Sip of the Summer: How to Make Cannabis-Infused Sangria

Summer’s here, and that means kicking back with an unbeatable ice-cold beverage! Whether you like to spend summer partying with friends or taking some quiet moments to rest and breathe, there’s nothing like a glass of sangria to get in the summer mood. 

Traditionally, sangria is made with red wine and chopped fruit, but did you know that you kick it up a notch with cannabis? Plus, you can choose between the traditional buzz and flavor of the standard alcoholic version or focusing on the cannabis and enjoying it alcohol-free. 

The best part? It’s super simple to make, and we’re here to take you through it. From the ingredients you need to methods of preparation and storing, it’s time to learn exactly how to make the perfect cannabis-infused sangria at home. 

Ingredients

In gathering the ingredients for your cannabis-infused sangria, you can always put your twist on it by using what you have at home or what you or your guests love most. Sangria is super customizable, so use this as a jumping-off point!

Fruit

Typically, sangria gets its fruity punch from oranges, lemons, and frozen mixed berries, but you can pick your favorites. Try tangerines, cara cara oranges, or blood oranges for an extra-rich color. You can also add in more of your favorite fruits like mangoes, apples, or limes. 

Red Wine

The intense red color of Sangria comes from a bottle of red wine. It’s best to use a Spanish red wine like Rioja or Pinot Noir. If you want to opt for an alcohol-free sangria, however, you can substitute the wine for grape juice. 

Orange Juice

Orange juice will add flavor, sweetness, and citrusy tartness, but you can also omit it if you want a less orange-forward sangria. 

Cinnamon Stick

Cinnamon adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile, with a light spiciness. 

Cannabis-Alcohol Tincture

Our addition of cannabis comes in the form of a tincture! You can use either THC or CBD, though we opted to use CBD. If you want your drink to be completely alcohol-free, you can first evaporate all of the alcohol out of your tincture to leave behind cannabis sugar. 

Finally, be sure to have ice on hand for your final mixture. You can also feel free to dress up your sangria with more slices of fruit, fresh herbs, or additional liquor. 

Tools

It only takes a few simple tools to get incredible-tasting sangria! Have the following items on hand before preparing your drink: 

• Mason jar with a lid (for making and refrigerating)
• Long wooden spoon (for muddling)
• Strainer or cheesecloth (for straining fruit and cinnamon out)
• Pitcher (for serving, optional) 
• Serving glasses

Instructions

Are you ready to make your sangria? Plan to prepare your beverage at least 12 hours before you want to serve it — typically, this is the day before. 

Part 1

Take out your large mason jar and your large spoon or other utensil for muddling.

• Muddle the fruit

Add the majority of your fresh fruit to the mason jar, setting aside pieces to keep intact or use for garnish if desired. Muddle them at the bottom of the jar so that they release some of their natural flavors and juices. 

• Add your liquids

Add in the juice, wine if using, and cannabis tincture to the jar. 

• Add your other ingredients

Add in the cinnamon stick and frozen mixed berries. 

• Mix!

Mix everything well in the mason jar.

• Refrigerate

Put a lid on your jar, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least twelve hours. Like the muddling, this will allow all of the flavors to strengthen and mix together.

Part 2

It’s almost time to serve your drink, so get out your strainer as well as your pitcher and glasses, if using. 

• Strain 

After you’ve refrigerated your sangria, you can strain out the cinnamon stick and fruit pieces.

• Add fresh fruit

Now, you can add in your reserved fresh fruit pieces or fresh herbs if desired. 

• Pour over ice

You can now pour your sangria into a pitcher or directly into glasses with ice. 

• Serve!

Storing

This sangria is so good that if you enjoy it with a group, you might not have any leftovers! If you do, however, make sure that you store it properly. 

You can store your cannabis-infused sangria in the refrigerator for up to five days. Don’t be surprised if you like the flavor more after a couple of days in the refrigerator — the flavors will continue to mix and deepen for some time. 

Serving Suggestions

Depending on what your plans are, there are lots of different ways that you can enjoy your cannabis-infused sangria. With its incredible color, this sangria makes a perfect centerpiece for a table, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or a casual get-together. Place it in a pitcher, and decorate your serving glasses with fruit pieces on the rims.

This extra-special sangria also makes an outstanding, one-of-a-kind gift. Keep it in the mason jar for easy transport and storage. It’s super unique, and people always appreciate the thought and time that goes into homemade gifts.

Of course, you’re also welcome to enjoy it all by yourself at home. We can’t think of a better way to unwind after a long day than sitting out on a patio or inside with some TV, a great dinner, and a glass of this sangria.

Keep in Mind

As much fun as this drink is, make sure that you stay safe and responsible with your consumption. Use an amount of cannabis that’s safe and within your tolerance levels, and be mindful that the effects of cannabis and alcohol together may be different or more intense than the effects when you enjoy them separately. 

If in doubt, err on the side of caution with your consumption. You can always tweak your recipe and make changes the next time that you whip up a pitcher!

Enjoy!

This might just be the drink of the summer. From sangria-making parties with friends to memorable dinner parties and laid-back evenings, the possibilities are endless. Make the recipe your own, have fun, and enjoy responsibly. Cheers!