Weed-Infused Liquor - How to Make it in 2 Easy Steps

Weed beverages in general became legal in the the Canadian retail market in December of 2019 with a lot of hype on THC and CBD infused teas and carbonated beverages expected to hit the shelves. Like edibles, it is a great alternative to consuming cannabis and getting high without having to smoke it. 

Even better, not only can one infuse weed into butter, edibles and various non-alcoholic beverages such as tea, it is also possible to infuse booze! Gone are the days of juggling a joint and a drink in ones hands -  hit two birds with one stone with this very easy recipe. 

What is needed for weed-infused alcohol:

• Microwave or oven
• Cheesecloth
• Double boiler (like two saucepans stacked on one another)
• Electric Stovetop
• Deep frying thermometer
• Alcohol of choice
• Cannabis of choice

Weed and Alcohol type: Choose Carefully

When pairing alcohol and weed, there are a few things to be mindful about in order to make the very best of the weed-infused alcohol experience. For instance, citrus and piney sativas tend to pair well with botanical spirits such as tequila, mezcal and gin whereas a danker indica strain tends to pair better with full-bodied spirits such as whiskey and rum. 

Note that if you're currently running low on cannabis,  leafythings.com  provides a weed directory within Canada for local dispensaries that provide to-the-door delivery! If in the Kingston, Ontario area check out Cannabis Delivery Kingston, offering same-day weed delivery to-the-door.

If looking to infuse a botanical spirit, then give Sunshine AAA a try. This Sativa-dominant strain provides blissful, happy and uplifting effects and has a sweet fruity and citrus flavour to it. 

If on the other hand, looking to infuse a dark liquor like whiskey, try out Sunday Sherbert AAAA!  This is a skunky citrusy indica-dominant strain that exhibits strong full-body effects as well as providing a boost in cerebrel energy. 

Determine how much weed to use

The amount of weed to use really depends on how potent the infused beverage is to be desired. On average, 1/4 ounce per 750 ml bottle is suggested.

Be careful not to overindulge as drinking cannabis infused alcohol changes how both the alcohol and marijuana affect the body.

Step 1: Decarbolize the weed

Decarboxylation is the process of converting THCA (which does not have intoxicating qualities) into THC, the psycho-active compound in weed that gets you high, by heating cannabinoids at a low temperature over time.

THCA begins to decarb at a temperature of 220 degrees Fahrenheit after about 30-45 minutes. The integrity of cannabinoids and terpenoids become compromised at temperatures of 300 degree and higher.

Decarb with Oven

1. Set oven to 220 – 235 degrees
2. Fine chop/grind the cannabis
3. Spread it thin over a baking sheet
4.  Cook on slow for 30-45 minutes

Decarb with Microwave

Microwaving over baking marijuana not only has the advantage of being the quicker and easier method, this alternative method also helps to keep weed vibrant green whereas baking dulls the colour. Microwaving cannabis also provides a less ‘burnt’ taste.

1. Place the whole buds in a microwave safe bowl and place a microwave safe plate on top
2. Heat for 1.5 minutes
3. Flip and turn the buds and repeat two more times (3 turnovers, 1.5 minutes)
4. Remove from the microwave, break up the buds and then grind them up

Step 2: Infuse with booze of choice

1. Fill the bottom half of the double broiler halfway with water.
2. Turn heat on the electric stove until it just starts to boil (around the 212 degrees Fahrenheit)
3. Turn the heat on low
4. In the top half of the boiler, pour the booze in as well as the now decarbed cannabis. Watch carefully to make sure that the alcohol doesn’t start to boil.

If the alcohol does start to boil, remove the top of the boiler immediately from the heat. Return the top boiler to the heat after a few minutes of cool down

  5.  Gently heat for 2-3 hours

  6. Pour the weed-infused liquor through the cheesecloth stretched over a funnel back into the original bottle.

Enjoy as-is or use to make a delicious cocktail! 

Related blog: How to Make Pot Butter

Do you have any cocktail recipes that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!