensaries.com/blog/summer-cannabis-drink-recipes/
Cannabis-infused drinks are perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without smoking. They’re also an excellent option for those looking for a more social way to consume cannabis with friends that matches the summertime vibe. By learning more about these drinks and how to make them, you can be the life of any end-of-summer summer party.
The Increasing Popularity of Cannabis Drinks
As cannabis becomes more mainstream, we’re also seeing a rise in non-traditional methods of cannabis consumption, including cannabis-infused drinks. These drinks offer a unique way to consume cannabis beyond the standard methods of smoking flower and consuming edibles. They’re also an excellent option for those who want to enjoy cannabis in a more social setting. Thanks to their growing popularity, cannabis drinks have become a welcome sight at cocktail parties in recreational states.
The Benefits of Making Something Fresh Yourself
While you can now find a wide variety of cannabis drinks on the market, there’s nothing quite like making your own. Not only is cooking with cannabis a fun activity to do with friends, but it also allows you to have complete control over the final product. When you make your cannabis drinks, you can use your preferred cannabis product and control its flavor profile, strength, and strain. This ensures that you have a drink that is perfect for your needs and preferences.
Some top benefits of making your cannabis drinks include:
- You know exactly what’s in your drink. You can be sure of the dosage and quality of the cannabis, which is important for both medical and recreational users.
- You can save money. For example, making your own cannabis drinks can be cheaper and make a larger quantity than buying them from a dispensary or cafe.
- You can be creative. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making your cannabis drinks. You can infuse them with unusual flavors, add fruits or herbs, and create buzzy or non-alcoholic options.
The Basics Of Making Cannabis Drinks
First, it’s important to understand that not all cannabis is created equal. The strain of cannabis and the type of cannabis product you use will have a substantial impact on the final beverage. For example, if you’re looking to make a drink that will get you high, you’ll want to use a strain of cannabis that contains THC. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a therapeutic beverage to relax without the psychoactive effects, you’ll want to use a strain high in CBD, with little THC.
One final thing to remember is that the effects achieved by consuming cannabis drinks can take longer to kick in than with smoking or vaping because the cannabis compounds have to be absorbed through the digestive system. For this reason, if you are new to this dosing method, it’s important to start with a smaller serving and wait to consume more until you know how you’ll feel.
The Value of Using Local Ingredients
If you want to make the most of your cannabis drink, it’s essential to use local ingredients whenever possible. This not only supports your local economy but also ensures that your drink is as fresh as possible. When ingredients are sourced locally, they haven’t had to travel as far and are less likely to be damaged or degraded. Local ingredients are also more affordable, safe, and nutritious.
Some great local ingredients to use in cannabis drinks include:
- Local, fresh fruits and vegetables. These can be used to add flavor and nutritional benefits to your drink.
- Local, fresh, herbs and spices. These can be used to add flavor and aroma to your drink.
- High-quality cannabis. This is the most important ingredient! Make sure to use high-quality cannabis or cannabis products from your local Zen Leaf dispensary.
Now that you’re properly informed, it’s time to get started on your cannabis drink recipes. Below are a few summer- and locally inspired favorites to get you started.
Cannabis Drink Recipes For Summer
Like many popular cocktails, many cannabis-infused beverages require simple syrup. A wonderful way to kick-start a summer gathering is by making your own cannabis simple syrup you can add to a variety of summer drink recipes.
Cannabis Simple Syrup
All you need is a few ingredients to make a basic cannabis simple syrup.
You’ll Need:
- 3 cups of water
- 3 cups of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin
- 2 grams of dried cannabis flower
Directions:Combine all dry ingredients and place into 3 cups of boiling water for 20 minutes. Let it simmer for 5-6 minutes. Then, empty into a storage container and chill. This will make you the best cannabis simple syrup you ever tasted.
Cucumber Cooler
This drink is light, refreshing, and made for summer.
You’ll Need:
- Cucumber slices
- Mint leaves
- 1 T sugar
- Club soda
- Float cannabis simple syrup
Directions:Start by muddling cucumber slices, mint leaves, and sugar in the bottom of a glass. Top it off with club soda and a float of cannabis-infused simple syrup.
Green Goddess
This healthy smoothie is perfect for those who want to get their buzz on without sacrificing their health.
You’ll Need:
- 2 c. spinach
- 1-2 handfuls of kale
- ½ avocado
- ½ c pineapple
- 1 T cannabis simple syrup
- 1 c coconut milk
Directions:Simply combine spinach, kale, avocado, pineapple, and cannabis-infused coconut milk in a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth. Enjoy as is or garnish with a sprig of mint.
Summer Cannabis Drinks in Arizona
Local ingredients in Arizona offer a unique flavor to cannabis drinks. Try these recipes out for yourself.
Prickly Pear Cannabis Margarita
This sweet and sour alcohol-free margarita can help cool you off on the hottest summer days.You’ll Need:
- 2 c limeade
- ¾ c orange juice
- Dash lime juice
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
- 1 T prickly pear syrup
- Coarse salt for a salted rim
Directions:Combine limeade, orange juice, lime juice, and cannabis-infused prickly pear syrup in a shaker. Add ice and shake well. Rim a glass with salt and pour in your cannabis margarita ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.
Sonoran Sunset
This beautiful drink is perfect for watching the Arizona sunset, basking in the final days of summer.
You’ll Need:
- 3 oz orange juice
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
Directions:Combine orange juice, cranberry juice, and cannabis-infused simple syrup in a glass. Add ice and stir. Garnish with an orange slice.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZEN LEAF IN ARIZONA HERE
Summer Cannabis Drinks in Illinois
Local ingredients in Illinois offer a unique flavor to cannabis drinks. Try these recipes out for yourself.
Windy City Mule
This twist on a classic cocktail is perfect for summer.
You’ll Need:
- 4 oz Illinois-crafted ginger beer
- Mint leaves
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
- Lime wedge
Directions:Muddle mint leaves in a copper mug. Combine ginger beer and cannabis-infused simple syrup in the mug, then add ice and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Honeycomb Cooler
This refreshing drink can help you through those hot Illinois summer days.
You’ll Need:
- 1 piece local honeycomb
- 6 oz lemonade
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
- Lemon slice
Directions:Muddle honeycomb and cannabis simple syrup in the bottom of a glass. Add lemonade and ice to your cannabis-infused honey syrup. Stir and garnish with a lemon slice. Enjoy!
Chicago Fizz
If you can’t get to your local farmer’s market, this simple, refreshing beverage is ideal for the steamy Illinois summer.
You’ll Need:
- 4 oz club soda
- 1 T lemon juice
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
Directions:Combine club soda, lemon juice, and cannabis-infused simple syrup in a glass. Add ice and stir.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZEN LEAF IN ILLINOIS HERE
Summer Cannabis Drinks in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, local ingredients like cranberries offer a distinct taste to cannabis drinks. Try these recipes out for yourself.
Nantucket Cooler
Summers in Nantucket can be warmer than you’d think, and this cooler is the ideal sipper to combat the heat.
You’ll Need:
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz club soda
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
- Cranberries
Directions:Combine cranberry juice, club soda, and cannabis-infused simple syrup in a glass. Add ice and stir. Garnish with a few frozen cranberries.
Cranberry Mule
This delicious twist on a classic cocktail will set off any summer celebration.
You’ll Need:
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 3 oz ginger beer
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
- Lime wedge
Directions:Combine cranberry juice, ginger beer, and cannabis-infused simple syrup in a glass. Add ice and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZEN LEAF IN MASSACHUSETTS HERE
Summer Cannabis Drinks in Michigan
Local ingredients in Michigan can include cherries, blueberries, apples and more. Try these locally sourced recipes.
Up North Sangria
This refreshing drink makes perfect use of local, Michigan apple juice and fresh apples, as well as local strawberries.
You’ll need:
- 1 c fresh-pressed apple juice
- 1 c lemon-lime soda
- 1 c cranberry juice
- 2 c grape juice
- 1 c orange juice
- 1 c sliced strawberries
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- ½ c cannabis infused simple syrup
Directions:In a pitcher, stir together apple juice, soda, cranberry, orange and grape juices, cannabis simple syrup, and fruits. Pour over ice and arrange fruit over top. Makes 8 servings.
Michigan Cherry Limeade
The addition of fresh cherries and cannabis simple syrup allows this drink to outshine the fast-food competition.
You’ll Need:
- 4 oz limeade
- Handful of Michigan cherries
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
Directions:Combine 2 cherries and cannabis-infused cherry syrup in a glass. Muddle, then add limeade. Add ice and stir. Garnish with a cherry.
Michigan Blueberry Fizz
This fruity twist on a classic cocktail will have you craving more.
You’ll Need:
- 4 oz ginger ale
- 1 T lemon juice
- 1 T local blueberry jam
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
- Blueberries
Directions:Combine ginger ale, lemon juice, jam, and cannabis-infused simple syrup in a glass. Add ice and stir. Garnish with blueberries.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZEN LEAF IN MICHIGAN HERE
Summer Cannabis Drinks in Nevada
Local ingredients in Nevada can add a special touch to any cannabis drink. Try one or all to spice up your summer party.
Honey Apricot Sour Smash
Honey and apricots provide the local Nevada flavor to this basic cocktail.
You’ll Need:
- 1 oz apricot juice concentrate
- ½ T honey
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- Apricot slice
Directions:Add apricot juice concentrate, honey, cannabis simple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters to a glass, and stir. Add ice and garnish with an apricot slice.
Pomegranate Express
This delicious drink is just tropical and tart enough to get you through the hottest of Nevada days.
You’ll Need:
- 4 oz pomegranate juice
- 2 oz club soda
- 1 T cannabis infused simple syrup
Directions:Combine pomegranate juice, club soda, and cannabis-infused simple syrup in a glass. Add ice and stir.
Cannabis Root Beer Float
Feeling nostalgic? Give this classic summer drink a twist by infusing it with cannabis. Keep it simple by using your favorite brand of root beer and vanilla ice cream. Simply add a scoop or two of ice cream to a tall glass, top with root beer or another favorite soda, and add your preferred dose of cannabis tincture.
That’s it! Enjoy your medicated summer treat!
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZEN LEAF IN NEVADA HERE
Get Your Zen Summer Drink On
Cannabis infused drinks can turn a summer get-together or solo relaxation session into the ultimate experience. These drinks will help you enjoy the weather and relax no matter what the weather looks like in your state. Gather your local ingredients, try a new drink recipe, track the effects and enjoy your summer, Zen style.