Cannabis beverages are infused drinks like seltzers, sparkling waters, tonics, mocktails, shots, and elixirs that deliver THC or CBD in liquid form. Many use nano-emulsion technology, which breaks cannabinoids into tiny particles for faster absorption, so drinks can kick in within 15 to 20 minutes rather than the 30 to 90 minutes typical of traditional edibles. Effects usually last one to three hours, shorter than gummies or chocolates. Brooklyn shoppers often choose cannabis beverages as a lower-calorie alternative to alcohol or for social occasions where a faster-acting, lighter experience is preferred. Learn more about different ways to consume cannabis.
Our beverage selection covers low-dose seltzers (2.5mg to 5mg) for casual sipping, medium-dose mocktail mixers (5mg to 10mg), and higher-dose shots for experienced consumers. Brooklyn residents from Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens, and Brooklyn Heights pick up cannabis drinks for dinner parties, weekend hangs, and alcohol-free nights out. The fast onset and shorter duration make them especially popular for first-time edible consumers. Want to compare experiences? Browse our edibles collection for longer-lasting options, or our tinctures for precise dosing.
Are cannabis drinks a good alternative to alcohol?
For a lot of people, yes. Cannabis beverages give you a social, in-hand drink without the next-day grogginess or the calories that come with alcohol, and the shorter one to three hour window means the effects don't linger into the next morning. That said, it's a different experience, not a direct swap, so it's worth going in with an open mind rather than expecting alcohol's exact buzz in liquid form.
What's the difference between CBD and THC infused drinks?
THC drinks deliver the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects most people associate with cannabis, so you'll feel it. CBD drinks skip that intoxicating effect entirely, offering more of a mellow, grounded feeling instead. Some of our beverages blend both for a more balanced effect. If you want the fuller picture on how these two cannabinoids work together, our guide to cannabinoids is a good next read.
How should I store cannabis beverages?
Keep them upright, sealed, and out of direct sunlight, similar to how you'd store any other bottled or canned drink. Once opened, treat leftovers like you would a flat seltzer, they're best finished within a day or two rather than saved for later. A cool spot out of direct heat helps preserve both flavor and potency until you're ready to drink it.
Why do cannabis drinks kick in faster than edibles?
It comes down to how your body absorbs them. Traditional edibles need to be digested before THC enters your bloodstream, which is why gummies and chocolates can take 30 to 90 minutes to kick in. Beverages, especially ones using nano-emulsion technology, are absorbed more directly through the digestive tract, which is what gets that 15 to 20 minute onset. It's a small technical difference with a pretty noticeable effect on how quickly you feel it.
Can I mix cannabis drinks with alcohol?
We'd recommend caution here. Cannabis and alcohol can intensify each other's effects, sometimes leading to more impairment, dizziness, or an upset stomach than either would cause alone. If you do choose to have both in the same evening, go slower than usual with each, wait longer between drinks, and pay attention to how you're feeling rather than sticking to your normal pace for either one.
Are cannabis beverages lower in calories than other edibles?
Generally, yes. A low-dose seltzer or sparkling water often comes in well under 20 calories, while a gummy or chocolate edible from our edibles collection can carry more, simply because of the sugar and fat that go into those formats. If you're watching calories but still want an infused option, beverages are usually the lighter choice on the shelf.
What should I expect the first time I try a cannabis drink?
Expect a lighter, faster experience than an edible, but still give it time. Even with a quick 15 to 20 minute onset, it's worth waiting a full 30 to 45 minutes before deciding you need more, since effects can keep building briefly after they start. Starting with a low-dose seltzer, in the 2.5mg to 5mg range, is the easiest way to get a feel for it before working up to anything stronger. First dispensary visit in general? Our guide on what to expect covers the basics before you walk in.