More than ‘liquid weed’: the best THC drinks for socializing and relaxing, taste tested

Instead of liquid weed that’s meant to get drinkers as high as possible, today’s THC-infused beverages are more about quality and taste. With varying flavor combinations and dosages, it’s never been a more interesting time to try the cannabis seltzers, spirits and mixed drinks on the market.

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The category is projected to hit $370m in the next few years. In my reporting (and personal experience), I’ve found the rise of infused drinks is less about the cannabis itself and more about inclusivity. While some younger Americans are replacing spirits and wine with thoughtfully made non-alcoholic alternatives, others are treating THC and CBD as simply another way to feel included in social gatherings. Booze is no longer the default option at the housewarming or backyard barbecue.

As a longtime food editor and writer who has extensively covered cannabis consumption, I’ve had the opportunity to try a lot of the infused drinks out there. Here are seven of the very best infused beverages I’d recommend.

While marijuana is still federally illegal, 24 states now allow the sale of products (think chocolates, gummies and drinks) using hemp-derived THC. (Tighter federal regulations may go into effect later this year, but many industry leaders are hopeful that they will weed out any subpar, synthetically made products.)

Are they legal in your state? Scroll to the bottom to view a full map of all 24 states.

One of the easiest infused brands to find nationwide, Wynk is one of the best options if you’re just wading into THC seltzers. The mango flavor is especially bright and refreshing. Dosages ranges from 2.5mg to 10mg of THC across its offerings, but the consistently 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD is pleasant and balanced. That, plus its onset time of 10 to 15 minutes, makes it perfect for parties or picnics.

Few infused beverage brands master flavor as well as Cann does. Don’t expect a generic citrus or berry medley here – instead, you’ll find pleasantly tart yet floral Yuzu Elderflower, slightly spicy Ginger Lemongrass and my personal favorite, Cranberry Sage, which I highly recommend mixing with non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a twist on punch. (Just be sure to tell partygoers what’s in that punch bowl.) The ratio of 2mg THC with 4mg of CBD makes for a smooth, social high, and the cans are adorably small, making them easy to pack into a cooler or mini fridge.

As evidenced by its colorful collection of incense, ashtrays and even side tables, Seth Rogan’s cannabis brand, Houseplant, is all about celebrating weed consumption as a lifestyle. Houseplant’s infused sparkling water is ideal for those who want subtle flavor and a small (3mg) dose of THC; the pineapple flavor tastes a lot like fancy spa water, with lightly sweet, earthy notes.

In my experience, citrus-flavored infused drinks can veer on the bitter side. oHHo’s blood orange and pomegranate seltzer is one of the very few that I enjoy – it’s slightly floral and sweet, and while it doesn’t pack the tartness some might expect from pomegranate juice, the delicate balance between the two fruits keeps it from tasting too bitter.

What’s more, this is a brand that cares about sustainable production: oHHo sources cannabis extracts from small, independent farms, and avoids plastic as much as possible through its supply chain. All its products get tested for potency and contaminants by a third party – every can even has its own QR code that links you to a potency analysis.

Most accessible: Wynk Juicy Mango

Best for socializing: Cann Yuzu Elderflower

Best for relaxing: Houseplant Pineapple

Best citrus seltzer: oHHo Blood Orange and Pomegranate

In 2023, this New York-based cider and spirits company waded into infused beverages, and I’m so glad it did. While it offers a full range of gummies, vapes, tinctures and more, I’m partial to its infused, non-alcoholic rosé cider; it channels all of the tart, bright flavor you’d expect from a family cider maker in its fifth generation. Because the 10mg dosage is higher than I’d usually prefer, I’ve found it great for splitting with a friend or two. As for a starter option, you can’t do better than the brand’s juicy 1mg infused lemonade.

Channeling the essence and flavor of good tequila without using blue weber agave is no small feat, but MXXN does so better than any non-alcoholic alternative I’ve tried, infused or not. Each ounce has a dosage of 4mg of THC, making it incredibly easy to control the potency of mixed drinks; add a shot of this to your favorite non-alcoholic margarita, or add a splash to orange juice and grenadine for a booze-free tequila sunrise.

Nowadays offers plenty of cans in crowd-pleasing flavors such as spicy lime, berry and citrus, but I’m personally more drawn to its signature infused nonalcoholic spirit. It’s a staple bottle I keep on my bar because it doesn’t require refrigeration, and has a relatively long shelf life (I’ve enjoyed a bottle up to 12 months after opening). The best part? It’s totally flavorless, so it plays well with whatever you add it to. The 5mg an ounce dosage also has a reliable 10- to 20-minute onset time when mixed into a soft drink or sparkling water, which beginner drinkers might find especially comforting.

Best cider: Ayrloom Rosé 10mg

Best tequila alternative: MXXN Jalisco Agave

Best spirit: Nowadays Low Dose 5mg

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Information accurate at time of publication.

Oset Babür-Winter is a food, drinks and lifestyle writer. She regularly covers cannabis for Bon Appétit and spoken at panels about the industry at large. She was formerly Food & Wine’s senior drinks editor and has completed the Wine and Spirits Education Trust’s (WSET) Level 3 Award in wines.