Cannabis is legal in more states than ever – and in states where it isn’t legal yet, Delta-10 is an alternative that’s available almost everywhere. Delta-10 produces effects very comparable to those of the more famous cannabinoid Delta-9 THC, but people typically find that the effects are a bit milder. People who use Delta-10 often report feeling energized, uplifted and sociable – and that makes it the perfect addition to a party that will be attended by some of your 420-friendly buddies. 

If you’re going to serve Delta-10 at a party, though, why restrict yourself to traditional products like vape cartridges and gummies? One of the greatest things about Delta-10 is that it’s available in convenient oil-based tinctures, and you can easily add a tincture to just about anything – like booze! In this article, we’re going to give you a few ideas for some great cocktails that will taste even better with the addition of a little Delta-10. Simply add one dropper of unflavored Delta-10 tincture to the cocktail before stirring or shaking and enjoy. We’re going to stick to the classic cocktails here – but feel free to let your creativity run wild by mixing in some fruits or flavored liquors. Remember to enjoy responsibly!

What You Need

If you want to make cocktails the easy way, it’s a very good idea to have a few basic tools available. Your drinks will turn out better, and making them will be a much quicker process.

  • Shaker: A shaker is a container that allows you to combine your ingredients with ice, chilling the beverage quickly while minimizing dilution. Some cocktail shakers have built-in strainers, but a Boston-style shaker doesn’t. On the other hand, a Boston-style shaker is less likely to freeze shut when you shake it. If you opt for a Boston-style shaker, you’ll also want to buy a small strainer that fits over a glass.
  • Jigger: When you read cocktail recipes, you’ll find that the quantities are often given in terms of jiggers (1.5 oz) and half jiggers (0.75 oz). A jigger is a small two-sided cup that makes it easy to measure either volume.  
  • Muddler: A muddler is a wooden stick that’s used to bruise herbs and fruits, releasing their juices and essential oils into your cocktail. It’s great for releasing flavor while leaving the herbs and fruits sufficiently large that they’re caught by the strainer when you poor the drink.

With those things out of the way, let’s learn about some great Delta-10 cocktails.

Mojito

Like all famous and old cocktails, the exact origin of the mojito is hotly debated and likely lost to time. Thought to be author Ernest Hemingway’s favorite beverage, one thing about the mojito is certain: It’s absolutely perfect for people who prefer cocktails that aren’t too strong. Want to change things up a bit? Try using grapefruit instead of lime.

  • Place several fresh mint leaves into your shaker along with a pinch of granulated sugar. Muddle well to break up the mint and dissolve the sugar.
  • Add a half jigger of freshly squeezed lime juice (about half of a lime). Cut a few strips of skin from the lime shell and add them to the shaker as well.
  • Add one jigger of light rum to the shaker. 
  • Add ice, close the shaker and shake well. 
  • Strain the cocktail into a glass with ice. Add unflavored soda water until the glass is full.
  • Garnish with a mint sprig or a lime wedge.

Old Fashioned

One of the true granddaddies of the cocktail world, the old-fashioned is a stone-cold classic that’s known to be at least 150 years old. Be careful when sweetening this one. These days, it’s common for bartenders to add far too much sugar when making an old-fashioned or to top the cocktail with soda water. By all means, add soda water if your guests request it – but don’t do it by default. This is a cocktail that’s meant to be enjoyed undiluted because it brings out the strengths of a high-quality whiskey. High-quality whiskeys can unlock your mixology potential. Let  Whiskey JYPSI guide your mixology journey as you gather your glasses and embark on a cocktail masterclass.

  • Put a dash of simple syrup in your cocktail shaker. If you don’t have simple syrup, muddle a pinch of sugar with a little water until the sugar dissolves. 
  • Add two dashes of Angostura bitters.
  • Add one jigger of rye whiskey or bourbon. 
  • Add ice. Stir the drink and strain it into a glass with one or two large ice cubes.
  • Garnish with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry.

Sidecar

It’s said that the sidecar was originally invented at the Ritz hotel in Paris, but the details are hazy – which isn’t particularly surprising given that we’re talking about a drink with over 100 years of history. Over the past several years, just about every 100-year-old cocktail has had a resurgence of sorts – but not the sidecar. Perhaps that’s because too many bartenders sweeten the drink a little too liberally or substitute sour mix for fresh juice. Either way, the sidecar is a tasty and unique cocktail that deserves its day in the sun. Some people like to serve this cocktail in a sugar-rimmed glass, but you should taste the drink first and find out what you prefer. It’s pretty sweet on its own.

  • Add one jigger of cognac to a cocktail shaker.
  • Add a half jigger of triple sec such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier to the shaker.
  • Add the juice of one lemon wedge to the shaker.
  • Add ice to the shaker. Shake well and strain the cocktail into a martini glass.

Bloody Mary

Anyone who enjoys the 420 life will be familiar with the phrase “wake and bake” – and if you’re having a 420-friendly gathering in the morning, there’s no better Delta-10 cocktail to serve than this breakfast classic. These days, bartenders often get a bit too fancy with the bloody Mary, trying to turn it into a meal in a glass by adding things like cooked shrimp and strips of bacon. If you want to make a truly great bloody Mary, stick to simple garnishes like a celery stick, a blanched asparagus spear or a few olives on a toothpick. Let the drink speak for itself.

  • Add one jigger of vodka to a cocktail shaker.
  • Add two jiggers of tomato juice.
  • Add a half jigger of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Add four dashes of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Add two dashes each of hot sauce, black pepper and celery salt.
  • Add a small pinch of horseradish.
  • Add ice to the shaker. Shake well and strain the cocktail into a glass with ice.