Learning how to make THC-infused non alcoholic drinks involves following two simple rules. First, you’ll need the right products to prevent separation between oils and water bases. Second, you’ll need some bold flavors to mask the bitter and earthy aroma of cannabis.
This being said, it looks like an easy job. In reality, you’ll need a bit more preparation and some extra ingredients too. Indeed, you can buy CBD or THC drinks from commerce, since they’re widely available both in local shops and online.
However, making your own drinks will ensure that you know precisely what goes in there without any hidden preservatives. Sure, they won’t have a long shelf life, but you can still get your optimal dose in a tasty manner whenever you feel like it. Here’s everything you need to know to become a true master of cannabinoid mixology.
How to Make THC Infused Non Alcoholic Drinks
1. The Easy Unprofessional Way
There’s an easy and unprofessional way to make alcohol-free CBD drinks or THC drinks yourself, without any training or experience. Here’s what you’ll need.
- CBD oil or THC tincture
- A drink
You can get the CBD or THC oil in the optimal strength, depending on your needs and physical tolerance. As for the drink, you can make it yourself or buy it from the store. For example, you can make your own lemonade from scratch or perhaps buy some fresh apple juice from a local shop.
Simply add a few drops of CBD oil to a glass, top up with your drink, stir vigorously for a minute and enjoy your drink. You’ll have the beneficial effects of CBD and the tasty flavors of your favorite drink.
The problem with this method is that CBD and THC oil won’t dissolve in water because cannabinoids are naturally hydrophobic. Therefore, some parts will be oily and float on top, while others will be clear of CBD. You may not necessarily notice it, depending on the flavor of your drink, but it can leave an unpleasant residue on your lips.
2. The Professional Way
Learning how to make THC-infused non alcoholic drinks that blend perfectly is a different kettle of fish and requires a more tactical approach.
You’ll need a base, some flavors that can overcome the bitter taste of cannabis, as well as a little experience with the dosage to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are the steps.
Choose the Base
The base is where the CBD or THC goes. Learning how to make THC-infused non alcoholic drinks implies using a base to make it more soluble in water. Nano-emulsified liquid drops are quite convenient because they dissolve in water effortlessly. They disperse evenly throughout the drink and won’t clump or separate over time.
There are more brands out there offering these water-soluble drops. Some of them offer unflavored drops, while others give you options in terms of flavors too to complement your recipe.
THC-infused spirits are also popular, yet they aren’t always nonalcoholic. You’ll have to double-check upfront by carefully reading the labels. They mimic the taste of traditional liquor, but they also provide clean dosing for mocktail enthusiasts.
Infused simple syrups shouldn’t be overlooked either. You can combine a bit of CBD or THC with a tiny bit of lecithin, combining sugar and some water over low heat. The mix can blend perfectly into a sweet drink without any oily separation.
Add the Flavors
When it comes to flavors, keep in mind that cannabis is naturally bitter. You don’t feel it in drinks from commerce because they feature strong flavors. If you’d like a vanilla drink, chances are cannabis can overtake this flavor.
Instead, focus on citric flavors and acids, such as limes, lemons or grapefruits. You can also add botanical and herbs with strong flavors, like lavender, mint, basil or rosemary. Some pungent mixers won’t let you down either, whether you choose kombucha, tonic water or ginger beer.
Manage the Dose
Start with low doses if you’re not used to CBD or THC. Track the timing as well so you don't overconsume. Nano-emulsified drinks tend to bring in the effect within 15 to 30 minutes, which is way quicker than edibles.
Observe the effects, both positive and negative, then adjust the dose accordingly for your next drinks. CBD and THC beverages are less likely to cause any side effects when microdosing, but a very high dose could cause nausea, anxiety, or sleepiness..
Homemade Recipes for CBD & THC Fans
While you can mix CBD or THC into pretty much anything, here are a few useful ideas for your first drinks.
1. Cannabis Citric Sour
Get two ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice, an ounce of simple syrup, club soda and the right dose of CBD or THC. Get all the ingredients (apart from the club soda) into a shaker and shake vigorously for a minute. Pour the mix into a glass, then top with club soda.
It’s fresh and excellent for hot summer days.
2. Berry Basil Mix
Get four muddled strawberries, three basil leaves, an ounce of lime juice, half an ounce of agave nectar and a canned flavored THC or CBD seltzer. Muddle all the fruits and herbs into a glass. Throw some ice, add the lime juice and agave nectar, stir a little and add the THC seltzer for carbonation.
3. Simple Mixes
Go to the nearest shop and grab your favorite smoothie or drink. The more natural it is (as in not from concentrate), the better. Add some of it to a shaker, add the optimal dose of CBD or THC, then mix vigorously until properly blended.
You can obviously garnish with cherries, orange slices or perhaps some mint leaves, depending on the flavors you pick.
On the same note, you can also mix CBD with alcoholic drinks or straight into your favorite cocktails.
Bottom line, learning how to make THC-infused non alcoholic drinks is mostly about using your imagination to develop your favorite flavors, yet it pays off knowing how CBD or THC oils work as well, only to ensure that they mix properly.
