THC-infused drinks are more popular than ever, but many remain expensive, difficult to buy in bulk or offer limited options for some consumers. Thankfully, there’s a way to make your own cannabis cocktails at home with an infused simple syrup! That said, mixing cannabis and alcohol can be very intoxicating, so we’ve put together some easy mocktail recipes with no alcohol.

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Note that the syrup itself does not appear in any of the cannabis mocktail recipes. The amount of THC infused into the drinks is entirely up to the consumer, with dosing instructions included in the syrup recipe. Add as much or as little as you like!

Cannabis-infused Simple Syrup

This cannabis-infused simple syrup can be added to any beverage with a mild sweetness that blends easily into these refreshing drinks.

A clear glass jar that is filled with a clear liquid Infusing simple syrup is a great way to enhance your mocktails with cannabis. photo credit
Ingredients
⅛ oz ground cannabis
3 cups water
3 cups sugar
3 tbsp vegetable glycerin
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Directions
Step 1. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Step 2. Add sugar and stir until it is dissolved.
Step 3. Add vegetable glycerin and gently stir until the mixture begins to thicken. The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t let it get too sticky at this stage. If it does get too thick, add a little more water.
Step 4. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool.
Step 5. Strain the syrup through a cheesecloth and discard the used cannabis.

Mota-rita Mocktail

A clear glass jar filled with limes, ices, and liquid along with a salt rim Remix the classic margarita with orange juice and cannabis. photo credit

This Mexican classic keeps it simple with limeade and orange juice. Of course, you can use margarita mix if you prefer.

Ingredients
Flaky salt
1 cup limeade
2 tbsp orange juice
Sparkling water to taste
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Directions
Step 1. Wet the rim of a glass with lime juice and roll it through salt, then fill with ice.
Step 2. Add the limeade and orange juice, and top with sparkling water to desired taste.
Step 3. Stir in your desired dose of cannabis-infused simple syrup and enjoy!

Frozen Pineapple Express

a frozen light-yellow drink that is resting beside a pineapple and has a slice of pineapple as a garnish on the side Cool off with a frozen cannabis drink called the Frozen Pineapple Express. photo credit

This virgin pina colada is blended with frozen pineapple chunks instead of ice for a rich, tropical flavor. If you prefer, the coconut cream can be swapped for ice cream!

Ingredients
4oz pineapple juice
2oz coconut cream
Dash of lime juice
½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
Directions
Step 1. Add all ingredients to a blender and mix well.
Stir in your desired dose of cannabis-infused simple syrup and garnish with a pineapple or lime slice (optional). Enjoy!

Bong Island Iced Tea

Two pint glasses filled with a golden brown liquid as well as sliced yellow lemons on a wooden table beside half a yellow lemon Enjoy a refreshing Bong Island Ice Tea in the evening on your porch. photo credit

This virgin Long Island iced tea is more refreshing and less dehydrating than its crapulous counterpart.

Ingredients
2 6-oz tea bags
4 cups water
12 oz ginger beer
2 oz apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
Step 1. Boil the large tea bags in 4 cups of water for about 5 minutes.
Step 2. Allow the tea to cool, then add the ginger beer, vinegar, and lemon juice.
Step 3. Add your desired amount of cannabis-infused syrup, stir it all together, and serve over ice. Enjoy!

7-Leaf Mojito

A tall glass filled with yellow-green liquid, green mint leaves, limes, and a straw. This drink recipe relies on the infused simple syrup to add sweetness. photo credit

This virgin mojito is simple and refreshing. It’s important to note that unlike other drinks on this list, this mojito relies on the infused simple syrup for flavor! Without it, or another sweetener, it will be quite tart from the lime.

Ingredients
6-10 mint leaves
2 tsp lime juice
Sparkling water
Directions
Step 1. Add the mint leaves and lime juice to a glass and gently muddle. If you do not have a muddler, these ingredients can be shaken in a glass full of ice to similar effect.
Step 2. Add your infused simple syrup, fill the glass with ice, and top with sparkling water. Gently stir the ingredients up through the glass and enjoy your ice cold beverage!

Sparkling Lemon Haze

A pitcher full of ice, yellowish liquid, and lemons sitting next to a pile of lemons on a wooden table Sparkling Lemon Haze is the perfect infused mocktail to enjoy on a hot day.photo credit

This sparkling lemonade is quick and easy, and perfect for a hot day. The recipe calls for 4 cups of water and is intended to fill a pitcher. As with the other drinks on this list, add as much or as little infused syrup as you like for your desired dose of THC. The sweet syrup blends well with this sour drink.

Ingredients
1 cup lemon juice
4 cups of soda water
½ cup honey
Directions
Step 1. Mix the soda water, lemon juice, and honey together and gently stir, careful not to agitate the carbonation too much.
Step 2. Serve in a pitcher.

Other Infusion Methods

If you don’t have the time or desire to infuse your own simple syrup, there are simpler — yet more expensive — infusion options. Brands like Ripple offer dissolvable THC that can be dropped into any drink to infuse it. Similarly, Ebb offers flavored tablets to the same effect.

Consumers who prefer a flavored tablet may also appreciate cannabis-infused shots such as those from Fixie or S*Shots. These potent shots pack up to 100mg of THC into as little as 2 oz of liquid and come in flavors like berry and tropical. Be sure to measure and dose wisely!

As always, please drink responsibly, even when drinking marijuana beverages. Cannabinoids digested through the stomach and liver are broken down into potent metabolites which pass more easily to the brain than smoked cannabis.

If you enjoy infusing your own food and drinks, check out our other recipes for weed smoothies and homemade pot gummies!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do THC-Infused Drinks Cost?

Most infused beverages are sold in single bottles or cans and typically cost between $10-$20. THC-infused shots are small but potent drinks with up to 100mg of THC in as little as 2 oz. These are meant to be added to other drinks and cost about $10-$15 in larger recreational markets.

Are There Drinks That Get You High?

Yes. Adult-use markets sell cannabis-infused beverages similar to sodas and contain up to 100mg of THC do be dosed accordingly.

How Long Do Infused Drinks Take to Kick in?

Effects may be felt in as few as 15 minutes because some of the cannabinoids can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the soft tissue in the mouth and throat. But most of the cannabinoids will still be digested through the intestines and liver, which takes about 1 hour. If a drink is made with nanoemulsion then you can expect to feel effects in up to 15-20 minutes.