Terpene-Infused Drinks Are the Next Big Thing

Our Staff Agrees - Terpene Infused Drinks Like this Terp-Tini Are the Next Big Thing

A dose of Tito’s Vodka. Wedding cake. Malibu. This looks like the recipe for a good time, and it sure is -- though not exactly as pictured because we’re not talking about a honeymoon to the beaches of California. Though that does sound nice, these three things are actually the driving force behind Abstrax staff’s new favorite drink.

It’s called the terp-tini and it’s a simple (and potent) drink to whip up the next time guests come over. It all started with that most familiar afternoon desire called happy hour. The scientific masterminds in our lab got to talking about a post-work refreshment and, as tends to happen when passionate scientists engage each other, the conversation soon shifted to putting together the perfect drink. ‘Why not bring two of life’s simple pleasures together?” they thought. The terp-tini was born.

Terpene cocktails are the newest concept born of the recent trend of laced drinks. Bars around the country now have infused cocktails on their menu, even in places where recreational consumption hasn’t yet swept into public policy. But as more states legalize, the benefits of terpenes -- both derived and non -- are becoming more well known. It was only a matter of time before someone put them in a cocktail.

A terpene cocktail actually makes perfect sense. The martini quickly established itself as the perfect fit. Crafting a decent martini, among the world’s most celebrated drinks, is a simple task after a bit of practice. While dabbing and smoking involve heating immediately before consumption, the benefit here comes from the fact that cold temperatures are actually quite conducive to activating terpenes. Add 2 drops of Abstrax Wedding Cake terpene extract and this isn’t any old martini -- it’s now terp-tini. Good thing booze just tastes better when it’s really, really cold.

Because of the martini’s high alcohol content, the terpenes don’t overtake the traditional flavors of the drink as they often do in non-alcoholic drinks. Only a very small amount -- a couple drops -- is needed to spritz up the cocktail with the anti-inflammatory benefits and sweet taste of the Wedding Cake blend.

For the purists out there -- those worried about the impact of a foreign ingredient into a cocktail that has resisted significant change since prohibition -- fear not. Terpenes are known for their strong smells. And their extracts can be safely added to food and drink without throwing off the flavor profile beyond a scarcely noticeable margin. In this concoction, detailed below, Wedding Cake pairs seamlessly with Malibu and Frangelico. Our Wedding Cake terpene hybrid found its match. While the terp-tini might smell of sweet romance, it still packs the same wicked punch as every booze-filled conical glass around the world.

Here’s a groovin’ video of the terp-tini recipe in action, sure to get you loosened up and ready for a cocktail --

The kicker is that this terp-tini is super easy to make at home, with ingredients picked up in one quick trip to the liquor store -- 

Abstrax’ Signature Terp-Tini

• 2 fluid ounces vodka
• 1 fluid ounce hazelnut liqueur, such as Frangelico
• 1 fluid ounce coconut flavored rum
• 1 fluid ounce half-and-half cream
• 2 Drops Abstrax Wedding Cake

To spruce up this drink for a fancy occasion (or just to add a bit more flavor), toss in the following:

• 2 (4 inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1 maraschino cherry

Channel your inner 007 and get shakin’.