While activated charcoal was the ubiquitous food and beverage fad of 2019, a cannabis cannabinoid known as cannabidiol (CBD) is quickly emerging as the new culinary phenomenon of the 2020s. Taking over restaurant, taproom and specialty caterer menus across progressive states with a litany of celebrity endorsements and pop-up brands, CBD doesn’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon.
*You can even add a CBD gumball to each cocktail! There is 10mg CBD per gumball.
Cocktails & CBD: A Match Made in Heaven?
Cocktails have been a reliable way to melt away the anxiety and stress of a hard day’s work for centuries when taken in moderation. Today, Americans are more stressed than ever before; between a pandemic-triggered economic recession, an impacted jobs market, climate change and political polarity at an all-time high, over 40 million Americans are now struggling with a form of anxiety disorder.
Medical researchers have been studying CBD for its therapeutic potential in relieving symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders. Conditions like depression and acute stress are shown to benefit from CBD’s function on neurotransmitter actions within the nervous system. The best part? CBD disappears nicely into a wide range of flavor and aroma profiles, making it ideal for infusion into food and beverages.
When incorporated into a refreshing, well-formulated cocktail at the end of a long day, quality CBD products can create a potent therapeutic one-two punch against the mores of the 9 to 5 business world. Let’s look at three quick CBD cocktails anyone can make from the comfort of home to stave off tension, headache and stress.
Cheers!
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CBD-Infused Mint Julep
Here’s a stiff and revitalizing offering that’s sure to crash through any workday haze; this mint julep combines the earthy, herbaceous flavor of CBD with mint and bourbon for smooth flavor and a perfect transition into a relaxing chair of your choice.
2-3 mint leaves, by personal preference
2-3 mint sprigs to garnish
2 1/2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz simple syrup
Muddle the syrup, CBD drops and mint leaves together in a julep cup, add ice and bourbon. Swizzle, add more ice as desired before garnishing and serving.
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CBD-Infused Moscow Mule
For bold, adventurous flavors in a piquant yet elegant ensemble, you can’t go wrong with a Moscow Mule. With an added touch of CBD, this cocktail is a solid bet for relieving stress while still being available for off-work socialization.
Ingredients:
1 lime wedge to garnish
2 oz vodka
1 oz lime juice
1/2 tbsp ginger syrup or crushed ginger
1 mL lime CBD drops
Ginger beer to top, by personal preference
Fill a highball glass with pebble ice or chopped cubes. Combine the lime juice, vodka, ginger and CBD drops and stir briskly before adding ginger beer as desired. Garnish with the lime wedge and serve.
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Flavorless CBD-Infused Gin & Tonic
What’s more timeless than a well-proportioned gin and tonic? This is a cannabinoid-infused take on an old classic, keeping you cool and collected in any type of weather or time of day.
Ingredients:
1 matching spiral citrus peels; thickness by personal preference
1 1/2 oz gin
3 1/2 oz tonic water
1/4 oz citrus juice (i.e. orange, lemon etc)
1 mL unflavored CBD drops
Combine the gin, tonic water and citrus juice in a shaking mixer. Pour over the ice and citrus peel in a wine glass before adding the CBD drops. Stir lightly and serve.
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