From Seed to Sip: How THC Drinks Are Made

The rise and development of THC drinks has been nothing short of revolutionary. What began as a niche product is fast-becoming a mainstream alternative to traditional cannabis consumption. As more people seek out healthier, cleaner, and easier ways to enjoy cannabis, THC beverages have become the go-to option for newcomers and seasoned canna-connoiseurs alike. 

We at Drink Delta are proud to have been at the forefront of this wave since the de-classification of hemp, innovating and refining our formulas to offer the best possible experience. 

Today, THC drinks are evolving, and with that evolution comes a more refined experience. Whether you're after a light mood lift, post-workout relief, or just a fun twist on your usual beverage, the world of THC drinks is expanding. With precision dosing, nano-emulsification, and a variety of flavors and recipes, it’s easier than ever to enjoy cannabis in a controlled, enjoyable way.

Read on to discover how cannabis beverage production is being redefined and why they might just be the perfect way to sip your way to relaxation.

Step 1: Cultivating Quality Cannabis

The quality of both THC and CBD are fundamental in guiding a pleasurable and effective experience with THC drinks. The tandem effect of these cannabinoids offer a range of effects, from relaxation to heightened focus – the trick is getting the right ratio. 

THC—the uplifting compound in cannabis—is responsible for the buzz effect as well as a variety of potential therapeutic benefits, such as reduced anxiety and improved sleep. CBD plays a complimentary role in THC drinks, helping to temper the effects of THC and giving a smoother and more enjoyable experience. It also has numerous additional holistic benefits¹ and is able to interact more effectively with the endocannabinoid system through the entourage effect². 

At Drink Delta, we’ve worked hard to perfect our formulas, creating drinks that offer everything from our mellow and sociable Delta Light to the deeply relaxing or enhancing effects of Delta Cannabis Water. By using high-quality cannabinoids and carefully selected ratios, we ensure that our beverages offer great taste and the right balance of effects.

Step 2: Extracting THC from Hemp

The first step in creating a THC drink is to extract THC from hemp which is done through various methods to isolate the cannabinoid in its purest form. 

The most common extraction techniques in the THC extraction process include CO2 extraction and ethanol extraction. CO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull THC and other beneficial cannabinoids from the plant material, resulting in a clean, high-quality extract. Ethanol extraction, on the other hand, uses alcohol to dissolve the cannabinoids, which is then completely evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated and safe to consume THC extract.

Step 3: Emulsifying THC for Infusion

THC is naturally oil-based and doesn’t dissolve well in water. That is why we use emulsification³ to break it down into tiny, uniform particles that can easily mix with liquid. This process is essential in cannabis-infused processes as it makes THC water-soluble allowing it to evenly distribute throughout the drink.

Unlike edibles where THC can be unevenly spread throughout the mixture—leading to inconsistent dosing—emulsified THC ensures a smooth and consistent experience with every sip. 

When THC and CBD are properly emulsified, each can contains a precise and evenly distributed quantity of the cannabinoids, ensuring a reliable and predictable dose every time. This level of consistency enables people to easily moderate their cannabis intake – whether sipping for relaxation, post-workout recovery, or a mood boost. 

Emulsification allows you to steadily increase your dosage one sip at a time for a predictable and enjoyable experience. It also facilitates the absorption of THC and CBD into your bloodstream meaning that the effects are felt much faster than edibles—10-20 minutes rather than up to one hour.

Step 4: Crafting the Flavor Profiles

Another important aspect of infused drink manufacturing is striking the perfect balance of flavor. It’s a unique challenge of combining refreshing flavor profiles and the natural notes derived from the raw cannabinoids to make a smooth beverage that people enjoy. 

The natural taste of THC can be earth and herbal—take tinctures for example—but this is not to most people’s taste. Especially if you want to enjoy a refreshing beverage with friends or at the end of a long day, flavor and texture matter. 

The key is to use natural flavorings that both enhance and mask the taste of cannabis in a complementary way. For us at Drink Delta, that means using fruits, citrus and botanical elements to mask bitterness and earthiness. Most of all it needs to be refreshing and tantalizing – think more a mocktail than an energy drink. 

We have also paid close attention to pairing flavor profiles with different styles of drink. 

For example, our Delta Light drinks are a low-THC seltzer intended as more of a sociable and sessionable beverage so we have kept the flavor in the bright and crisp with Bright Berry, Tropical Mango, Juicy Watermelon, and Squeeze of Lime.  

For our Delta Cannabis Water, we wanted to compliment the bold 20mg potency with a bold flavor, so we have Passion Fruit, Blood Orange, Pink Lemonade, and Blueberry Acai. Each has a slightly more intense flavor than our Delta seltzers, designed to be enjoyed over a longer period of time.

Step 5: Packaging and Labeling THC Beverages

Correct dosage labeling is crucial to ensure people have a safe and enjoyable experience with THC drinks. We believe transparency is clear in building trust with our customers who can feel confident knowing that they are consuming exactly the amount stated on our labels.

This is because seasoned pros and first timers alike benefit from knowing exactly what and how much they are consuming. Everyone’s tolerance and preferences vary, so it enables them to control their experience and avoid any unwanted surprises. It is all about finding that sweet spot where you can relax, unwind, or get energized without going overboard. 

Step 6: Testing and Quality Assurance

Regardless of which brand of THC drink you choose, be sure that they conduct third party lab testing to ensure quality and consistency. At Drink Delta, we test every batch of our cans and list the results here on our Certificate of Analysis (COAs) page. We have invested heavily in NASA-level equipment to make our cannabis beverage production highly efficient and reliable. With over three years of research and development under our belts, we have proudly sat at the forefront of this industry in the US and were the first THC drink company to go mainstream. 

Our deep knowledge and commitment to quality allow us to stand proudly behind every single sip you take from our cans.

The Art and Science Behind THC Drinks

With formulas that carefully balance THC and CBD, THC beverages allow you to customize your experience. There's a drink to suit every preference—whether you’re seeking relaxation, focus, or simply a more balanced sensation.

With years of research and development under our belt, we’ve focused on making THC drinks both potent and enjoyable, offering a perfect balance of THC and CBD for a variety of needs and preferences. 

We’ve not only embraced this new category but helped shape it. Today we are proud to ensure that every can of Drink Delta empowers our clients to experience cannabis in the best way possible. No guesswork, no ambiguity—just a consistent, predictable experience with sip.