Who says mocktails are boring? Certainly not us! At Campfire Cannabis, we know how to put the fun into mocktails. Check out our guide with tips and tricks for making some of the best cannabis-infused beverages and popsicles in Massachusetts, and beyond—way beyond.
What Are Cannabis-Infused Mocktails?
Cannabis-infused mocktails are your favorite non-alcoholic beverages with an added kick from cannabis extracts or tinctures with THC or CBD. They provide all the buzz (or relaxation) without the dreaded hangover! Make classic mocktails like piña coladas or mojitos, or experiment with fresh ingredients and flavors to create your own mocktail recipes.
How Do Cannabis Infusions Work in Mocktails?
When you smoke or vape cannabis, the effects can be immediate because you absorb the active compounds directly into your bloodstream through your lungs. It generally takes longer for edibles to take effect (30–120 mins) because they must first go through your digestive tract, where the edible is broken down, and your liver, where your body converts THC to 11-hydroxy-THC.
Cannabis-infused mocktails and other THC drinks can have faster effects than other edibles, depending on the infusion method. While the effects of edibles typically last longer than smoking or vaping (4–6 hrs), cannabis-infused mocktails’ effects can wear off faster, depending on how much you ingest, what you’ve eaten, and your cannabis tolerance.
Key Mocktail Infusion Methods
To add cannabis to mocktails requires one of the following infusion methods:
- Simple Syrups: You can easily add cannabis-infused sugar solutions to mocktails. To make your own simple syrup, just add equal parts sugar and water with decarboxylated cannabis, then simmer for approx. 45 min.
- Tinctures: You can add these potent alcohol or glycerin-based extracts a drop at a time for exact dosing. Just follow a basic tincture recipe to make your own, or you can buy pre-made tinctures in a variety of flavors, potencies, and effects.
- Infused Oils: While not as easily mixed, you can add cannabis-infused oils, like MTC, olive, or coconut oil to mocktails for a little added flavor and effect.
Tips For Making Perfect Mocktails Every Time
- Balance Your Flavors: Like any cocktail, you want to ensure you balance the flavors so they aren’t too sweet, sour, savory, spicy, etc. This is where you can experiment with your favorite ingredients to come up with just the right recipe.
- Perfect Your Dosing: The hard-and-fast rule with cannabis is to “start low and go slow,” especially with edibles that can take longer before you feel the effects. Practice makes perfect, though, so feel free to experiment with dosing until you find the desired amount!
- Deliver Innovative Presentations: Great bartenders understand the importance of presentation. Try various garnishes, glasses, effects (like smoke, etc.) to come up with unique and creative ways to deliver your mocktails and wow your friends.
3 Easy Buzz-Worthy Mocktails with Bonus Popsicle Recipe
Each mocktail recipe makes one serving:
1. Elevated Cranberry-Pomegranate Spritzer
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- Cran-Pom Fast Acting Syrup (1 serving)
Directions:
- Mix juices with sparkling water in a cocktail shaker
- Add cannabis tincture.
- Stir and pour over ice in your preferred glass–traditional red or white wine, or stemless-wine glasses can elevate the presentation
- Garnish with rosemary or fresh mint sprigs, lime or orange slices, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds
2. Uplifting Raspberry-Lime Mojito
Ingredients:
- 1 lime (quartered)
- 8 raspberries
- 8 mint leaves
- 3/4 cup tonic water
- 1 serving Raspberry Beverage Enhancer
- Sweetener to taste
Instructions:
- Muddle lime, raspberries, mint, and sweetener in cocktail shaker (approx. 1 min)
- Add tonic water and beverage enhancer
- Stir gently
- Pour over ice into short glass
- Garnish with mint
3. Infused Strawberry-Basil Blitz
Ingredients:
- 3-4 fresh strawberries (quartered)
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Club soda
- Liquid sweetener (to taste)
- 1 serving Strawberry Fast Acting Syrup
Instructions:
- Muddle strawberries and basil in cocktail shaker (approx. 1 min)
- Add lime juice, sweetener, infused strawberry syrup, and ice (shake 10-15 sec)
- Strain mixture into highball glass, add more ice
- Top with club soda
- Stir gently
- Garnish with basil leaf
4. Lit Blueberry-Raspberry Popsicles
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tbs lemon juice
- 1 tbs simple syrup
- 1-2 servings Blue Raspberry Fast Acting Syrup
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth
- Pour mixture into popsicle molds, insert sticks
- Freeze until solid (approx. 4–6 hrs)
- Enjoy!
For more infused syrups and tinctures, explore Campfire Cannabis’s online menu or visit their West Boylston dispensary.
