"Ruby Slipper" - Cannabis-Infused Cranberry & Gin Sparkler
Suggested Dosage: This recipe makes one elegant cocktail. Each sparkler contains approximately 10-15mg THC (based on 2g starting material at 20% THC). This is a moderate, effervescent dose. Sip slowly. Wait 60-90 minutes before considering another.
Terpene Pairing Suggestion: Choose a Pinene and Terpinolene-dominant strain. Pinene’s crisp, herbal notes will complement the gin and rosemary, while Terpinolene’s complex floral and citrus profile will lift the cranberry and lime, creating a sophisticated, alert, and conversation-enhancing cocktail.
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A stunning, ruby-red holiday-inspired cocktail with a year-round romantic appeal. The cannabis is infused into a homemade cranberry syrup, which is then paired with botanical gin and bubbly soda for a drink that’s both beautiful and gently uplifting.
Step 1: The Decarboxylation (Activating Your Cannabis)
· Ingredients: 2 grams of a Pinene and Terpinolene-rich cannabis strain.
· Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Coarsely grind the cannabis and spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dry and lightly browned. Let cool completely.
Step 2: The Cannabis-Infused Cranberry Syrup
· Ingredients: All of your decarbed cannabis, 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 strip of orange peel.
· Method:
1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, water, sugar, and orange peel. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until cranberries pop and soften.
2. Reduce heat to low. Add the decarbed cannabis and steep for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a jar, pressing to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
4. Let cool. This is your Cannabis-Infused Cranberry Syrup. You will use 1 oz per cocktail.
Step 3: The Cranberry & Gin Sparkler
· Ingredients (per cocktail):
· 1 oz Cannabis-Infused Cranberry Syrup
· 2 oz dry gin (like Bombay Sapphire or Hendrick's)
· 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
· 3 oz chilled dry prosecco or sparkling wine
· Ice
· For Garnish: Fresh cranberries (skewered), a rosemary sprig, lime wheel.
· Method:
1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the infused syrup, gin, and lime juice.
2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or flute.
4. Top gently with chilled prosecco.
5. Garnish with a skewer of fresh cranberries, a rosemary sprig, and a lime wheel.
6. Consumption Note: The THC is concentrated in the cranberry syrup at the bottom of the glass. Gently stir before sipping for even dosing. The carbonation can accelerate onset. A bright, festive, and elegant drink.