Green Dragon (Oregon) – Hemp-Infused Botanical Spirit Mix

I’m sharing my take on Oregon’s Green Dragon, a hemp-infused botanical spirit mix rooted in early 2000s US cannabis culture, evolving from ancient herbal infusions with local twists. It stars hemp flowers, high-proof alcohol, elderflower, mint, and citrus peels for a relaxing, flavorful kick. I craft it by infusing ingredients in a jar for 7-10 days, then straining for a smooth blend. Stay tuned for more tips and variations that’ll enhance your mix.

History

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The Green Dragon Hemp-Infused Botanical Spirit originated in the early 2000s within the cannabis culture of the United States, evolving from ancient herbal infusion practices as a modern tincture blending hemp with alcohol for medicinal and recreational uses.

Regional variations include stronger herb-infused versions in California, emphasizing innovation and legalization advocacy, while European adaptations might incorporate local botanicals like elderflower, signifying cultural ties to traditional herbal remedies.

It’s traditionally served at social gatherings, wellness events, or as a home remedy for relaxation, underscoring its role in alternative medicine and contemporary cocktail culture.

Ingredients

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– Hemp flowers or extract, the heart of this whole adventure.

Think of it as nature’s chill pill, packed with those calming compounds that make everything feel a little more relaxed, you know, without the heavy buzz.

Because who needs complications when you’re aiming for easy vibes?

– High-proof alcohol, like vodka or Everclear, to do the heavy lifting here.

It’s that trusty base that pulls all the good stuff out of the hemp, sort of like how coffee perks you up in the morning.

But in this case, we’re talking about a smooth infusion that whispers instead of shouts.

– Elderflower, a fun twist from those European roots, adding a floral sweetness that dances on your tongue.

Ever wonder why it pairs so well with hemp?

It’s like inviting a gentle breeze into your glass, making the whole thing feel fancy yet approachable, without overdoing it.

– Fresh mint leaves, because let’s face it, a little green herb magic goes a long way.

They bring that cool, invigorating kick that perks up the mix, almost like sneaking in a gust of fresh wind on a stuffy day.

And hey, it’s a simple way to keep things lively.

– Citrus peels, such as lemon or orange, for that zesty punch that brightens everything up.

Imagine squeezing in a bit of sunshine, because without some tartness to balance the earthiness, you’d just have a one-note show.

And who wants that when you can add a playful twist?

– A dash of honey or simple syrup, if you’re in the mood for a sweeter ride.

It’s not always necessary, but imagine this as the friendly hug that softens the edges.

Making your spirit feel welcoming rather than stark, especially on those days when life’s a tad too serious.

– Filtered water, the unsung hero for dialing back the strength.

You mightn’t think much of it at first, but it’s key for creating that perfect blend.

Like easing into a warm bath after a long walk, ensuring everything flows just right without overwhelming your senses.

– Optional spices, like cinnamon or ginger, to throw in a bit of warmth and depth.

They’re like that quirky friend who shows up unannounced and elevates the party.

Because why not add a spicy edge that makes you pause and smile, wondering what else you could experiment with next time?

Preparation

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So, you’re diving into making this Green Dragon Hemp-Infused Botanical Spirit, huh? It’s all about that gentle infusion process, where patience turns simple ingredients into something magical. Let’s walk through it step by step, keeping things straightforward and a bit playful, like chatting with a friend over a kitchen counter.

First off, start by gathering your ingredients in a clean, sealable glass jar—think about 1 ounce of hemp flowers or extract for that calming base, 750 ml of high-proof alcohol like vodka to handle the infusion, a handful of fresh elderflower for floral notes, and a few fresh mint leaves for that cool kick.

Combine everything in the jar, adding citrus peels from one lemon or orange for zesty brightness, a tablespoon of honey or simple syrup if you want it sweeter, and maybe a splash of filtered water to mellow things out.

Now, for those optional spices like a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger, toss them in if you’re feeling adventurous—it adds a warm twist without stealing the show.

Once your jar is prepped, seal it tightly and let it sit in a cool, dark place for about 7 to 10 days, giving it a gentle shake every day or so, almost like waking up an old friend.

After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another clean container, which helps remove the solids and leaves you with a smooth spirit—picture it as separating the wheat from the chaff, but way more fun.

If it tastes too strong, dilute it with a bit more filtered water until it hits that perfect balance, ready for your next gathering.

Tips and Variations

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Now, when it comes to tweaking your Green Dragon Hemp-Infused Botanical Spirit, think of it as playing mix-and-match in the kitchen—easy enough for anyone, even if you’re the type who once forgot the salt in a recipe and ended up with a bland disaster.

For variations, swap out the elderflower for lavender to add a soothing, floral twist that might make your drink feel like a spa in a glass, or amp up the mint with basil for a fresher, herb-garden vibe that balances the hemp’s earthiness just right; and don’t skimp on details, like using only organic herbs to keep things pure and potent.

If you’re aiming for a sweeter profile, double the honey and let it infuse longer, say 12 days instead of 7, which could turn your spirit into a velvety delight, but watch out, because overdoing it might leave you with something too syrupy, like that time you accidentally made candy instead of sauce—oops, hypothetically speaking.

And for a fun tip, store your finished spirit in the fridge to chill it quickly before serving over ice with a splash of soda, raising the question, who knew a simple infusion could elevate your evening so effortlessly?