Solventless-Infused Cocktails and Mocktails for Holiday Gatherings
Cannabis enthusiast and student of the art of solventless extraction
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Serve Cannabis-Infused Cocktails and Mocktails at Holiday Gatherings?
How to Make a Solventless Cannabis Tincture
Ingredients and Equipment Needed to Make Solventless Tincture
Step-by-Step Tincture Instructions
Cozy Cannabis Hot Chocolate
Merry & Bright Cranberry Spritz
Silent Night Apple Cider
Wrapping Up Your Solventless-Infused Holiday Celebration
Introduction: Embracing Cannabis Cocktails for the Holidays
Picture this: it’s a holiday gathering. There’s laughter, lights twinkling, maybe even a hint of gingerbread in the air. Glasses are clinking, but instead of everyone reaching for the usual wine or eggnog, you’re handing out something better. It’s your solventless-infused cocktails, and they’re the (6)stars of the party - see what we did there 😉
This year, why not give the usual holiday drink menu a fresh twist? Imagine a cozy evening where guests sip on cannabis-infused hot chocolate or get a little bubbly with a cannabis cranberry spritz. Not only are these drinks unique and delicious, but they also bring a special kind of joy that only our favorite plant can deliver. And if you’re the DIY type, we’ve got you covered with a homemade solventless cannabis tincture recipe that’s as clean as Santa’s sleigh after a detail.
Grab your cocktail shaker, put on some holiday tunes, and let’s shake up some solventless magic for this year’s celebrations. Trust us, these drinks are the perfect blend of festive and mellow, guaranteed to make you the most memorable host on the holiday circuit.
Why Serve Cannabis-Infused Cocktails and Mocktails at Holiday Gatherings?
So, why swap out your traditional holiday drinks for a cannabis twist? Well, besides making you the trendiest host on the block, cannabis cocktails and mocktails add a unique touch of relaxation and creativity to the party. Here are some reasons why this holiday season might be the perfect time to give your drinks a solventless makeover:
1. Celebrate in a New Way
It’s 2024 and holiday traditions are meant to evolve! Serving cannabis-infused cocktails gives guests a fresh and memorable experience. Forget the same old mulled wine—this is the season to introduce some elevated holiday cheer.
2. Versatile Options for All Guests
Cannabis cocktails can be made with or without alcohol, meaning you can cater to a wider range of guests. Aunt Sally doesn’t drink? Hand her a non-alcoholic cannabis mocktail. Your old college buddy is on board for a little extra cheer? Add some vodka to the mix.
3. Therapeutic Benefits (Holiday Survival Kit)
Let’s be honest—the holidays can be stressful. Between the shopping, cooking, and family dynamics, sometimes we all need a little something to take the edge off. Cannabis brings a natural sense of calm and relaxation, which can help guests unwind, feel more at ease, and enjoy the moment.
4. Controlled Consumption
One of the great things about using a cannabis tincture is that it allows for precise dosing, which means you can control just how much THC (or CBD) goes into each drink.
5. Great Conversation Starter
Let’s face it: sometimes holiday small talk needs a little boost. Cannabis-infused cocktails give everyone something fresh and fun to talk about. They’re unique, exciting, and a great way to get guests engaged.
How to Make a Solventless Cannabis Tincture
If you’re ready to add a little DIY spirit to your holiday gathering, making your own cannabis tincture is a great way to go. Not only is it clean and effective, but using a solventless extract like bubble hash or rosin gives your tincture that high-quality, full-spectrum goodness.
First you make the solventless tincture, then you add the tincture to the cocktails or mocktails. It’s a very simple and convenient way for your guests to control how much cannabis they’re getting with each drink.
Why go solventless?
Solventless extracts like bubble hash and rosin are made without harsh chemicals, just pure pressure, ice, and water. This method keeps the natural plant terpenes and cannabinoids intact, giving you a richer, fuller experience. Plus, it’s safer and cleaner—perfect for a drink you’re actually going to consume!
If you’d prefer not to create your own tincture, you can purchase a high-quality premade tincture at your local dispensary.
Here’s how to make your own, step by step, so you’re all set to infuse those cocktails and mocktails with holiday cheer.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed to Make Solventless Tincture
- bubble hash or rosin (enough to yield around 1 gram of active cannabinoids)
- high-proof alcohol (such as 190-proof Everclear; vodka works, too, but the stronger, the better for extracting cannabinoids)
- small glass jar with a lid
- fine strainer or cheesecloth
- dark dropper bottle for easy storage and dosing
Step-by-Step Tincture Instructions
1. Decarboxylate the Extract:
To activate the THC or CBD in your extract, you’ll need to decarb it (a fancy word for “heat it up”). Place your bubble hash or rosin inside a sealed glass jar, and bake at 240°F for about 30-40 minutes. This process will convert the THCA into THC, which is essential for that “elevated” experience.
2. Infuse the Alcohol:
Once your extract is decarbed, drop it into the glass jar and add enough high-proof alcohol to cover it (about 1-2 ounces). Seal the jar and shake it up a bit to mix. Let it sit in a cool, dark place for a few days, shaking once daily to help the cannabinoids infuse. This waiting time gives the alcohol plenty of time to absorb the cannabis goodness.
3. Strain and Store:
After a few days, strain the mixture through a fine strainer or cheesecloth into your dropper bottle, leaving any plant material behind. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place, and it should last for several months, making it perfect for holiday season fun and beyond.
For more information, check out our full article on How To Make Tinctures Using Bubble Hash or Rosin.
Dosing Tips - When it comes to dosing, less is more—especially if your guests are new to cannabis. Start with just a drop or two per drink and see how it feels. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out. And remind guests to pace themselves, as tinctures may take a little while to kick in.
Read more in our article How To Calculate THC Content in Homemade Edibles and Tinctures
Now that you’ve got your solventless tincture ready, it’s time to put it to delicious use. Let’s get to the fun part: recipes! Just add your desired amount of solventless tincture to any of these drinks.
Cozy Cannabis Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk or milk alternative (like almond or oat milk)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp sugar or sweetener of choice
- 1-2 drops solventless cannabis tincture
- 1 oz Kahlua (optional)
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small pot, warm up the milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully combined.
2. Remove from heat and stir in 1–2 drops of the cannabis tincture plus Kahlua.
3. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and serve it with a spoon. Extra marshmallows optional but highly encouraged!
Merry and Bright Cranberry Spritz
Ingredients:
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz sparkling water or tonic water
- 1 oz prosecco (optional, for those wanting alcohol)
- 1-2 drops solventless cannabis tincture
- Ice cubes
- Fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice cubes, then pour in the cranberry juice, sparkling water, and prosecco if using.
2. Add 1-2 drops of cannabis tincture and give it a gentle stir.
3. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.
4. Hand it to your guest with a wink and a “cheers!”
Silent Night Apple Cider
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 drops solventless cannabis tincture
- 1 oz vodka (optional)
- Slice of apple and a dash of nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the apple cider in a small pot with the cinnamon stick until warm (but not boiling).
2. Pour the cider into a mug and add 1-2 drops of tincture, stirring gently.
3. Garnish with a slice of apple and a dash of nutmeg on top.
4. This drink is like a cozy hug - serve warm and watch as everyone’s holiday stress melts away.
With these drinks, your holiday gatherings will be infused with not only flavor but also a warm, relaxed vibe that only cannabis can bring.
Wrapping Up Your Solventless-Infused Holiday Celebration
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to adding a little extra sparkle to your holiday gatherings! With these solventless cannabis-infused cocktails and mocktails, you’ll have your guests talking (and toasting) long after the last glass is empty.
Remember, the magic here is in the balance: a little tincture goes a long way, so keep doses low to start, and encourage guests to sip mindfully. Whether you’re curling up with a cozy hot chocolate by the fire or passing out cranberry spritzes like holiday candy, these cannabis-infused drinks are sure to make this season one to remember.
Cheers to an elevated holiday celebration!
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