As the winter chill sets in and the festive lights start twinkling, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, comforting drink.
But what if you could add a little extra cheer to your holiday season? Well, say hello to the delightful world of cannabis-infused hot chocolate. It’s like a normal one, but with a twist. This recipe combines the soothing warmth of traditional hot cocoa with the mellowing effects of cannabis, creating a beverage that’s not only delicious but also offers a different kind of festive spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis connoisseur or new to the world of edibles, this guide will walk you through everything from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting your brew. So, grab your favourite mug, and let’s dive in.
What is Cannabis Hot Chocolate?
Cannabis hot chocolate is more than just your regular cup of cocoa with a twist. It’s a harmonious blend of the comforting warmth of hot chocolate and the soothing properties of cannabis. This delightful concoction is part of a broader category of cannabis-infused edibles, but unlike baked goods, it’s a beverage that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly winter evenings.
How It Works
Unlike smoking or vaping, consuming cannabis-infused beverages involves oral ingestion, where the active compounds are metabolised through the digestive system. This method of consumption typically takes longer to take effect but also offers a more prolonged and often more intense experience. The effects of cannabis hot chocolate can vary depending on the dosage, the strain of cannabis used, and individual tolerance levels. Generally, users can expect a more gradual onset of effects compared to inhalation, with a longer duration. This is perfect for people who don’t want to consume cannabis through inhalation or through eating anything too heavy. Healthline writes:
“Edibles typically take around 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. However, onset time depends on a lot of factors. First, it depends on the product’s active ingredients. If the product contains a high dose or concentration of THC, it could take effect faster.”
Why?
There’s something inherently festive about hot chocolate during the holiday season. Infusing it with cannabis adds an extra layer of relaxation and enjoyment, making it a unique treat for adult holiday celebrations. In addition, let’s be honest, Christmas is wonderful but can also be a bit of a pain in the backside. Having a cosy hot drink – with some extra THC – can only make the whole experience a little easier. It also might give you a bit of the giggles too, which never hurts in Winter.
The Ingredients
Creating the perfect cup of Christmas cannabis hot chocolate involves a blend of traditional hot chocolate ingredients with a cannabis twist. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
The Basics
Milk
The base of your hot chocolate. You can use regular dairy milk for a rich and creamy texture or opt for dairy-free alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk for a vegan version.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that deep, chocolatey flavour. It’s the soul of your hot chocolate, so choose a good quality one.
Sweetener
Depending on your preference, you can use sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Cannabis
The key ingredient. You’ll need decarboxylated cannabis, which means it has been heated to activate the THC. This can be in the form of ground flower, cannabis oil, butter, or tincture.
Cannabis Infusion Options
Cannabis Flower
Ground and added directly to the mix after decarboxylation, this is the most straightforward method. Remember, the strain you choose will influence the flavour and effect.
Cannabis Milk
Infuse your milk with cannabis for a seamless blend. This method is great for a more even distribution of cannabis throughout the drink.
Cannabis Oil or Butter
These can be stirred into the hot chocolate. They blend well with the creamy base of the milk.
Cannabis Tincture
A few drops can be added for a quick and easy infusion. Tinctures are great for precise dosing.
Tips
Start with a lower dose, especially if you’re new to cannabis edibles. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in. Eating Well writes:
“Something that’s important to remember about edibles is that absorption is unpredictable,” says Stolbach. “People don’t experience peak effect for a while after eating, [which can be] minutes to hours—but usually hours.”
In addition, when you’re thinking about the strain, consider the flavour profile of the cannabis you’re using. Some strains have citrusy, piney, or earthy notes that can complement or ruin the chocolate flavour.
The Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making your Christmas cannabis hot chocolate. This recipe is designed to be simple yet customisable, allowing you to create a beverage that suits your taste and potency preferences.
Amounts
As you’re heating up the cannabis, it’s probably worth making a decent sized batch of this. You can always store it in the fridge if you want to save it for another time. This recipe is for 4-6 servings.
Milk – 4-6 mugs
Cocoa Powder – 3 tablespoons
Cannabis – 0.8 gram (up to you)
Step 1 – Decarboxylation
If using cannabis flower or bud, ensure it’s decarboxylated. This process activates the THC in the cannabis and can be done by baking the ground flower in an oven at around 220-245°F for about 30-40 minutes.
Step 2 – Heat the Milk
In a saucepan, gently heat the milk (or cannabis milk) over low to medium heat. Avoid boiling to prevent scalding the milk.
Step 3 – Mix in Cocoa
Once the milk is warm, whisk in the cocoa powder and your choice of sweetener. Stir until the cocoa is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4 – Add Cannabis
Now, it’s time to infuse the hot chocolate with cannabis. You can do this in several ways:
- For ground cannabis flower, sprinkle it in and whisk thoroughly.
- If using cannabis oil or butter, stir it in until it’s well incorporated.
- For tinctures, add the desired amount and stir.
Step 5 – Simmer
Now, allow the mixture to simmer gently for a few minutes. This helps the flavours meld together and ensures that the cannabis is evenly distributed. Keep the heat low to avoid burning.
Step 6 – Serve
Pour the hot chocolate into your favourite Christmas mug, or just a regular one if you find Christmas-related mugs to be slightly cringey. You can then top it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch.
Customising Your Drink
If you don’t think that your delicious cannabis hot chocolate isn’t exciting or christmas enough for you then, not to worry, here’s what you can do. One of the joys of making cannabis hot chocolate is the ability to tailor it to your personal taste and festive preferences. Here are some ideas:
Festive Flavours
- Peppermint
- Nutmeg
- Orange Zest
Toppings
- Whipped Cream
- Marshmallows
- Cinnamon Stick
Experiences
It’s also worth remembering that cannabis hot chocolate isn’t only about the flavour, it’s also about the experience. What you decide to do whilst you drink it is just as important. Here’s a few ideas for potential motives:
- Christmas film marathon
- Long walk
- Snowball fight
- Christmas-themed evening
- Alone time
Conclusion
As you can see, cannabis hot chocolate is more than just a drink – it’s a warm embrace during the cold winter months and a festive treat that can bring a unique twist to your holiday celebrations. It’s obvious for many people that Christmas can be a seriously stressful time. Whilst there’s joy and family, there’s also money troubles and heating bills. It’s hard sometimes to not feel like a bit of a scrooge. However, by following this guide, you can create a delicious, comforting, and responsibly infused beverage that captures the spirit of the season. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savouring it by yourself, this Christmas cannabis hot chocolate is sure to add a touch of joy and relaxation to your holiday moments. Merry Christmas.
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