Cannabis-infused products are nothing new. They’ve been popping up throughout the country as more states legalize marijuana for recreational use. From cannabis-infused protein drinks to kombucha, the use of cannabis in our favorite drinks is not going anywhere. Now vodka lovers and cocktail enthusiasts can be excited about this new trend, too.
A micro-distillery based in Northern California crafted a cannabis-infused vodka, perfectly named Humboldt’s Finest. Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, and as of now, only ten states have legalized it for recreational use. So how can Humboldt Distillery produce a cannabis-infused vodka and sell it nationwide? Humboldt’s Finest is made from locally grown hemp, which is the strain of cannabis grown for food, fiber and other industrial purposes, containing less than 0.3 percent THC. So while it’s infused with cannabis, the spirit doesn’t get you high. Not to worry. Cannabis has much more to offer than its psychedelic effects. Many cannabis enthusiasts also enjoy the distinct taste and aromas of the plant.
With a very light green tint, an herbal character on the palate and the fresh cannabis aroma, the botanical spirit pairs well with other herbal ingredients, like thyme and basil. Mix it in a Bloody Mary or with a spicy ginger beer. The herbal spirit can also be used in a martini, replacing your favorite gin.
Humboldt Distillery, on California’s beautiful redwood coast, also produces an organic spiced rum, a sugarcane-based organic vodka, and an organic whiskey. The infusion trend may seem overwhelming right now, but Humboldt’s Finest beautifully harnesses the infusion of cannabis for vodka enthusiasts.
High Thyme
1.5 oz Humboldt’s Finest
.75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
.5 oz honey syrup
2 hearty sprigs of fresh thyme
To prepare honey syrup, dissolve 2 parts honey in 1 part hot water, allow to cool. At bottom of cocktail shaker, add 1 sprig thyme, give a quick muddle, add Humboldt’s Finest, lime juice and honey syrup. Shake vigorously, strain into double old fashioned glass with ice, garnish with a hearty thyme sprig.
Green Gardens
1.75 oz Humboldt’s Finest
.25 oz Green Chartreuse
.75 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
.5 oz simple syrup
1/4 of a small yellow bell pepper
Fresh oregano (3 leaves plus 1 stem for garnish)
Add 1 heaping tbsp of chopped pepper to shaker, muddle well, add 3 slightly smashed (use fingers, to release oils) oregano leaves, Humboldt’s Finest, Green Chartreuse, lime and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously, strain into a cocktail coupe. Garnish with oregano sprig and cut pepper wedge.
Hemp Highball
1.5 oz Humboldt’s Finest cannabis infused vodka
1 oz jasmine simple syrup
.5 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
Sliced cucumber
Seltzer water
Ice
Combine ingredients in a highball glass with ice, top with seltzer water, garnish with a slice of cucumber, and enjoy. *To prepare jasmine simple syrup, create a strong tea using jasmine green tea bags at twice the suggested rate. Combine 1 part hot tea with 1 part sugar, mixing until dissolved.
