Autumn is the perfect time to reinvent your favorite classics with a cannabis twist! While I love enjoying a joint in the crisp, cool air surrounded by the scent of fall candles, I’ve been exploring new ways to infuse cannabis into my lifestyle—starting with cozy, cannabis-infused fall drinks. If you’re a seasoned pro or just canna-curious, these cannabis-infused drinks, like pumpkin spice latte and hot chocolate, offer a delicious way to embrace the season. Ready to try something new? Let’s dive into these comforting fall drinks!
Key Ingredients for Cannabis-Infused Fall Drinks
Types of Cannabis
- THC vs. CBD: Start by choosing the type of cannabis that suits your needs. THC offers psychoactive effects, while CBD provides relaxation without the high. You can also opt for a balanced mix of both for a more nuanced experience.
- Decarboxylated Cannabis: Before using cannabis in any infusion, it needs to be decarboxylated. This process involves heating the raw cannabis to activate the cannabinoids, making it effective when infused into your drink.
Cannabis Infusions
Cannabis-Infused Milk or Cream: This versatile base is perfect for any creamy drink. You simmer cannabis in milk or cream for about 30-45 minutes. The fat in these dairy products helps extract the cannabinoids, making them perfect for lattes or hot chocolates.
Cannabis-Infused Honey or Agave: Cannabis-infused honey or agave syrup can be a sweeter option. It’s excellent for teas or as a sweetener in cocktails, blending well with the earthy notes of cannabis.
Cannabis Tincture: Tinctures are alcohol-based extracts that can be added to almost any drink. A few drops can infuse your beverage without altering the flavor, ideal for cocktails or light drinks.
Fatty Ingredients for Infusion
- Butter: Butter is a popular fat for cannabis infusions. It can be used in decadent drinks like hot chocolate or bulletproof coffee, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy indulgent beverages.
- Coconut Oil: This fat-friendly option works well in smoothies or as a base in warm drinks.
With these different infusion methods in your toolkit, you can tailor each drink to your taste and preferred experience. Now that you know the key ingredients and techniques, let’s craft some cozy, cannabis-infused fall drinks!
Cannabis-Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients:
Serving Size: 1 per serving
Equipment Needed: Saucepan, whisk, and mug.
- 1 cup of cannabis-infused milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, plus more for topping
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee or espresso
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor boost)
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix (optional) over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes hot and fragrant.
- Heat the Milk: Slowly whisk the cannabis-infused milk and vanilla extract into the saucepan. Continue heating until the mixture is warmed through, ensuring it doesn’t reach a boil.
- Combine with Coffee: Pour your strong brewed coffee or espresso into your favorite mug. Add the pumpkin-milk mixture, stirring well to blend the flavors.
- Serve: For that finishing touch, top your latte with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin spice mix (optional).
If you prefer using a pre-made chai tea mix, substitute the black tea bag, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, ginger, and cloves with 1-2 tablespoons of the chai mix. Steep it directly in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before adding your infused milk or cannabis tincture.
Cannabis-Infused Cinnamon Vanilla Latte
Ingredients:
Serving Size: 1 per serving
Equipment Needed: Saucepan, frother, and mug.
- 1 cup of infused milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 shot of espresso or 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener of your choice (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
- Extra ground cinnamon (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Heat the Milk: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir occasionally, allowing the milk to heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
- Prepare the Coffee: Brew your espresso or strong coffee.
- Mix and Froth: If you have a frother, froth the heated milk mixture until it’s nice and foamy. If you don’t have a frother, shake the heated milk in a tightly sealed jar or whisk it vigorously.
- Combine: Pour the espresso or strong coffee into a mug. Gently pour the frothy milk mixture over the coffee.
- Sweeten (Optional): If desired, stir in sugar or sweetener.
- Top It Off: If you like, add whipped cream and dust with extra cinnamon.
- Infuse: For a nondairy option, replace the infused milk with a few drops of cannabis tincture to the final mixture.
Cannabis-Infused Hot Apple Cider
Ingredients:
Serving Size: 1 per serving
Equipment Needed: Saucepan and mug
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 slice of orange (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon cannabis-infused honey or 1-2 drops of cannabis tincture
Instructions:
- Simmer the Cider: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise (if using), and orange slice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Sweeten (Optional): If your cider is a bit sweeter, stir in the honey or maple syrup.
- Infuse: If making the cannabis-infused version, add the cannabis-infused honey or a few drops of cannabis tincture after removing the cider from the heat. Stir well to combine.
- Strain and Serve: Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and orange slice. Pour the hot cider into a mug.
- Garnish (Optional): Add a fresh cinnamon stick or a slice of orange for garnish.
Cannabis-Infused Spiced Chai Tea
Ingredients:
Serving Size: 1 per serving
Equipment Needed:
- 1 cup water
- 1 black tea bag
- 1/2 cup infused milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 1 slice of fresh ginger
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1-2 drops of cannabis tincture or 1 teaspoon of cannabis-infused honey (if not using infused milk)
Instructions:
- Boil Water and Spices: Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, fresh ginger, and cloves. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the water.
- Add Tea: Add the black tea bag to the simmering water and steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Add Milk and Sweeten: Stir in the infused milk. If you’re not using infused milk, add the cannabis tincture or cannabis-infused honey at this point. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Strain the tea into a mug to remove the spices.
- Enjoy: Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
How to Safely Enjoy Cannabis-Infused Fall Drinks
When it comes to enjoying cannabis-infused fall drinks, it’s all about savoring the moment while keeping things chill and safe. Here’s how to make sure your cozy experience stays as warm and fuzzy as that favorite blanket you reach for when the temperature drops:
1. Start Small, Stay Cool
- Take it Easy: It’s tempting to dive into a big mug of something delicious and infused, but if you’re new to this, start with a small amount of cannabis. Think of it like dipping your toes in the pool rather than diving in headfirst. The effects can creep up on you, so give it some time.
- Start Slow with Dosage: If you’re new to cannabis-infused drinks, begin with 5 mg of THC per serving. This is a good starting point to gauge how your body reacts. If the effects are too mild, you can gradually increase the dosage in future preparations. Everyone’s tolerance is different, so listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
- Be Patient: After your first sip, kick back and wait. It could take 30 minutes to a couple of hours to feel the full effects. This isn’t fast food; it’s a slow-cooked experience.
2. Set the Scene
- Find Your Vibe: Whether on your couch with Netflix queued up or around a campfire with friends, pick a spot where you feel completely at ease. Your environment plays a big part in how you enjoy your infused drink.
- Keep Water Nearby: Cannabis can sometimes dry you out, so keep a glass of water within arm’s reach. Plus, it’s just good practice to stay hydrated.
3. Know What Works for You
- Know Your Limits: If you’re unsure how much is too much, err on caution. Less is more when it comes to edibles; you can always have more later if you feel comfortable.
- Listen to Your Body: Take a breather if you feel too much. Remind yourself that this feeling is temporary. You’re in control, and it’s all part of the process.
4. Skip the Booze
- No Mixing: Combining cannabis with alcohol can be like mixing oil and water—it doesn’t always go well. Stick with your cannabis-infused drink to keep things smooth and mellow.
5. Label and Store with Care
- Mark Your Mugs: Label your infused drinks if you’re making a batch. You wouldn’t want someone accidentally grabbing your special brew, especially if they’re not expecting it.
- Stash Safely: Keep your cannabis drinks out of reach of anyone who shouldn’t have them, especially kids and pets.
6. Plan for a Safe Night In
- Stay In Once you’ve enjoyed your drink, plan to stay in for the night. It’s the perfect excuse to unwind without worrying about having to go anywhere.
These tips aren’t just about playing it safe—they’re about ensuring your experience is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. After all, the best part of any fall drink is the cozy, relaxed vibe that comes with it.
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than curling up with a warm, comforting drink. Adding a cannabis infusion to your favorite fall beverages brings a new level of relaxation and enjoyment. Take your time, savor the flavors, and let the cozy vibes of autumn wrap around you. Whether treating yourself or sharing with friends, these drinks will make your fall season even more delightful.
Want to take your Fall drinks to the next level? Learn how to make cannabis-infused milk and honey! Click here for simple recipes, and start infusing your favorite beverages today!