The very title of this weekly column, 5 o’clock Somewhere refers to happy hour, a practice which historically has implied that discounted alcohol will be imbibed during said time. However! The term “happy hour” doesn’t necessarily exclude teetotalers. We can all get happy and be free and lay our burdens down at the end of the day, just in our own way. I’ve had a reader or two ask me to write a mocktail post, as an alternative to all these alcoholic suggestions. I also love a good mocktail so please know that’s in the works soon. But in the meantime, I’ve got a question in return — how do you feel about CBD drinks? Do they count? I’m asking because August 8th is CBD Day and I’m curious to hear your feedback.
It truly seems like CBD is everywhere and being included in everything, like some sort of magical ingredient with endless supposedly beneficial properties. It’s most frequently said to help to reduce anxiety or stress. Does it really work? I guess it depends on how stressed out you are. Please note, CBD isn’t THC. These drinks won’t get you high, and really shouldn’t make you any sleepier than a glass of wine might. They say CBD can help you sleep well, but low-dose CBD doesn’t make you sleepy. Some use it topically for joint pain, muscle pain, or arthritis. There are many claims about CBD benefiting anyone who’s depressed or anxious, and it’s become super popular because this extract can be used in a variety of ways. For example, right now CBD drinks are everywhere in Chicago, especially in trendy neighborhoods with cute, trendy, indie coffeeshops.
At the end of a hectic and stressful day of deadlines, I found these CBD drinks to be refreshingly enjoyable with a wedge of fresh lime and a splash of bitters
CBD drinks are said to help balance out the anxiety and jitters that caffeine can cause, which is why I keep seeing these flyers for CBD lattes. You can either purchase already made CBD drinks or you can make your own, using one of the food-grade tinctures available on the market. Here’s a few brands for you to check out if you’re interested.
Brown Girl Jane is probably the best-known Black-owned CBD brand and in addition to their candles and topical oils, they offer flavorless tinctures.
Spero CBD makes a peppermint CBD tincture with 0% THC, or a pure tincture that’s flavorless for coffee, smoothies, or more.
Toastyy is a Black-owned CBD wellness brand for women founded by former college volleyball player, model, and exec at Uber Jamie Lea. Her full spectrum tinctures come in vanilla and orange flavors.
TribeTokes is a woman-owned CBD brand that offers tinctures that are flavorless or lemon flavored.
Instead of dropping a tincture into your drink of choice, you can actually buy CBD drinks on the market as well. I’ve tried all four flavors of Quatreau CBD water, and I enjoyed it as they recommend for “a moment of calm.” At the end of a hectic and stressful day of deadlines, I found these to be refreshingly enjoyable with a wedge of fresh lime and a splash of bitters. I’d describe Quatreau as like a seltzer or sparkling water, there’s a hint of fruit flavor but it doesn’t necessarily mask that herbaceous CBD tang. A can of Quatreau is refreshing like a LaCroix or White Claw might be, with a flavor that isn’t quite covered by the fruity passionfruit and guava notes, for example.
There are many other kinds of CBD drinks on the market to try, and I look forward to trying more of them. So far, in my experience CBD tinctures and drinks might be best when mixed into a smoothie or mocktail. Add a splash of juice or squeeze of citrus, muddled mint or berries with a little syrup or agave and you’ve got a non-alcoholic beverage worth enjoying at the end of a hectic day. It’s a little more than your average mocktail. Just something different to consider if you’re looking for something different. Cheers!
5 o’Clock Somewhere is ZORA’s celebration of food, drink and fun! Check back here for more recipes and recommendations. Cheers!
