The Ultimate THC Seltzer Recipe With Honey

Alcohol-free drink sales are on the rise as the "sober curious" movement grows, especially among younger adults. In a similar theme of events, recently, daily cannabis use has outpaced daily alcohol drinking in the US.¹ 

Amongst the alcohol-free selection is cannabis-infused beverages. Many are leaning into these drinks, embracing the 'Cali sober' lifestyle – cannabis use only. It's no secret why THC seltzer is a favorite—light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. 

While cannabis seltzers can be easily accessible in some dispensaries, those who prefer to customize their cannabis experience at home can add infused honey to their favorite non-alcoholic seltzers. This addition can add a natural sweetness along with some of cannabis' soothing effects.

Why Make THC Seltzer With Honey?

A THC seltzer shines for consumers who want to relax without the drawbacks of alcohol. Some patients may opt to make a high-CBD drink to help manage stress, anxiety, inflammation, or pain without the intoxicating effects of THC. 

Either way, with infused drinks, one can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the risks associated with smoking or vaping. After all, there are sometimes noticeable differences between the two consumption methods.

While edible effects (including those of infused beverages) may last longer, they have a longer onset time compared to smoking. If it’s a nano-emulsified product, which most in-store infused seltzers are, the onset time may be as quick as 15 minutes. However, traditional at-home edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the full effects. These are important factors to remember when consuming edibles, especially when using cannabis for symptom relief.

A significant benefit of making your own infused beverages is the ability to customize the drink to suit your needs. When you make your own THC drink at home, you have complete control over the potency, ingredients, and flavor. You can create a seltzer that fits your lifestyle, whether using it to manage symptoms or as a non-alcoholic alternative.

What You'll Need to Make THC Seltzer With Honey

To make THC seltzer with honey, you'll need a few essential ingredients and tools. Start with a can or bottle of sparkling water, fresh lime juice, and THC-infused honey. Have a pitcher, glass, and whisk handy. For an extra twist, keep some fresh herbs or a few slices of fruit on hand.

If using cannabis flower, you may want a quality weed grinder. However, if one is not available, there are several other methods of breaking down cannabis flower to prepare it for the decarboxylation process.

With these tools and ingredients, you'll have a refreshing infused seltzer ready for any occasion.

For those who prefer a high-CBD option, follow the same steps in this recipe but use high-CBD flower to create the infused honey. If you cannot find a cannabis-derived high-CBD strain, you may want to consider using hemp flower instead.

How Much Weed Do You Need to Make THC Infused Seltzer?

The amount of cannabis you need for a THC-infused seltzer depends, first, on your preferred dose and tolerance. 

For most, a good starting point is around 5-10 mg of THC per serving, which is typically enough for a mild effect. If you're using THC-infused honey, adjust the amount of honey accordingly to fit your desired dosage. 

For those using flowers: If you are making canna honey, be sure to decarboxylate the flower first and then calculate the potency to avoid overdoing it. If unsure of the proper dosage size for your specific needs, use an edible dosage calculator.

THC Seltzer With Honey: The Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients to make a THC seltzer at home:

• 1 liter of sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup sugar (white granulated preferred)
• 1/2 cup infused honey
• Ice (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as mint) or fruit slices for garnish (optional)

These simple ingredients create a light, refreshing, THC-infused seltzer.

Easy Alternative Ingredients for Dietary Restrictions

Consumers can adjust seltzer recipes appropriately to accommodate allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferred lifestyle choices. Below are some easy swaps to make.

• Vegan: To create a vegan-friendly version of this THC-infused seltzer, use an infused agave or maple syrup instead of honey.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe contains all-natural gluten-free ingredients. However, if you use store-bought THC-infused products, double-check the label.
• Kosher/Halal: Make sure to source kosher- or halal-certified honey or sweeteners to suit your dietary needs. These can still be infused with cannabis before prepping it into a seltzer.
• Sugar-Free: Use THC-infused sugar-free syrup using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.

These alternatives ensure that your THC drink is just as enjoyable, no matter your dietary requirements.

Additionally, consumers can swap the fresh lime juice for other fruit juices for a different flavor experience. If making this swap, adjust the amount of sugar used accordingly. For sweeter fruit juices, you might try starting with no added sugar. Taste test and add more sugar gradually until it reaches your desired sweetness.

How to Make THC Seltzer With Honey

Making THC seltzer with infused honey is simple and quick. Follow these steps.

(If you're using cannabis flower to make the infused honey, make sure it's decarboxylated first for maximum potency.)

1. Prepare: Gather your sparkling water, infused honey, fresh lime juice, and other ingredients. Make sure your pitcher, glass, and whisk are all close by. If you're using fruit or herbs for garnish, also have those prepared.
2. Mix: In a pitcher or large glass, combine the sparkling water with the fresh lime juice. Add the THC-infused honey and whisk until well-mixed.
3. Add and pour: If you prefer a chilled seltzer, add ice to the empty glass and pour the mixture over the ice cubes. Alternatively, you can also freeze fruit like grapes or cherries and use them as ice cubes that don’t melt to prevent your drink from tasting watered down over time.
4. Garnish and serve: Add fresh herbs or fruit slices for extra flavor and presentation. Stir gently before serving.
5. Enjoy your homemade THC-infused seltzer! 

The Best Way to Store Your Freshly Made THC Seltzer With Honey

After making your THC-infused seltzer, it's important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and potency. Ideally, canna drinks should be consumed the same day they’re made for the best taste and effects.

If you need to store it, pour the seltzer into an airtight container or bottle and keep it in the fridge. Properly stored, it should stay fresh for 24 to 48 hours. However, it may lose potency and flavor even within that time-frame.

Ultimately, make sure your seltzer stays cool and out of direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and light can degrade the THC over time. If you're storing the drink for longer, always check for changes in flavor or texture before consuming it. Stay informed on the proper ways to store different types of cannabis to keep them at their freshest for the longest.

References

1. Caulkins JP. Changes in self‐reported cannabis use in the United States from 1979 to 2022. Addiction. Published online May 22, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16519 ↩︎

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.