Did you know that the first written guide on how to make cocktails was written in 1862? It was by a bartender named Jerry Thomas called How to Mix Drinks; or, The Bon Vivant’s Companion that you can still buy online today as a reprint.
This is when cocktails became a hit and the term “cocktail party” was coined some years later in 1917. However, mixed drinks must have been around for much longer than that, and over time mixing drinks has turned into a true art form. The variety of cocktails nowadays is ridiculously broad, so there’s no way you won’t find something you like.
Speaking of, for all cannabis enthusiasts out there, there is one cocktail drink that is guaranteed to pique your interest, and that is the Liquid Marijuana drink. Keep reading for the standard recipe and some of its varieties for your next festive get-together.
What Is the Liquid Marijuana Drink?
The Liquid Marijuana drink is a green drink with a fruity flavor. Its green color is close to the shade of a marijuana leaf, while its taste is sweet and slightly tangy, just enough to tickle your taste buds.
Sadly, this fruity cocktail doesn’t contain real marijuana, so if you were expecting a little THC action, you might be disappointed. However, the color is very eye-catching and the drink itself is honestly delicious. If you’re a fan of cocktails, you’ll want to try it, so let’s see what it’s made from.
Get to Know the Ingredients
If you’re experienced with making cocktails, then you’re probably familiar with the ingredients, but if you’re a newbie, it’s good to know a little basic info about the ingredients of this fruity cocktail.
Coconut Rum
As the name implies, Coconut Rum is a coconut-flavored Caribbean rum with an alcohol content of 21%. The drink is a mixture of dark rum and sweet coconut liqueur that’s quite smooth and doesn’t have an overpowering coconut taste. It was originally used for making Pina Coladas but is now used in a variety of cocktails. The original and most famous brand of coconut rum is Malibu, but other brands make it as well.
Spiced Rum
Spiced rum is usually an aged rum with a spicy, warm, and sweet aroma. It’s flavored with spices such as cinnamon and allspice, and contains notes of orange peel, vanilla, and caramel. It has a robust and full taste, and the alcohol percentage is 35. Captain Morgan’s Original Spiced Rum is by far the most commonly used.
Midori Melon Liqueur
Midori Melon Liqueur is a bright green-colored melon-flavored liqueur with 21% alcohol that was originally made exclusively in Japan but is now produced in other places in the world. It has a sweet-candy-like melon flavor and it’s usually used for mixing drinks rather than drinking it alone. Apart from Midori, there are other brands that produce melon-flavored liqueur.
Blue Curacao Liqueur
Blue Curacao is a popular liquor named after the Carribean island Curacao. It’s made with the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit and it has an alcohol content of around 25%, depending on the brand. Due to its bold blue artificial coloring, Blue Curacao is used to make colorful cocktails with an exotic appearance, such as Blue Lagoon and Blue Hawaii.
Sweet and Sour Mix
Sweet and Sour Mix is a popular concoction that’s most notably used to make Margaritas. It tastes just like it sounds – sweet and tangy, and very refreshing. It’s made by using 2 parts water, 1 part granulated sugar, and equal parts lemon and lime juice. You simmer the water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved, and then once it’s chilled, you add the lemon and lime juices.
You can also find it in the store if you’re too lazy to make it. Alternatively, you can use some 7 Up, though it’s not as tangy.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is pretty much self-explanatory. Whether you use store-bought or you make your own doesn’t really matter as long as you enjoy the taste.
Liquid Marijuana Cocktail Recipes
There is one standard Liquid Marijuana recipe, but there are also variations using different alcohols for those who would prefer something a bit different. Consequently, the signature color and taste will change, but just a little. All you need are glasses, any kind you like, a cocktail shaker, and a bunch of ice cubes. If you have some fresh weed leaves, you can use them for garnish.
The Standard Liquid Marijuana Drink
This is the standard Liquid Marijuana drink recipe. All you need to do is put all the ingredients in the cocktail shaker together with a few ice cubes and shake them before pouring them into a glass filled with ice.
- ½ oz Coconut rum
- ½ oz Spiced rum
- ½ oz Blue Curacao
- ½ oz Melon liqueur
- ½ oz Pineapple juice
- Splash of sweet and sour mix
Liquid Marijuana With Whiskey
This one is for those who aren’t a big fan of rum, but still like that fruity, sweet-and-tart taste combined with the smokiness of whiskey. You can also substitute the whiskey with bourbon.
- ½ oz Whiskey
- ½ oz Tequila
- ½ oz Blue Curaçao
- ½ oz Apple Pucker
- 2 ½ oz Sweet and sour mix
- 2 ½ oz Pineapple juice
Liquid Marijuana With Apple Schnapps
This variation is a twist on the original by substituting spiced rum with light rum and adding Apple Schnapps for some extra fruitiness.
- 1/2 oz Coconut rum
- 1/2 oz Light rum
- 1/2 oz Apple Schnapps
- 1/2 oz Blue Curacao
- 2 1/2 oz Sweet and sour mix
- 2 1/2 oz Pineapple juice
The Takeaway – May Not Be Psychoactive, but It’s Surely Delicious
Liquid Marijuana may not be your usual drink of choice, but it can be a great choice for festive get-togethers. This 420-inspired drink may not be psychoactive, but it’s one delicious way to honor the cannabis plant. There are a few variations on the standard recipe, so you can try whichever appeals to you the most.