Hemp liqueur: the Maria CBD Oil recipe

Difficulty: Medium

Preparation: 3 hours

Cooking: 2 hours

Serves: 4 people

Cost: Medium

Introduction

Hemp liqueur? Wait, isn’t mixing alcohol and cannabis supposed to be a bad idea?

Well yes – the common advice is to avoid it, given the potential to amplify unwanted or psychoactive effects. However, with Canapito, the hemp liqueur, it’s a whole different story.

This particular digestive uses light cannabis, free of THC, and rich in CBD, providing a relaxing experience without the psychoactive effects typical of traditional cannabis. Canapito combines the best of both worlds: the pleasure of a good liqueur and the benefits of CBD, making it an excellent choice for those looking for something different to end a meal or enjoy a moment of relaxation.

This is a product that is gaining more and more popularity due to the growing attention towards the benefits of light cannabis and CBD, especially in the food and beverage field.

Let’s see how to prepare a good hemp liqueur!

Alcohol and hemp: the best pairings to try

In recent years, it has become a trend to create cannabis-based alcoholic beverages.

There are now countless ways to enjoy an alcoholic beverage infused with hemp, starting with hemp beers, which exploit the aromatic notes of light cannabis seeds or flowers to enrich the taste of hops. These beers do not contain THC, so they do not cause psychoactive effects, but offer a drink with an original and grassy flavor.

Besides beer, there are hemp liqueurs, among which Canapito stands out, a digestive obtained from the infusion of Cannabis Sativa flowers. This liqueur has a moderate alcohol content and a fresh taste, and is prized for its relaxing properties related with CBD, which acts on the endocannabinoid system to promote well-being without psychoactive side effects.

Other options include hemp vodka, hemp gin and hemp rum, which introduce hemp notes into traditional recipes, lending an innovative herbaceous touch to these classic spirits. Hemp vodka, for example, is usually infused with the plant seeds, while hemp gin combines the botanicals typical of gin with the aroma of hemp. These drinks are perfect both to be enjoyed on their own and as the basis for original cocktails.

Before delving into the hemp liqueur production process, it is important to understand why hemp is so popular. This versatile plant is used in many areas, including liqueur production. Industrial hemp, used for these purposes, has a low THC content and a high CBD content, ensuring a liqueur that is legal in many regions and characterised by a unique taste and relaxing effects of CBD.

Hemp liqueur: Canapito

Canapito is a hemp liqueur made from the infusion of Cannabis Sativa inflorescences. This particular digestive combines the fresh and slightly herbaceous taste of hemp with an alcohol content of around 28°.

Canapito uses only CBD-cannabis, i.e. THC-free, which means that it causes no psychoactive effects, but harnesses the relaxing benefits of CBD. Usually consumed after meals, it can aid digestion and promote relaxation. 

Besides being sold in stores, this delicious liqueur can also be made at home.

Hemp liqueur: the recipe for Canapito

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of pure alcohol (approx. 1 litre)
• 250 g sugar
• 30 g light cannabis flowers
• 1 litre of water

If you are wondering which light cannabis flower to use, here are our recommendations:

• Strawberry: for vibrant notes of strawberries and berries;
• Lemon Haze: for lemon and lime flavours enhanced with grapefruit undertones;
• Purple Haze: for sweet and fruity flavours reminiscent of berries and grapes;
• Orange BUD: for a sweet and sour citrus combination;
• Caramel Candy: for a caramel, vanilla and coffee flavour;
• For other flower types, see our Maria CBD Oil catalogue.

No matter your taste, there’s something here for everyone!

The important thing is always to carefully dose the amount of the chosen flower, as ingested cannabis has a higher bioavailability, so its effects tend to be more intense and long-lasting.

Preparation steps

Making hemp liqueur is easy if you follow these steps carefully:

• Preparing the inflorescences: First, chop the decarboxylated hemp inflorescences and wrap them in food-grade gauze, forming a small wrapper. Put this wrapper in a glass container large enough to hold the alcohol you will be using.

• Infusion: Pour the alcohol into the container, making sure that the inflorescence envelope is completely submerged. Cover the container and leave the infusion for 10-14 days in a dark, cool place. If you want to speed up the process, you can use a double boiler, keeping the temperature below 60°C, and let it steep for 2-3 hours.

• Preparing the syrup: Meanwhile, prepare a simple syrup by boiling water and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Leave it to cool.

• Filtering: Once the infusion is finished (either by boiling or after 10-14 days), filter the alcohol using a fine-mesh sieve or cotton gauze, squeezing the inflorescences well to extract the maximum liquid.

• Stirring: Mix the infused alcohol with the cooled simple syrup, mixing well.

• Bottling: Transfer the liqueur into a glass bottle and close it with a stopper. It is advisable to let it sit for at least a week to allow the flavours to mingle and refine.

Now that you know the basic recipe for hemp liqueur, it is time to experiment and customise it to your taste. Making liqueur at home is an art, and like any artist, you can add your own unique touch.

You can add:

• Spices during infusion: cinnamon, star anise or cloves can add warmth and complexity, while citrus peel can add freshness.
• Cane sugar or honey: will give more depth and richness to the flavour.
• Food pairings: its herbaceous and slightly sweet flavour pairs perfectly with mature cheeses, smoked meats or even chocolate desserts, offering a unique taste experience.

The benefits of hemp liqueur

Light hemp liqueur combines the relaxing effects of CBD with those of alcohol, providing a deep feeling of relaxation.

After drinking a shot, you may notice an aid in promoting sleep, especially useful for those suffering from insomnia. Due to the properties of CBD, this drink can also help temporarily reduce anxiety and tension, as well as offer pain-relieving and antispasmodic action. 

Although not a medical remedy, the hemp used in the liqueur is rich in antioxidants, omega-3 and omega-6, nutrients that may contribute to a balanced diet. 

However, it is important to drink it in moderation and start with a small amount to test your tolerance. Like with all the alcoholic beverages, consumption must be limited to avoid negative effects on health.

Conclusion

Hemp liqueur is one of the many innovative and attractive ways to enjoy the benefits of light cannabis and CBD. With its relaxing effect and unique taste, it is perfect for those who want to explore new horizons in the world of liqueurs, while maintaining a natural approach which is beneficial for the body. Whether you make it at home or buy it, hemp liquor can become an ally for evening relaxation, reducing the day’s stress and promoting sleep. 

If you are fascinated by all that light cannabis has to offer, we invite you to visit Maria CBD Oil‘s website, where you will find a wide range of top-quality cannabis products. 

Find the one that best suits your taste and needs, and who knows, maybe you will find inspiration for your next hemp liquor!