If you’re like me, you love cannabis and you love cocktails. What could be better than bringing the two together? I got inspired by Seattle-based Craft Elixirs’ small-batch cannabis syrups, which you’ll find on the shelves at recreational stores throughout Washington state. They incorporate locally seasonal flavoring agents, natural sweetener, and of course, cannabis. (You can also purchase the non-infused syrups wherever you live and pair the virgin versions of the cocktails below with your favorite strain for similar results.)
I got in touch with local bartender Nick McCleery to develop four creative recipes using three of Craft Elixirs’ syrups: the strawberry-peppercorn Wallingford Wanderlust, ginger root-flavored Ginger Grass, and smoky habanero-infused Capitol Hill Heat. As you gear up for summer, kick back and wet your whistle with one of these refreshing cannabis-infused sippers.
Thai High
1 ½ oz Bacardi light rum
½ oz Capitol Hill Heat habanero-smoke cannabis syrup (approx. 10 mg THC)*
½ oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
2 oz pineapple juice
Soda water
Thai basil to garnish
Combine rum, syrup, lime and pineapple juice, and shake well with ice until thoroughly chilled. Double-strain into a collins glass over fresh ice, top with soda water, stir and garnish with a sprig of Thai basil (for best results, slap the sprig lightly on the palm of your hand to open up its aromas).
Zip It
2 oz bourbon
½ oz Ginger Grass ginger cannabis syrup (approx. 10mg THC)*
½ oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
½ oz honey syrup
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Lemon peel to garnish
Muddle ginger slices in shaker, then add ice and remaining ingredients and shake well until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Smoke & Spice
1 ½ oz tequila reposado
¾ oz Cointreau
1 oz Capitol Hill Heat habanero-smoke cannabis syrup (approx. 20mg THC)*
1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 dash Tabasco (optional)
Lime wedge to garnish
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and serve.
The Lusty Wanderer
1 ½ oz vodka
1 oz Wallingford Wanderlust strawberry-peppercorn cannabis syrup (approx. 20mg THC)*
1 ½ oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
2-3 slices cucumber
Soda water
Lemon slice and cucumber slice to garnish
Muddle cucumber in shaker. Add ice, vodka, syrup, lemon and simple, and shake until thoroughly chilled. Pour over fresh ice in a highball glass, top with soda water, and garnish with lemon and cucumber slices.
*Important: If you don’t know your tolerance, start with smaller amounts of cannabis syrup. Remember that cannabis and alcohol together can affect you differently than either on its own. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or of cannabis.
Have you tried making your own cannabis-infused cocktails? Share your favorite recipes in the comments!
