Beyond Booze

By Ghislaine Ball, CG

I’ve always been a cook. Food is my love language. In my 20s and 30s, I would joke that I was one black dress away from being an Italian grandmother. These days, I just rock my ‘crone-chic’ black muumuu and own it - it’s glorious in the summer heat.

My husband and I used to throw huge parties with tons of food and heroic amounts of booze. But as things are, there is a season for everything. As we got older, we found that our guests were looking for beverages beyond booze—celebratory concoctions without the alcohol.

As the popularity of cannabis-infused drinks grows, this new category of beverages can provide a refreshing alternative, allowing guests to unwind and socialize in new ways. As the ever-gracious host, we seek to anticipate our guests’ preferences.

Educating Guests

Since cannabis beverages are still relatively new, it’s important to talk with guests who are novices about how to enjoy them responsibly. Unlike alcohol, the effects of cannabis can
take longer to realize. Encourage them to start with a small serving and wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before deciding to have more. Here, I’d like to call out “Cross-fade (adj.): this term captures when someone is drunk and high. Universally considered a bad idea - I recommend you choose one path and stick to it.

What to Buy?

So many options in the new cannabis landscape, and frankly, it’s overwhelming. But kind of like navigating any party purchase,
it comes down to what’s the vibe and who are your people?

For a diverse crowd, keep it casual and fun. Go for low-dose THC options for a gentle high and options that include both THC and CBD or other cannabinoids for a more mellow ‘chill’; as CBD and minor cannabinoids mitigate the effects of THC.

You’ll also want to keep your menu in mind because pairing beverages with food can elevate both experiences. For example, citrusy seltzers pair well with fruit platters or seafood, while earthy, herbal concoctions would do well with savory appetizers like cheese or cured meats. Additionally, a menu high in fat (or spice) may amplify the experience as well.

Get Fancy

If you can dream it, you can infuse it.

In Minnesota, we have a legion of water-soluble products available for sale for infusing your own creation. The best part is that you can customize the dosage according to your guests’ preference.

Be sure to label each drink clearly, indicating the dosage and expected effects, so guests can make informed choices.

Infused Hibiscus Tea

Recipe

10 oz hibiscus tea (hot)

1 tbsp honey

1/2 oz lemon juice

1 serving of water-soluble THC
(liquid or dissolvable powder; refer to package label for serving size)

1 cinnamon stick (for stirring)

1. Combine ingredients in a warm mug.
2. Stir with a cinnamon stick until honey is dissolved.
3. Enjoy your afternoon in a big, comfy chair with a trashy novel and a fluffy mammal in your lap.