CBD drinks have captured the public’s imagination over the last few years. It all started with plain hemp tea. Today, however, you can find CBD infused drinks in just about any format you like.
Are they as good as taking capsules or a tincture? Dose for dose, no. Even the best CBD drinks have low concentrations of the compound. Why bother?
We’ve only begun to understand the benefits of microdosing. CBD beverages are a fun way to spread out your overall dosage throughout the day.
With such a wide range of options, you’ll never get bored. You might, however, have trouble choosing where to start. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list of the different types of CBD infused drinks.
What Are CBD Drinks?
Any drinkable substance that contains CBD counts here. It’s found in various formats. Choose the type that’s most convenient for your lifestyle.
Isn’t CBD Oil More Effective Taken Sublingually?
Taking the drops sublingually, or under the tongue, gets the compounds into your bloodstream faster. Ingesting the compounds works too. The difference is how long they take to do so.
This matters if you need to fall asleep by a specific time. It doesn’t matter as much when you’re microdosing.
Aside from that, the most effective form is one that you’ll take. If you don’t like the tincture’s taste, you won’t take it. Then you get no benefit at all.
Types of CBD Drinks
There are numerous ways to extract cannabidiol. This variety makes the possibilities for drinks seem limitless.
Currently, you’ll find it in:
- Water
- Powdered mixes
- Energy drinks
- Tea
- Coffee
- Cocktails
We’ll examine each in more detail below.
Water
Water infused with CBD is currently the most popular option. Whether it stays number one for long remains to be seen. It’s still a relatively new product.
It’s drummed up a lot of controversy in a short amount of time. Some believe that it’s expensive. Others think that the CBD content is too small to count for much.
The proponents say that it’s an ideal way to ingest small amounts throughout the day.
Where do we stand?
We’re on the fence. We’re in favor of anything that encourages people to drink more water. If this ensures that you get your eight glasses a day, it might be worthwhile.
The downside is that it may not provide enough CBD throughout the day.
Is It Enough as Your Only Source?
While the average brand provides just 2 to 5 milligrams per serving, 15 milligrams a day is a good starting dose. This amount means you’ll need between three and eight servings a day.
Where things become problematic is at higher doses. If you need three doses of 25 milligrams each day, water isn’t feasible. You’d need between 15 and 38 servings of water.
Cost
The water averages $3 a bottle when you buy it in bulk. Single bottles may cost up to $7 or $8. This price may make CBD water as your only source cost-prohibitive.
CBD water is a currently a novelty item that may well come down in price later. Until then, use it as a way to enhance your CBD dosage.
You’ll find it more cost-effective to use it in conjunction with a tincture.
How They Make It
Companies that make infused water use nanotechnology to incorporate the CBD. The upside is that using this nanotech emulsion may improve CBD absorption.
The downside is that the particle sizes are smaller and the process is expensive. If you wondered why the water is costly, that’s why.
Quality
As with many of these products, quality is crucial. How the product is made and stored affects its effectiveness. The compounds are volatile when exposed to light. If they sit on a shelf in a store for a long time, they lose potency.
As a general rule, buy your water from a reputable source. Store it in a dark, cool area. Don’t leave half a bottle in the open sun in your car, for example. Keep the container sealed until you’re ready to drink it.
Powdered Drink Mixes
Powdered drinks are a convenient option. They’re easy to store and transport. Mix them with water or fruit juice for easy consumption.
If you don’t like the taste of CBD products, this might suit you better. Powdered options often incorporate flavorings to improve palatability. Some are flavorless.
Is It Enough as Your Only Source?
That depends on the manufacturer. CBD content varies significantly between different brands. If you stick to higher-strength products, you get your full daily dose.
Some products incorporate the formulation into a protein powder. These formulations usually include some fat. The fat is useful in improving the absorbability of the CBD.
The downside is that protein shakes are filling. They’re typically meal replacements. It may not be wise to use these products as your only CBD source if you’re trying to cut calories.
Cost
The cost varies substantially. But powdered mixes are among the more affordable options.
How They Make It
Here again, you must choose a reputable supplier. The distillate has to be processed correctly to make the powder soluble. Most extract producers use alcohol to extract the oil. Alcohol and water don’t mix.
Manufacturers must emulsify the distillate to dissolve it. It’s similar to the process you use to make mayo from scratch but on a far larger scale.
The manufacturer then dehydrates the liquified mixture. How they dehydrate it affects the quality of the final product. If they rush the process by using too much heat, the CBD may deteriorate.
Energy Drinks
Using CBD in an energy drink seems a little odd at first. After all, most people use cannabidiol to relax.
It’s not as strange as you think. CBD helps you relax. Unlike marijuana, however, it doesn’t negatively affect your cognitive abilities. A lower dose increases your ability to focus.
It was inevitable for someone to create energy CBD drinks. CBD can offset the jittery effects associated with a high intake of caffeine and other energy-enhancing products. Most of these products steer clear of “bad” ingredients like guarana. And those that do are safer than conventional energy drinks.
Is It Enough as Your Only Source?
Some drinks contain high quantities of CBD. They also typically have as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Drinking them in the late afternoon will keep you awake at night.
You might get enough CBD from these drinks, but the caffeine amount you ingest with it is problematic. We recommend considering these an enhancement, not your sole source of CBD.
Cost
Energy drinks, like CBD water, are pricey. How much CBD you get depends on the brand. It is more cost-effective to use a tincture in coffee. We can’t vouch for the taste, though.
How They Make It
Incorporating the CBD into this product is done in several ways. Adding a powdered extract is one popular method. Some companies prefer infusion or using nanotech.
Quality
If you need a boost in the morning, this is a convenient option on the go.
Tea
Tea is a traditional way to incorporate CBD. It’s brewed in much the same way as you would any herbal tea. Boil the water and allow it to cool a little. Then steep the tea for at least five minutes to get the best effect.
You’ll either find it as a loose tea or in teabags. The bags are more common and make it easier to control the dose.
You may instead add a tincture or oil to tea. If the mixture contains MCT oil or some form of fat, add a few drops. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to have milk or another type of fat in your tea.
Is it Enough as Your Only Source?
It may be. The only issue with the leaves is that the dosage is tricky. The age of the leaves and how you prepare the tea also make a big difference.
Cost
The tea is usually reasonably priced. You might save money by buying tea leaves instead of bags. Organic products cost a little extra, but it’s worth the expense.
How They Make It
Tea, which is dried hemp petals and leaves, undergoes the least amount of processing. Look for a manufacturer that avoids a high-temperature dehydration process.
Coffee
If you prefer to start your day with coffee, you can add CBD to it. Some coffee producers now infuse coffee with cannabidiol. This type will typically have the same amount of caffeine.
Is It Enough as Your Only Source?
That depends on how many cups of coffee you drink every day. But you must take into account the effects of the amount of caffeine. The coffee’s heat may also interfere with how much CBD your body absorbs. Like energy drinks, it’s better to view this as a supplement rather than the primary delivery method.
Cost
The cost is reasonable and you can save money by making your coffee. If you want a real jolt of energy, add CBD oil to “Bulletproof” coffee.
How They Make It
“Bulletproof” coffee is espresso mixed with butter or cream and MCT oil. The fat in the coffee helps the CBD oil to dissolve.
Getting the mix right takes some practice. If you add too much CBD, you might feel sleepy. Not adding enough CBD might mean not getting your optimal daily dose.
Some manufacturers infuse coffee beans with CBD. Other manufacturers use an emulsification process to create powdered CBD coffee.
You might also be able to get a CBD shot at your local coffee shop.
Quality
There’s some controversy about the effects of heat on CBD absorption. Anecdotal evidence divides people into two camps.
The first suggests that high heat reduces the absorption of CBD oil. The second indicates that heat enhances the effect.
While scientific evidence supporting either side is slim, according to a study by the University Hospital Basel, the results are mixed. The study centered on two cannabinoids — CBD and THC. Researchers found that plasma levels of both dropped when the subjects took heated extracts. The levels of THC metabolites increased. The scientists concluded that the subjects tolerated unheated extracts better.
The results of this study suggest that heat increases the metabolism of THC. This could be why people believe heat improves the effects of cannabis products. Until more studies have been conducted, pay attention to how your body handles heated and unheated extracts and consume in the way that works best for you.
Cocktails
Most people who shy away from mixing cocktails and CBD feel they’ll become too intoxicated if they combine them.
If you’re using a reputable brand of CBD oil, there’s not much danger in consuming it with alcohol. CBD doesn’t make you high. The compound that does that is THC. If you stick to brands with little to no THC, you may mix them with alcohol without worrying about the combination.
The buzz from the alcohol combines nicely with the relaxing effects of the CBD. Experiment with one or two drinks and see how it affects you.
Is It Enough as Your Only Source?
Mixing CBD oil with alcohol is more of a novelty than an effective solo source. Controlling the dosage is difficult. You also can’t discount the potential for intoxication from the alcohol.
Cost
That depends. Many bars are offering these designer drinks at a premium. You may make your own by dropping some tincture into your favorite beverage.
It’s fun once in a while, but not cost-effective in the long run.
How They Make It
We’ve yet to see powdered cocktail mixes containing CBD. They are probably not far off, but for now, most mixologists make their own.
Quality
Other than the potential for intoxication, it’s a reasonable delivery method. The tincture dissolves in the alcohol. Most people add something to mask the taste.
The result might be a sugary mix high in calories. If you’re at a bar, there’s little control over which brand they use. For the best results, mix your own CBD drinks at home.
The CBD Drink Experience
With so many CBD drink choices, how do you decide?
If you want to sample CBD infused beverages, drinking a bottle of infused water or cup of coffee is a good place to start.
Or consider taking advantage of the versatility of oil or tincture. These products give you control over how much CBD you consume and in which beverages you’re consuming it. They’re easy to carry with you and add to any drink.
Have fun trying out these CBD drinks. And if you’re new to CBD, remember to start with small doses. Bottoms up!
FAQs About CBD Drinks
Question: What is a CBD drink?
Answer: Any drinkable substance that contains CBD counts here. It’s found in various formats. Choose the type that’s most convenient for your lifestyle.
Question: What are the types of CBD drinks?
Answer: There are numerous ways to include CBD in beverages. Some of them include putting it in water, powdered mixes, energy drinks, tea, coffee, and cocktails.
Question: How do you include CBD in tea or coffee?
Answer: There are CBD teas and coffees around, but you could also add tincture or oil into tea or coffee. You might also be able to get a CBD shot at your local coffee shop.
Question: Is adding CBD to cocktails a bad idea?
Answer: Most people who shy away from mixing cocktails and CBD feel they’ll become too intoxicated if they combine them. If you’re using a reputable brand of CBD oil, there’s not much danger in consuming it with alcohol. CBD doesn’t make you high. The compound that does that is THC. If you stick to brands with little to no THC, you may mix them with alcohol without worrying about the combination.
Question: What’s the best way to start trying CBD drinks?
Answer: If you want to sample CBD infused beverages, drinking a bottle of infused water or a cup of coffee is a good place to start. Or consider taking advantage of the versatility of oil or tincture. These products give you control over how much CBD you consume and in which beverages you’re consuming it. They’re easy to carry with you and add to any drink.
