Whether or not CBD oil lives up to its reputation is a subject of vigorous debate, but no one can deny its popularity. Credited with everything from pain relief to promoting general “wellness,” cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating cannabis derivative, can be found in products ranging from skin-care products to dog treats.
Given the acclaim, it’s no wonder that Houston bartenders have started incorporating CBD into their drinks. After all, drinks already help people feel more relaxed — why not enhance the experience with a little herbal goodness?
International Smoke
No surprise that a California-based restaurant has jumped on the trend. Try the Wynwood Hipster (pisco, yellow chartreuse, lime, egg whites, and CBD) — named after a neighborhood for the restaurant’s sister location in Miami — paired with some of chef E.J. Miller’s wood-fired cuisine.
La Grange
One of Montrose’s favorite patio bars honors its namesake Texas town with Willie Nelson’s Garden (Saint George Terroir Gin, lime juice, simple syrup), which is topped with drops of NuLeaf Naturals CBD. While there, try the bar’s new oyster offerings that come either raw or baked with chipotle butter, bacon, and cotija cheese.
The Oyster Bar at Prohibition
Speaking of oysters, this downtown oyster bar has embraced the CBD trend by making raspberry, lemon, and bananas Foster CBD tinctures that can be paired with any cocktail for just $3. One popular option has been a raspberry Southside matched with the raspberry tincture; general manager Trey Callahan says customers have been enjoying the different viscosity the tinctures gives the cocktail.
Present Company
Come for the selfies, stay for the CBD at this ultra-popular Montrose bar. Try the Under The SeaBD (pineapple rum, kiwi syrup, lime juice, blue curacao, lemon CBD, eucalyptus tincture, and Topo Chico). For a better buzz, get an extra dose of CBD for just $3.
Rudyard’s Pub
The Montrose institution has two draft cocktails that come with 40mg CBD floaters: the Screwston (a purple drink garnished with a Jolly Rancher) and the Kentucky Peach Mule (Knob Creek bourbon, sweet tea peach puree, and Goya ginger beer). As an alternative, add CBD to any beer, wine, or cocktail for $4; that makes it easy to find the perfect pairing with any of chef Anthony Calleo’s dishes.
A non-alcoholic option: Decatur Bar and Pop-Up Factory
For people who want to feel both awake and relaxed, the MALK Bev Bar locations at both Snap Kitchen in Upper Kirby and at Decatur Bar and Pop-Up factory are serving CBD-infused coffee beverages made with 1 milliliter of Pharm Pro Naturals CBD and MALK’s nut and oak-based milks, all of which are dairy-, soy-, gluten-, GMO-, and lactose-free. The MALK pop-up at Decatur is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm as a co-working space complete with plenty speedy Wi-Fi and plenty of seating. Starting October 1, the bar will feature CBD cocktails, too.
The Wynwood Hipster at International Smoke.
