How to Make Weed Drinks at Home

THC drinks are one of the fastest-growing trends in cannabis. They’re easy to make, easy to sip, and a great way to partake in consumption without lighting up.

THC drops and pre-infused mixers make infusing cannabis drinks at home a simple process. With a few ingredients, you can craft your personalized cannabis beverage in minutes.

This guide walks you through how to make weed drinks, different types to choose from, the best products for infusing them, how to control your dose, and a few tempting recipes to try at home.

Popular Types of Cannabis Drinks

Today’s market offers something for almost every vibe, flavor, or mood of THC drinks. Here are some of the most popular types of weed drinks:

• Infused sodas or seltzers. They're often crisp, bubbly, and pre-dosed for convenience. Some might find them a fit for social settings or even swapping out alcohol.
• Ready-made mocktails. Think canna-cosmos, infused margaritas, or pre-mixed spritzers with a THC twist.
• THC teas and coffees. They're a cozy option for winding down or waking up, depending on the strain and dosage.
• DIY drinks with tinctures or drops. Possibly the perfect option for customizing flavor, strength, and experience at home.

If you’re curious about what else is available, we have a guide to some of the top cannabis drinks.

Products for Making Weed Drinks at Home

You don’t need a full bar setup or fancy equipment to start crafting weed drinks at home. A few well-chosen products can go a long way.

Tinctures and THC Drops

Tinctures are one of the easiest ways to infuse a drink with THC. Just add a few drops, stir, and you’re good to go. Most tinctures offer precise dosing, so it’s easy to start low and adjust as needed.

Drops are available in a wide range of cannabinoid ratios, including THC-only, CBD-only, and CBD/THC blends. Naturally, these can affect both the intensity and onset of effects.

The base matters, too. Alcohol-based tinctures typically mix more smoothly than oil-based options. They're also likely to be absorbed more quickly, though absorption can still depend on other factors, like what you’ve eaten and your individual metabolism. Understanding how cannabis tinctures work can help you pick the right one for your drink.

Pre-Infused Beverages as Mixers

THC seltzers and mocktails are great options for those seeking a simpler alternative. Many are pre-dosed and ready to pour, but you can always customize them with fruit, herbs, or juice for a more personal touch.

Some infused drinks are designed to be absorbed more quickly than traditional edibles. This goes especially for those that use processes like nanoemulsification. Some consumers report more predictable onset times with infused beverages, though individual effects can still vary.

Choosing the Right Tincture

When making weed drinks at home, the tincture you choose (or make!) can seriously shape the final result, its flavor, and how quickly the effects set in.

Alcohol-based tinctures are generally the better pick for drink-making. They blend more smoothly into liquids and tend to have a quicker onset time. Oil-based tinctures, on the other hand, can separate in drinks and can leave an oily aftertaste.

The base of the tincture also impacts how it’s absorbed. Alcohol-based options typically kick in faster, while oil-based tinctures may take longer to take effect due to the way they’re metabolized. However, either option can work. It just depends on what kind of experience you’re going for and how you plan to enjoy your beverage. 

Below is a table for a better visual of tincture types.

Type	Base	Best For Drinks?	Flavor	Typical Onset Time
Alcohol-based	Ethanol	✅ Yes	Neutral/slight bite	15-30 min
Oil-based	MCT/Coconut	⚠️ Not ideal	Oily, harder to mix	30-90 min

How to Regulate the Dose

When it comes to weed drinks, getting the dose right can make or break the experience. Some tinctures contain around 1mg of THC per drop, but that can also vary drastically. It's always best to check the label, as concentrations vary by product.

If you’re new to infused beverages, start low and see how your body responds. What "low" is can look different for everyone, though. Start with the lowest you're comfortable with and go from there.

Be patient with yourself (and dose). The effects of drinks can take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping. Stir your drink thoroughly to ensure an even mix, especially with thicker tinctures.

Most importantly, resist the urge to double up too soon. Onset can take up to 90 minutes or longer in some cases, so give it time before deciding whether you need more.

Dosing is part art, part science. If you want a deeper breakdown of what to expect and how to find your sweet spot, a more detailed cannabis tincture dosage overview may help guide you.

Top Cannabis Drinks to Make at Home

Mocktails make the perfect foundation for THC-infused drinks. They’re flavorful, refreshing, and easy to customize. Simply prepare your favorite recipe, add a few drops of your preferred tincture, and stir thoroughly to maintain consistent effects from sip to sip.

Looking for suggestions? The following recipes yield one serving or beverage each.

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Canna-Cooler (Mint Limeade)

A refreshing blend of cool mint and tart lime, this drink is crisp, vibrant, and perfect for hot days or chill nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold water
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 teaspoons agave syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 4-5 fresh mint leaves
• Ice
• Sparkling water (optional, for fizz)
• Cannabis tincture (dose according to label and personal tolerance)

Directions:

1. In a shaker or glass, muddle the mint leaves with lime juice and syrup to release the oils.
2. Add cold water and ice, then stir or shake to mix.
3. Add your desired dose of cannabis tincture and stir thoroughly.
4. Top with sparkling water for a bubbly finish, if desired.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig or lime wheel, and enjoy.

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Tropical Sunset (Pineapple + Coconut + Lime)

A beachy blend of pineapple, coconut, and lime with a mellow, tropical vibe.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup coconut water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1-2 teaspoons simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Ice
• Lime wedge or pineapple slice, for garnish
• Cannabis tincture (dose according to label and personal tolerance)

Directions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. In a shaker or separate glass, combine the pineapple juice, coconut water, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add your cannabis tincture and stir or shake well to combine.
4. Pour over ice and garnish with a lime wedge or pineapple slice.

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Herbal Lemonade (Lavender + Lemon)

Bright and floral with a soft herbal finish, it might be ideal for a mellow afternoon wind-down.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup lemonade (fresh or store-bought)
• ½ teaspoon dried (culinary) lavender (or a few drops of food-grade lavender extract)
• Ice
• Lemon wedge or sprig of lavender, for garnish
• Cannabis tincture (dose according to label and personal tolerance)

Directions:

1. Add dried lavender to the lemonade and let it steep in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. (Strain before serving if using dried lavender.)
2. Fill a glass with ice and pour in the infused lemonade.
3. Stir in your cannabis tincture until well blended.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a sprig of lavender for an extra touch of flair.

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THC Arnold Palmer (Tea + Lemonade)

A classic combo with a cannabis twist. Refreshing, tart, and just a little earthy from the tea, it’s a perfect patio sipper.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsweetened black tea (chilled)
• ½ cup lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
• Ice
• Lemon wedge, for garnish
• Cannabis tincture (dose according to label and personal tolerance)

Directions:

1. Fill a glass halfway with ice.
2. Pour in the lemonade.
3. Add in the unsweetened tea.
4. Add your cannabis tincture and stir gently to mix.
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge, kick back, and relax.

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Cucumber Basil Sparkler

Crisp, cool, and lightly herbal, this bubbly drink brings spa-day vibes with a subtle cannabis infusion.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cucumber juice (freshly blended and strained)
• ½ cup sparkling water
• 2-3 fresh basil leaves (be careful not to overdo it!)
• Ice
• Cucumber slice, for garnish
• Cannabis tincture (dose according to label and personal tolerance)

Directions:

1. Muddle the basil leaves gently at the bottom of your glass.
2. Add cucumber juice and sparkling water.
3. Stir in your cannabis tincture and top with ice.
4. Garnish with a cucumber slice and enjoy.

Final Tips for Enjoying Weed Drinks Responsibly

Cannabis drinks can be a fun and flavorful way to consume weed. Just make sure to go slow and stay mindful.

• Start slow and be patient with yourself. Weed drinks typically take longer to kick in than the effects of smoking or vaping.
• Label your drinks clearly if you're storing them in the fridge so there's no confusion later.
• Avoid mixing weed drinks with alcohol, as combining the two can increase side effects like dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness.
• Store safely. Keep all infused beverages out of reach of kids and pets (and unsuspecting houseguests).

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.