Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest The CBD craze has hit the beverage industry. Cocktails that contain CBD (cannabidiol) are no longer delegated to edibles due to changing attitudes and progressive legislation. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring compound that’s extracted from the leaves, resins, and flowers of marijuana plants. The World Health Organization describes it as non-addictive, has a solid safety profile, and lacks the psychoactive side effects of THC (the compound that gets one high upon consumption of marijuana). CBD is intended to provide the wellness and relaxing benefits of marijuana without the mind-altering effects. Apart from ready-to-drink products — soda, coffee, tea, and beer — CBD is also incorporated into cocktails. It can be made into a tincture, like bitters, and added to the drink. Premade CBD tonics or syrup can also add some pizzazz to a cocktail. Another idea is to float a CBD oil on top of your cocktail. Image from Unsplash.com Using CBD will create an earthy, grassy note to cocktails and can lead to a number of different flavor and texture enhancements. Most bartenders lean towards spirits with stronger flavors like gin, mezcal, tequila, or bourbon when using CBD. Earthy, hearty herbs and produce like sage, mint, rosemary, apples, and pears also work well with CBD in cocktails. CBD oil can also add a thick or viscous texture in stirred cocktails that can be an interesting aspect to the drink. Adding CBD in a low ABV drink or mocktail can have the benefits of CBD and the flavors and complexity of cocktails but without the hangover. CBD and alcohol may amplify each other’s effects, and taking both together in high doses may cause sleepiness and sedation. Until more research is available, it remains unclear whether CBD and alcohol can be combined safely, so drinking CBD cocktails in moderation is definitely encouraged. Mixologist, chef, and writer Warren Bobrow, also known as the Cocktail Whisperer, penned Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails & Tonics: The Art of Spirited Drinks and Buzz-Worthy Libations in 2016. At the time, cocktails infused with CBD were slowly making the rounds in the US. CBD cocktails steadily gained traction over the next few years and started to get featured on bar menus more often. Asia’s drinking scene has embraced the CBD trend, with Hong Kong leading the way. Some bars have even included CBD cocktails in their menu as well. Unfortunately, Filipinos will have to wait until drinks with CBD are readily available in the country. Hopefully, with the progressive views towards cannabis and moves towards its legalization, we’ll be able to incorporate CBD into our own drinking culture soon. Cover image from Girls All Around.