3.5 Grams of Cannabis Turn Cider Into a Decadent Fall Drink

A new recipe circulating among Denver residents combines hot buttered cider with 3.5 grams of ground cannabis. The drink is designed for the remaining days of fall and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. It serves as a warm alternative to standard rum-spiked cider.

The primary ingredient is a cannabutter made from 1.5 sticks of unsalted butter. The recipe specifies that the butter should be infused with the cannabis before being added to the pot. Home cooks can use an automatic infuser, such as a Levo machine, or prepare it manually. The process takes no longer than one hour.

The potency of the final drink depends on the THC content of the starting material. The recipe notes that 3.5 grams of a strain testing at 20 percent THC will infuse the butter with 700 milligrams of THC. Buyers can check dispensary testing results to calculate this value. A vegan version is possible by substituting coconut oil for butter.

To prepare the drink, a half-gallon of apple cider is brought to a simmer over medium heat. The heat is then lowered, and the solidified cannabutter is stirred in along with other ingredients. The mix includes 1/4 cup of packed dark brown sugar, 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Stirring continues until the butter and sugar are fully melted and combined with the cider.

The pot is removed from the heat before the alcohol is added. The recipe suggests adding rum to taste. The mixture is then poured into mugs. A cinnamon stick can be added as a garnish. The drink is intended to be consumed in small quantities, such as a cup or two.

The recipe positions itself as a way to enjoy the short Colorado autumn season. It acknowledges that Halloween has passed and Christmas decorations are already appearing. The drink is described as a way to enjoy the rest of the season with a decadent combination of flavors and effects.