Editor’s Note: Numerous states across the US embrace 420-friendly policies, yet cannabis remains illegal at the federal level. The laws and availability differ from one state to another. Our suggestions below have been refreshed following further testing in the summer of 2025.
Cannabis cocktails have transformed my life. It may sound overly dramatic, but after adopting a “Cali sober” lifestyle—eliminating all alcohol and intoxicants apart from cannabis—for health reasons a few summers ago, I had to forge a completely new bond with drinking. Despite easily locating bars in my Brooklyn area serving remarkable zero-proof cocktails, I still yearned for a social facilitator at dinner gatherings and housewarmings to ease my anxiety.
Later, I discovered the innovative trend of cannabis-infused drinks, now recreationally legal in 24 states and growing, with hemp-derived THC products lawful in all 50 states thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Suddenly, I could enjoy my beloved plant in a more subtle (and odorless) format without needing to step outside the celebrations. I could relish all the sensory delights of cocktails—rich floral scents and zesty citrus tastes—and wake up the following day without a hangover.
Infused drinks provide a different experience compared to smoking a joint or munching on a pot brownie. This variation is partly due to scientific advancements: Drinkable cannabis results from nano-emulsification, a relatively new technology that breaks compounds like THC and CBD into particles encircled by water-soluble molecules. Nanoemulsified extracts have revolutionized flavor, offering consistent doses without the grassy, bong-water-like aftertaste of early attempts at making cannabis beverages. These tiny, water-soluble cannabis particles are also absorbed more easily by our body’s soft tissues, enabling the effects of infused drinks to begin as soon as 10 minutes post-consumption, in contrast to the hour or two wait associated with traditional edibles.
I’ve also observed that individuals who may shy away from the notion of cannabis smoke often find canned cocktails to be more approachable. This inherent familiarity could significantly contribute to the rapid growth of infused beverages in the cannabis market; globally, this sector is anticipated to exceed $2 billion in annual revenues by 2026.
Clearly, when consuming cannabis drinks, it’s crucial to be cautious about dosage. Most dispensaries recommend novice consumers start with a 2–5 mg THC microdose (check the required label on each can) and wait until the initial effects have settled before indulging in more. —Chala June
In the spirit of an Italian cocktail: Artet
Drawing inspiration from Italian aperitivo culture, Artet combines botanicals typically utilized in gin crafting, such as juniper and gentian, with fresh juices. The outcome is a spectrum of vibrant, intricate drinks showcasing diverse flavors. Grapefruit enthusiasts will enjoy Rosemary Jane, while G&T devotees should sample the Tet & Tonic, featuring chamomile and 5 mg each of THC and CBD for a harmonious, uplifting effect. —C.J.
Cider aficionados: Ayrloom
The latest venture from the fifth-generation, family-run establishment behind Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, Ayrloom leverages over a century of expertise to create infused cider. Crafted with fresh apples from upstate New York, the 5 mg THC and CBD Honeycrisp cider will appeal to anyone fond of hard cider. It boasts a natural sweetness and crisp finish that does not linger too long on the palate. If cider isn’t quite your preference, Ayrloom offers other infused beverages, including a nostalgia-evoking vanilla cola that works splendidly for summer ice cream floats. —C.J.
Elevated teatime: Boldt
What occurs when Southern sweet tea encounters California kush? Boldt provides the answer. Each can is crafted with freshly brewed black tea sourced from Georgia and infused with 10 mg of flavorless cannabis extract, delivering the classic iced tea taste along with a potent cerebral high. Enjoy the peach flavor over ice for quintessential Southern porch-sipping moments. —C.J.
The life of the gathering: Cann
Designed for those wishing to savor an evening out without excess, each of Cann’s refreshing “social tonics” is comprised of five ingredients: cannabis extract, sparkling water, organic agave syrup, fruit juices, and botanicals like lavender and rosemary. Opt for the mid-dosed Hi Boy (5 mg THC and 10 mg CBD) or the micro-dosed Lo Boy (1 mg THC and 15 mg CBD); every delicious Cann delivers a gentle, mind-expanding buzz. Spicy margarita fans will appreciate the seasonal Pineapple Jalapeño flavor, but our preferred seasonal sip was the limited-edition Cranberry Sage flavor. —C.J.
For game night: Cantrip
Named after a style of Dungeons & Dragons spell (yes, indeed) that can be performed with minimal effort, Cantrip’s cannabis-infused seltzers promise precisely that—an exuberant, magical high without rigorous effort. They provide various flavors; consider the Ginger Peach, microdosed with 3 mg THC and 2 mg CBD, or the Blackberry Lavender, containing 5 mg THC per can. —C.J.
To journey to outer space: Crescent 9
If you’re on the lookout for a cannabis drink that truly delivers a strong punch, Crescent 9’s range of infused seltzers varies from 5 mg THC up to 50 mg THC per can. For seasoned psychonauts eager to take off, the potent Strawberry Lemonade is a must-try; crafted with lemongrass and real strawberry purée, this sweet-tart 50 mg seltzer provides a higher accumulation than most without sacrificing quality and flavor. For those still testing the waters, the delightful Tropical flavor, made with juicy mango, 6 mg of THC, and just a hint of caffeine for an invigorating buzz, suits perfectly. —C.J.
Green in multiple senses: Cycling Frog
Originating from the Pacific Northwest, Cycling Frog utilizes 100% natural fruit juice and hemp extract sourced from a sustainable no-spray farm nestled in the central Oregon mountains. As a devotee of rich, dark fruits, I personally favor the luscious Black Currant seltzer, but those with a penchant for citrus should explore the delightfully tangy Ruby Grapefruit, both containing 5 mg THC and 10 mg CBD. —C.J.
Inspired by a Moscow mule: Klaus
Crafted by mixologist and writer Warren Bobrow, Klaus cans contain 10 mg of THC for an uplifting sense of euphoria. If you’re a Moscow mule enthusiast, try the Mezzrole, a zesty mix of French limes, Pickett’s spicy-sweet ginger syrup, and sharp rice vinegar, finishing with hints of sea salt. —C.J.
The brunch lover’s delight: Pamos
Conceived by a team of mixologists eager to introduce familiar cocktails to the cannabis realm, each Pamos canned spritz is designed to mimic a classic mixed beverage. Fellow brunch lovers will adore the bubbly Bellini Spritz, crafted with all-natural peach, guava, passion fruit, and strawberry, or the Tropical Mai Tai, combining fresh pineapple, Key lime, and amaretto. Each can contains 2 mg CBD, with options ranging from 2–10 mg THC, allowing you to curate your own experience. —C.J.
The sugar-free sweet experience: Wynk
As the playful name connotes, Wynk is the beverage for those seeking something enjoyable yet subtle. While certain cannabis drinks on the shelf often depend on elaborate flavors or excessive sugar, this sugar-free seltzer debuted in Massachusetts in 2021 and has rapidly gained traction across the nation due to its invigorating flavor and calming, euphoric high. Showcasing classic flavors like Lime Twist and Tangerine, every Wynk can includes 5 mg THC and 5 mg CBD for a harmonious, full-body sensation. —C.J.
The fernet without the disappointment: Pathfinder
Launched with its flagship creation, Hemp & Root, originating from Capitol Hill Seattle in 2021 as “the world’s premier nonalcoholic spirit and destroyer of negative energies”. This isn’t far from its effects as a hemp-derived beverage with zero active THC. Amidst a sea of trendy Futura-fonts and vibrant Gen Z labels in the cannabis beverage sector, Pathfinder stands out as a late bloomer set to explode due to its unique fermented hemp component. Their lineup features The Pathfinder Spritz and The Pathfinder Negroni incorporating fun functional herbs such as angelica root, saffron, and douglas fir. —Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey
The super fruity quencher: WYLD
With delightfully fruity flavors and effective highs (ranging from a dissociating and calming buzz from the Blackberry Lemon Mellow to a lively and serene sensation from Raspberry Lime Active), these seltzers are robustly flavored without overwhelming. They skillfully conceal any earthy, pungent undertones of THC and CBD while maintaining approximately 3g of sugar per can. —Bon Appétit editors
The choose-your-own-experience packet: Wims! Pocket-Tonic
Every pocket-tonic arrives individually packaged, ready to snap and pour into your beverage (or dish?). I found the unflavored original more versatile (one tester remarked it tasted subtly salty and sweet, akin to an electrolyte packet, while most reported it blended seamlessly into their chosen drinks), but Wims! also offers ginger lime (a tad bitter) and lemon basil (rather mild citrus) variants. The tonic is dosed at 4 mg THC to 4 mg CBD, leading testers to report “calm” and “cozy” body highs. —editors of Bon Appétit
The gentle and relaxing: Houseplant
This celebrity-backed brand boasts perhaps the most straightforward ingredient list of any beverage we reviewed: sparkling water, natural flavors, citric acid, and hemp extract. The three offerings (blackberry, citrus, and black cherry) are subtle yet distinct, and since they are unsweetened, a more authentic fruity flavor shines through in each. Each can provides 3 mg THC, which testers noted delivered soft, warm sensations, likely ideal for new or low-tolerance users. —Bon Appétit editors
The seamless journey: RIVR
RIVR’s functional teas merge THC with functional mushrooms and other adaptogenic components to cultivate steady, crash-free highs devoid of spikes. Their three flavor offerings—Raspberry Hibiscus Yerba Mate, Mango Passionfruit Yerba Mate, and Blackberry Lavender Tea—are smooth and sippable, with minimal detectable weed taste. Testers reported a lengthy, yet not overwhelming, high. —Bon Appétit editors
These bubbly beverages offer a relaxed and soothing high with a notably sweet (approximately 12 g of sugar per can) profile; testers appreciated the sociable feeling generated by the Peach Bellini and Strawberry Daiquiri variants. These refreshing drinks serve as pleasant substitutes for their alcoholic counterparts, delivering warm and enjoyable, yet stabilize, buzzes. —Bon Appétit editors
The powerful choice: Brēz
These “uplifting, relaxing, and social” tonics were the most divisive of the drinks we sampled. Some testers found the monk fruit or allulose sweeteners (depending on flavor) tilting the drinks toward a pronounced herbal or overly sweet flavor profile, and deemed the Uplifting Watermelon Lime flavor’s high as jarringly intense. However, others lauded the Lemon Elderflower Social variety for its “flowy, grounding” sensation coupled with a light, clear high. —Bon Appétit editors
Sundae Flowers emphasizes fashionable packaging and quality flavors (the mochi gummies are particularly delightful, with flavors such as lychee-dragon fruit, aloe grape, and white strawberry.) Their powdered Quickies—which include electrolytes and B12—come in particularly portable sachets you can discreetly mix into any liquid of choice. The sour yuzu or golden pear are ideal mixed with sparkling water, but the flavorless variant can be added to matcha or ramen for a rapid-acting, blissful boost. —Bon Appétit editors
The consistent rhythm: Nowadays
The 5 mg cans (as opposed to the 10 mg option) achieved the highest praise from testers, providing a gently tapered, predominately relaxing body high lasting approximately 4 hours. Spicy Lime emerged as the favorite from the variety pack due to its margarita-like zing. —Bon Appétit editors
Chala June is a Congolese-American culinary storyteller and cultural artist. Follow them on Instagram at @chala.gram.
Additional insights provided by Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey, author of The Art of Weed Butter, and the Bon Appétit editorial team.
