Cannabis cocktails have changed my life. I know it sounds a bit dramatic, but after going “Cali sober”—cutting out all alcohol and intoxicants with the exception of weed—for health reasons a couple summers ago, I had to build an entirely new relationship with drinking. And while it was easy enough to find bars in my Brooklyn neighborhood that served incredible zero-proof cocktails, I still found myself at dinner parties and housewarmings longing for a social lubricant to help loosen the grip of my anxiety.
Then I learned about the new wave of cannabis-infused beverages, now recreationally legal in 24 states and counting, with hemp-derived THC products fully legal in all 50 states thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Suddenly I could partake in my favorite plant in a more discreet (and fragrance-free) format without having to step outside the party. I could also enjoy all the sensory pleasures of cocktails—rich floral aromas, juicy citrus flavors—and wake up the next morning sans hangover.
Infused beverages hit differently than smoking a joint or nibbling a pot brownie. This is thanks, in part, to science: Drinkable cannabis is made possible by nano-emulsification, a fairly new technology that breaks down compounds like THC and CBD into particles that become surrounded by water-soluble molecules. Nanoemulsified extracts have changed the game when it comes to flavor, delivering consistent doses without the grassy, bong-water-like aftertaste found in early attempts to make weed drinkable. These tiny water-loving cannabis particles are also more easily absorbed by our body’s soft tissues, allowing the effects of infused beverages to kick in as soon as 10 minutes after drinking, rather than the hour or two waiting period of traditional edibles.
I’ve also noticed that people who might be turned off by the idea of weed smoke tend to find canned cocktails more accessible. This inherent familiarity could be a big reason why infused beverages have become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the cannabis industry; the global market is projected to crack $2 billion in annual revenue by 2026.
Of course, when it comes to drinking cannabis, it’s important to be mindful of dosage. Most dispensaries suggest that new consumers start with a 2–5 mg THC microdose (check the required label on each can) and wait until the effects have settled before pouring another.
After indulging in some highly professional taste tests, I present a few of my favorite thirst-quenching, brain-calming cans of hemp-derived THC.
Like an Italian cocktail: Artet
Inspired by Italian aperitivo culture, Artet marries botanicals typically used in gin production, like juniper and gentian, with fresh juices. The result is a range of bright, complex drinks with a variety of flavors. Grapefruit lovers will get down with Rosemary Jane, while G&T loyalists should try the Tet & Tonic, with chamomile and 5 mg each of THC and CBD for a balanced, uplifting effect.
For cider lovers: Ayrloom
The latest project from the fifth-generation, family-owned company behind Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, Ayrloom draws on more than a century of expertise to make infused cider. Brewed with fresh apples grown in upstate New York, the 5 mg THC and CBD Honeycrisp cider will please anyone who’s a fan of hard cider. It has a natural sweetness and crisp finish that doesn’t linger too long on the palate. If cider’s not quite your thing, Ayrloom makes other infused drinks too, including a nostalgia-inducing vanilla cola would work well for a summertime ice cream float.
Teatime, all grown up: Boldt
What happens when Southern sweet tea meets California kush? Boldt has the answer. Each can is made with fresh brewed black tea sourced from Georgia and infused with 10 mg of flavorless cannabis extract, delivering the clean, classic taste of iced tea alongside a potent cerebral high. Try the peach flavor on ice for classic Southern porch-sipping vibes.
The life of the party: Cann
Made for those who want to enjoy a night out without overindulging, each of Cann’s refreshing “social tonics” is made with five ingredients: cannabis extract, sparkling water, organic agave syrup, fruit juices, and botanicals like lavender and rosemary. Whether you go for the mid-dosed Hi Boy (5 mg THC and 10 mg CBD) or the micro-dosed Lo Boy (1 mg THC and 15 mg CBD), each palate-pleasing Cann offers a gentle, mind-opening buzz. Spicy margarita lovers will get a kick out of the seasonal Pineapple Jalapeño flavor.
For game night: Cantrip
Named after a type of Dungeons & Dragons spell (yes, really) that can be cast with little effort, Cantrip’s cannabis-spiked seltzers promise exactly that—an ebullient, enchanting high without any hard work. They offer five flavors; try the Ginger Peach, microdosed with 3 mg THC and 2 mg CBD, or the Blackberry Lavender, with 5 mg THC per can.
To float to outer space: Crescent 9
For those seeking a cannabis drink that really packs a punch, Crescent 9’s line of infused seltzers ranges from 5 mg THC up to 50 mg THC per can. If you’re an experienced psychonaut looking to blast off, the highly potent Strawberry Lemonade is a must-try; made with lemongrass and real strawberry purée, this sweet-tart 50 mg seltzer delivers a higher dose than most without compromising on quality and flavor. If you’re still just getting your feet wet, the fragrant Tropical flavor is made with juicy mango, 6 mg of THC, and just a splash of caffeine for an energetic buzz.
Green in more ways than one: Cycling Frog
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Cycling Frog uses all-natural fruit juice and hemp extract sourced from a sustainable no-spray farm near the mountains of central Oregon. As a fan of rich, dark fruit, my personal favorite is the juicy Black Currant seltzer, but those who prefer something citrusy should try the delightfully tart Ruby Grapefruit, both made with 5 mg THC and 10 mg CBD.
Like a Moscow mule: Klaus
Created by mixologist and writer Warren Bobrow, Klaus cans are infused with 10 mg of THC for a mind-opening sense of euphoria. A fan of Moscow mules? Try the Mezzrole, a piquant blend of French limes, Pickett’s spicy-sweet ginger syrup, and tart rice vinegar that finishes with notes of sea salt.
A brunchie’s best friend: Pamos
Developed by a team of mixologists seeking to introduce familiar cocktails to the world of cannabis, each Pamos canned spritz is crafted to emulate a classic mixed drink. My fellow baddies who brunch will love the effervescent Bellini Spritz, made with all-natural peach, guava, passion fruit and strawberry, or the Tropical Mai Tai, made with fresh pineapple, Key lime, and amaretto. Each can is dosed with 2 mg CBD, with options ranging from 2–10 mg THC so you can choose your own adventure.
The sugar-free sweet life: Wynk
Just as the cheeky name suggests, Wynk is the drink for those looking for something fun yet subtle. While some cannabis drinks on the market tend to rely on fussy flavors or loads of added sugar, this sugar-free seltzer was first introduced in Massachusetts in 2021 and has exploded in popularity nationwide thanks to its refreshing taste and relaxing, euphoric high. Featuring classic flavors like Lime Twist and Tangerine, each can of Wynk contains 5 mg THC and 5 mg CBD for a balanced, full-body effect.
Chala June is a Congolese-American culinary storyteller and cultural artist based in Brooklyn. Find them on Instagram at @chala.gram.