Perfect For Summer Happy Hours
CBD is gaining traction around the world as an ingredient with health benefits that comes in many different forms. If you’re looking to discover the secrets behind the buzz around CBD – look no further! This additive is proven to help you unwind and alleviate various health problems that you may face on a daily basis. Learn more about CBD and try out these cocktail recipes by Carlene Thomas to decide if it works for you.
CBD Effects and Overview
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is proven to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and much more. It comes from the cannabis sativa plant, and according to Forbes Health, “CBD interacts with neuroreceptors in your endocannabinoid system, which sends signals between your cells to help regulate your movement, mood, homeostasis and immune system.” CBD is often extracted in the form of oil, which can then be used in various ways, such as in food, lotions, skincare products, etc.
How is CBD used in food?
CBD is legal in all U.S. states and people are starting to use it in culinary practices, which is beneficial to consumers because there can be adverse side effects when taking CBD on an empty stomach. You can get positive results while also enjoying a great meal or drink! According to Total Food Service, “One study showed that taking CBD with a high-fat meal, compared to a low-fat meal, led to a significant increase in CBD’s solubility in the bloodstream.” Although there are many different ways to get your dose of CBD, using food or drink is a perfect way to control the amount you are consuming and while also enjoying all of the advantages it has to offer.
Benefits to CBD
The benefits of CBD are impossible to resist! CBD is proven to relieve pain . Although the oil will not completely dissolve any pain issues you have, the anti-inflammatory effects are a great way to get minor relief from some forms of chronic pain. Many people are attracted to the calming effects of CBD that are known to reduce levels of anxiety and insomnia. According to Good RX Health, CBD can regulate serotonin levels in your brain, which is proven to help with anxiety, mood, digestion, and behavior. Although there is still more research to be done on the effects of CBD on the body, there are already so many advantages to including CBD in your recipes and daily life.
Why use CBD in cocktails?
CBD is a perfect addition to cocktail drinks because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It creates a perfect balance in enhancing the feel-good properties of alcoholic beverages, while decreasing your anxiety and stress levels. If you have had a long, stressful day, this is the best ingredient you can add to your drink that will help you unwind. CBD is known to enhance the flavors of your favorite cocktail, and also decrease the chances of a bad hangover. What more could you ask for!
Garden Margarita
Makes: 2 servings
You may love a traditional margarita, but if you’re looking for a CBD drink that’s less acidic try tequila and cucumber juice! To make this margarita worthy of any garden party, garnish it with whatever edible flowers and herbs you have on hand. Lavender, yarrow, mint flowers, halved snap peas, and cucumber rounds all make for beautiful options.
ingredients:
- ½ cup ice cubes plus 2 cups small ice cubes for serving, divided
- 3 oz. silver tequila
- 2 oz. lemon juice
- 2 oz. cucumber juice
- 1 oz. CBD Honey Syrup (sidebar)
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- ⅙ tsp. sea salt
directions:
- Add a few ice cubes to cocktail shaker with tequila, lemon juice, cucumber juice, CBD Honey Syrup, pepper, and salt. Close shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Divide small ice cubes into two margarita glasses or short tumblers.
- Strain and pour cocktail equally into glasses over ice, then serve immediately.
Cucumber Juice
ingredients:
- 2 small Persian cucumbers
- ¼ cup water
directions:
- Place cucumber and water in a blender. Blend 30 seconds or until smooth.
- Use a fine mesh sieve and a silicone spatula to press mixture through into a large measuring cup. Discard solids.
Mocktail
To make this a mocktail, combine ¼ cup water, ⅛ tsp. rose water, and 1 tsp. agave nectar. Replace the tequila in this recipe with 3 oz. of this mixture.
Rum Punch
Makes: 1 serving
Nothing says “Caribbean vacation” like a rum punch. This delicious CBD drink is sweet and colorful and, if you’re not careful, will have you sitting in a chair by two in the afternoon for a nap. The grenadine in this recipe will remind you of your childhood love of the Shirley Temple, and the pineapple leaf garnish is an easy architectural garnish to any tropical drink. It’s also a good way to use up the top of a pineapple that would otherwise go to waste!
ingredients:
- ½ oz. grenadine
- 1 cup ice, divided
- ½ oz. lime juice
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
- 2 oz. orange juice
- 2 oz. dark rum
- 15 mg CBD isolate oil
- 3 pineapple leaves for garnish
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
directions:
- Add grenadine to a tall tumbler or hurricane glass with ½ cup ice.
- Add remaining ½ cup ice to cocktail shaker with lime juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, rum, and CBD. Close shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Strain cocktail over ice into glass with grenadine.
- Garnish with pineapple leaves, pineapple wedge, cherry, and straw. Serve immediately.
Mocktail
To make a mocktail, combine ½ tsp. molasses, ¼ cup pineapple juice, and 1 tsp. almond extract. Replace the rum with 2 oz. of this mixture.
CBD Honey Syrup
Makes: 1 cup or 16 (1⁄2-oz.) servings
ingredients:
- 1 cup clover honey
- 240 mgs CBD isolate oil
directions:
- Add honey to a small saucepan, then heat over medium heat for 5 minutes until honey loosens in consistency.
- Remove honey from heat. Cool at least 10 minutes. Add CBD to honey and stir.
- Pour honey into a container with a lid and store in a cool, dry place for up to three months.
Excerpted from “CBD Drinks for Health” by Carlene Thomas. Copyright © 2020 by Simon & Schuster, Inc. Photographs by Chris Thomas. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
RECIPE BY:
Carlene Thomas
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