CBD Infused cocktails have been a growing trend for a while now. And while many bartenders and at-home mixologists are happy to try out this trend, others have been a bit more hesitant about the effects of mixing CBD and alcohol.
Why Mix CBD and Alcohol?
The primary intention of many CBD cocktails is to enjoy the euphoria and relaxation of alcohol, with the added calm and health benefits of CBD.
Additionally, many have noted that CBD’s flavor profile matches those of traditional craft cocktails. According to Warren Bobrow, mixologist, and author of Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails, and Tonics, cannabis, and cocktails are a natural fit. He notes, “back in the day, before refrigeration, delicate herbs and spices were preserved [by creating] basic tinctures…and dispensed into craft cocktails,” CBD tinctures follow these same methods and lead to a natural fit in the cocktail world!
Effects
Because both CBD and alcohol induce relaxation and reduce anxiety, it can be assumed that using both in tandem produces a similar effect. Some people have reported that CBD cocktails promote a unique “buzz”, but there is little research confirming this result. It is clear that adding CBD to alcohol doesn’t reduce alcohol’s usual intoxication or impairment, but it is yet to be seen whether one accentuates or reduces the others’ effects.
Additional Health Benefits
Though there is little evidence of CBD’s immediate benefit when mixed with alcohol, several studies suggest several long-term health benefits when taking CBD with alcohol.
Studies in mice have suggested that CBD can treat liver diseases caused by alcohol. In one study, CBD drastically reduced the amount of inflammation, oxidative stress, and fat accumulation in the liver. These benefits make CBD a promising potential treatment for alcoholism. These results have influenced researchers to push for human trials in the near future.
Secondly, CBD has been shown to inhibit the brain’s reception of addictive substances. It is possible that this inhibiting function could occur before, during, or after alcohol consumption, suggesting that CBD has the potential to drastically reduce the risk of alcohol dependence.
Lastly, mixing CBD oil and alcohol may help reduce the unpleasant effects of a hangover. CBD has been shown to effectively relieve nausea and headaches. CBD will not completely eliminate a hangover as only time and rest can do that, but any help with reducing it would be a welcomed benefit.
Is It Safe?
Though little official research has been conducted on the effects of CBD and alcohol used together, there are no reported instances showing that mixing CBD oil and alcohol is unsafe. One cannot overdose on CBD, so drinking CBD-infused alcohol should have little to no adverse effects if done responsibly and in moderation.
Conclusion
Celebrate your Memorial Day by mixing up your own CBD cocktail using any of our CBD Tinctures- or concoct a fun CBD drink of your own (…CBD Quaran-tini, anyone?!). Share your CBD cocktail creations on our Facebook page or by commenting below!
Shop and find out more about our tincture products here, and have a great Memorial Day!
Flourish + Live Well CBD-infused Old Fashioned Recipe
– 2oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
– 1 tsp Simple Syrup or Sugar
– 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
– 1 ML Flourish and Live Well Mint CBD oil