Cannabis-Infused Drinks for Cold Winter Days

In many parts of the country it’s really cold outside right now. The dog days of winter are here. What could be better than a cannabis (thc) infused hot beverage to take the edge off this frigid weather? Here are a few ideas and recipes for cannabis-infused drinks to consider:

Cannabis Hot Chocolate

Cannabis hot chocolate is perfect for cozying up by the fire.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons cannabis-infused coconut oil or butter (adjust to desired potency)
• Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.
2. Add cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
3. Stir in the cannabis-infused coconut oil or butter. Mix well, making sure the oil/butter fully dissolves.
4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
5. Stir and enjoy your cannabis-infused hot chocolate!

Cannabis-Infused Chai Latte

A spiced, creamy chai latte with a cannabis twist is ideal as a coffee alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
• 1 chai tea bag or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf chai tea
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1-2 teaspoons cannabis-infused honey or coconut oil (adjust to desired potency)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the chai tea bag or loose-leaf tea and let it steep for about 5 minutes.
2. While the tea steeps, add the milk, honey, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves to another saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently.
3. Once the milk mixture is warm and infused with the spices, remove from heat and combine it with the brewed chai tea.
4. Stir in the cannabis-infused honey or coconut oil.
5. Pour into a mug and enjoy a spiced, relaxing chai latte!

Cannabis Spiked Cider

An apple a day….apple cider infused with cannabis is a great wintertime pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 cloves
• 2-3 star anise
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons cannabis-infused honey or coconut oil (adjust to desired potency)
• 1/4 cup dark rum or brandy (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and orange slices.
2. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to infuse the spices and orange.
3. Stir in the cannabis-infused honey or coconut oil until fully dissolved.
4. As always with everything cannabis infusion-related, less is more with respect to the amount of thc that is used. Over-indulging can be a very unpleasant (and avoidable) experience.