There's a reason why the Aperol Spritz has become such a popular cocktail—not only is its bright orange hue perfect for a photo op, but the balance between bitter herbal and subtly sweet flavors makes for an idyllic summer sipper. You can even drink more than one without feeling like you'll get a sugar hangover the next day, which is always a blessing for someone in their 30s. But the older I get, the less I am inclined to have a big night of drinking. I'd rather seize the day the next morning instead of lying in bed and avoiding the sunlight.
Fortunately for me and the countless others who are experimenting with a less alcohol-heavy lifestyle, THC is now legal in a majority of the United States, and it's an increasingly more common alternative to booze. In fact, THC beverages are all the rage at the moment and, naturally, I've dabbled in a can or two. So imagine my delight when Cann, one of my favorite social tonics that incorporates microdoses of THC into its beverages, came out with its own THC-infused Aperol spritz. I practically ran to the store to try it.
The spritz, which is debuting just in time for summer, comes in a 750 mL bottle and contains 60 mg of THC. Now before you think, wow that sounds like a lot, that's the amount in the entire bottle. Dosage instructions are conveniently located on the back of the bottle—one fluid ounce contains 2.5 mg THC (a shot, which is 1.5 fl oz., contains 3.5 mg and is a standard serving size). Cann recommends combining 1 part of its spritz with 3 parts sparkling water.
Like the lightweight I am, I poured myself a simple serving-size dose of Cann and combined it with Waterloo Summer Berry. The duo was an instant hit. The color is more red than the classic Aperol orange, but the taste was suspiciously on point. If you enjoy an Aperol spritz, you'll definitely love Cann's THC version.
Now, I consider myself a lightweight because I most certainly am. Sometimes, even a mild 5 mg can be too much for me. But in this instance, I waited all evening for that telltale tingle that indicates I'm in for a joyous night to no avail. It seems like with this particular beverage, I'd have to go big or go to bed. I decided to give it a whirl another time.
On my next night in, a fittingly rainy evening, I opted for the full 5 mg pour and because it was so delicious, I topped myself off with a little extra after I finished my first glass (shh, don't tell). As it turns out, the extra oomph was all I needed to ride the wave of a THC high. As the only proper thing to do on a stormy night in, I turned on a scary movie and reveled in the pleasant feeling that whooshed through my body (yes, I swear it was an actual whoosh).
When the drink finally hit me—it took about an hour for me to feel the effects, although some people might feel them sooner—it was completely pleasant and not overwhelming at all, which can sometimes be the case with edibles. I felt slightly silly, very happy, and thoroughly enjoyed what likely was a pretty bad horror film. All in all, I had a great time with Cann's new take on the Aperol spritz, and it's definitely my fridge's new best friend bud.
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