Recently, I went to a bar with my husband. He was spinning at the club, as were my friends. It was meant to be a mellow night and for the most part, it was. However, when I first went there, I was fairly apprehensive. I recently decided to quit drinking altogether and it was a bar.
Anyone who’s sworn off alcohol can tell you that there’s a little bit of an unspoken agreement when you go to a club. For the most part, you’re stuck drinking water, soda, or Shirley Temples. I’m okay with this, for the most part, but it starts to get boring after drink #3.
This bar was a bit different, though.
On a sign right behind the bartender was something saying, “Add CBD to ANY drink,+$4.” CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a compound found in hemp and cannabis that’s been linked to pain relief, relaxation, and an overall sense of wellbeing without the high THC gives.
I drank a CBD Shirley Temple, and welcomed in a new era of beverages. The CBD added a very notable mellowness to my vibe that I otherwise wouldn’t have gotten, and it tasted pretty good. This small scene was unusual for today’s clubs, but truthfully, it won’t be for long.
What Are CBD Drinks?
With the increased attention that cannabis legalization has gotten, many of the plant’s beneficial compounds started to take center stage. Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound of cannabis that’s tied to pain relief and stress relief, is particularly popular since it’s legal in all 50 states.
Since the Green Boom started, companies around the nation started to push out CBD supplements that are both edible and drinkable. The trend created a slew of products, including CBD tinctures, CBD sodas, and even CBD-infused water.
Unsurprisingly, this trend started to spread to the bar scene. And now, bars across the country are now offering sodas and alcoholic beverages augmented with cannabidiol as part of their menus.
Poised To Succeed
According to the most recent restaurant industry surveys, the vast majority of restaurant professionals believe that CBD cocktails and foods will become the hottest trend on menus for the next decade.
The survey’s notes aren’t far off. Reports are showing that trendy bars across America are currently forming their own menus and drinks related to cannabis and CBD. So, don’t be shocked if you find CBD drinks, even in more conservative areas.
What Do They Taste Like?
For the most part, they’re not much different than any other drink out there. That being said, most CBD cocktails tend to have a slightly oily texture, often paired with a mildly herbal taste not unlike hops in beer. Overall, they’re pretty enjoyable and you’re bound to find a drink you’ll like…if you’re daring enough to try one.