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7 CBD Drinks to Try This Summer

Michael Caloca / ONE37pm

Perhaps you’ve come across them in your Instagram feed. Or maybe you’ve spotted them at Erewhon Market.

No, I’m not talking about members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan. I’m referring to the seemingly never-ending stream of CBD products hitting the market in recent years.

Hardly a day goes by without CBD—short for cannabidiol, the nonintoxicating compound found in the cannabis family of plants—grabbing headlines or the attention of celebrities hoping to cash in on the hemp-derived cannabinoid craze.

There are now scores of notable athletes, actors, musicians and other media personalities investing in the CBD space.

Martha Stewart has partnered with one of Canada’s largest pot producers, Canopy Growth Corporation, to make CBD treats for both humans and dogs.

Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker is preparing to launch his own line of cannabinoid infused wellness products.

Former supermodel Kathy Ireland recently unveiled her own line of CBD offerings, and NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski has endorsed CBDMedic’s line of products.

The list grows daily.   

But what is CBD, and what does it actually do?

That’s something even billionaire Elon Musk has pondered.

The Tesla and SpaceX founder, who appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast earlier this year, wondered if CBD was “fake,” and questioned its effects.

Rogan, who last year partnered with energy drink maker Kill Cliff on a “Flaming Joe” beverage infused with 25 mg of CBD, quickly rattled off a laundry list of potential benefits: It relieves anxiety, reduces inflammation, alleviates stress, improves sleep, and aids muscle recovery. 

Those claims, often touted but not yet proven, are at the center of ongoing discussion about the ways in which the CBD category could evolve in the years to come and how the market should be regulated.

The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp—now defined as cannabis sativa plants containing less than 0.3 percent THC—and its derivatives from the legal definition of marijuana. 

While the act opened the door for companies to begin selling a variety of hemp-derived CBD products, it preserved the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s authority to regulate food and beverages containing CBD.

The agency has yet to issue final regulatory guidance for products containing CBD, so drinks like the ones being promoted by Rogan and several others currently exist in somewhat of a legal gray area.

Until that FDA guidance arrives, most mainstream retailers are holding off on stocking their shelves with these products.

Even though large CPG firms and major retail chain store operators seem content to avoid the sector for now, 86% of Americans have heard of CBD. However, several smaller startups are betting that final FDA guidance will soon be issued and they’ll have a first mover advantage in the beverage category. 

The opportunity that awaits could be worth $1.4 billion by 2025, according to cannabis research firm BDSA, which pegged sales of hemp-derived CBD drinks at just $100 million last year.

Meanwhile, less than 20% of U.S. consumers had used a CBD product as of last July, according to New Frontier Data.

As more people familiarize themselves with CBD and its potential benefits, industry stakeholders anticipate plenty of trial and error within the beverage segment

Over the last several months, I’ve sampled countless new CBD-infused drinks, and I’m here to share some of my favorites with ONE37pm readers. 

Below is a list of beverages—from sparkling waters, to nonalcoholic spirits—that contain CBD and should be on your list to try.

1. Aplós

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Aplós

Positioned as an alternative to alcohol, Aplós was launched in December 2020 by entrepreneurs David Fudge and Jessica Manley.

Each two-ounce serving of Aplós contains 20 mg of organically grown broad-spectrum hemp from New York’s Hudson Valley, and the beverage was formulated to “replicate the ritual of drinking a spirit.”

“Alcohol is so ingrained in our culture that we have become numb to the negative effects,” Fudge told me. “Our hope is to create a world that celebrates the connection and conversation that drinking provides, but to do so in a healthier way.” Aplós is selling 16 oz. bottles directly to consumers for $48.

2. Bimble

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Bimble

New York-based Bimble Beverages produces a line of “chill sparkling drinks” that are infused with 25 mg of broad-spectrum hemp.

There are three flavors—Blueberry Lemon Ginger, Cucumber Melon Lime, and Grapefruit Basil Mint—and each offering contains a blend of clarified lemon juice concentrate, raw honey, and other natural flavors.


Available in the New York metro area and on Bimble’s website, a 12-pack of 12 oz. bottles are rather expensive, selling for $74.99.

3. CarryOn

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CarryOn

One of the few larger beverage companies to enter the CBD drinks space is Ocean Spray, which launched its “CarryOn” line of beverages in the Denver area last year. 

The product, which retails for $4.99, comes in two flavors and formulations. A “recover” SKU contains just 10 mg of CBD isolate and is flavored with grapefruit juice. Meanwhile, CarryOn’s “Relax” SKU is flavored with blueberry juice and contains 20 mg of CBD isolate as well as L-Theanine. 

Overall, these offerings are perfect for anyone just beginning to explore the CBD drinks space or those looking for a change of pace from ordinary sparkling water.

4. LifeAid Hemp

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LifeAid Hemp

Fitness enthusiasts searching for a CBD beverage that isn’t quite as effervescent as some of the more widely available sparkling waters should seek out LifeAID’s Hemp Blend.

First released in 2019, this product contains 20 mg of broad-spectrum hemp sourced from Ojai Energetics, a provider of nano-encapsulated CBD oil that is faster-acting and more bioavailable. 

LifeAID’s Hemp Blend also contains lemon balm and rosemary adaptogens and is competitively priced at $3.99 per 12 oz. can.

5. Recess

cbd drinks 0002 Recess
Recess

Arguably the most recognizable and respected name in the CBD drinks game, Recess makes a line of sparkling waters infused with hemp and adaptogens.

Available in six flavors—Black Cherry, Pomegranate Hibiscus. Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Coconut Lime and Blackberry Chai—Recess’ core line contains 10 mg of broad-spectrum hemp as well as adaptogens such as L-theanine, lemon balm and ginseng. 

Recess retails for $4.99, which, considering the lower dose of CBD, pushes the upper boundaries of cost. However, one could justify the price because of Recess’ delicious flavors and formulation that includes additional benefits from the adaptogens. 

6. Rhythm

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Rhythm

Another standout brand in the increasingly crowded CBD seltzer space is Rhythm, which makes a line of functional beverages infused with 15 mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract.

Rhythm’s three flavors—Lemon Ginger, Blackberry Lavender and Grapefruit Rosemary—are not only tasty, but designed for specific need states. 

Looking to bounce back after a hard workout? Try Rhythm’s “Recover” blend, which is also infused with high levels of curcumin from turmeric root extract.

Need a boost? Rhythm's “Awake” blend contains 50 mg of caffeine from organic green tea extract to give you a shot of energy without the jitters.

A four-pack sells for $23.99 online, which is expensive, however these drinks combine CBD and other functional ingredients. 

7. Valley Sparkling Water

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Valley Sparkling Water

Several craft breweries have begun experimenting with nonalcoholic CBD sparkling waters, including Connecticut Valley Brewing. 

Available in a variety of flavors, 16 oz. cans of Valley Sparkling Water are infused with 25 mg of CBD and calorie-free. A four-pack retails for $18.99.

I sampled four different offerings and found two SKUs—Blueberry Lemonade and Strawberry Kiwi—to be the most enjoyable.

Honorable Mentions:

If you’re a craft beer fan looking for a nonalcoholic option, check out CBD-infused concoctions from Collective Arts Brewing (Collective Project), Left Hand Brewing (Present), and Indeed Brewing (Lull). 

I also enjoyed offerings from Mad Tasty (founded by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder), Canopy Growth Corporation (Quatreau) and Unity

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