Cannabis infused drinks are booming, so I figured, why not find the best ones I can get my hands on? Starting this aspiring series off on a local note, I’m checking out a top name in the New York market: Ayrloom.
First, let’s be honest—New York’s legal cannabis market still has some growing to do before its flower quality is truly up to snuff. Significant progress has been made since the market first launched, but flower still falls short far too often.
While we wait for flower quality to catch up, other consumption options have taken significant steps forward, particularly edibles. Historically, edibles were known for packing a potent punch but often carried a funky, weedy aftertaste and lacked consistency in dosing and effects. Legalization ushered in a wave of change, driven by sophisticated innovation, tech, and food and beverage experts entering the market.
About Ayrloom’s Cannabis Infused Drinks
A few months ago at the Revelry in Manhattan, I discovered Ayrloom, a New York cannabis brand, thanks to my good friend and cannabis event regular, Kait Caridi. She pointed me toward the Ayrloom booth and suggested I try their infused beverages with a 10 mg THC to 5 mg CBD ratio. I was hooked after one sip.
Ayrloom is the latest venture from the family behind Beak & Skiff apple orchards and alcoholic brand 1911 Established. The five generation, family owned New York brand touts its deep community ties and commitment to high-quality.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago: I was picking up edibles at the new Happy Munkey dispensary in Downtown Brooklyn. I spotted Ayrloom’s beverages and thought, “Why not grab one of each and rank them?” So, I grabbed the seven flavors they had–which I thought was the entire line.
Below is my breakdown of seven of Ayrloom’s infused beverages currently on the New York market.
#1 Orange Creamsicle
Tasting exactly like the Stewart’s Orange Creamsicle soda I grew up on, this Ayrloom edible hit the spot, leading to the can being empty in short order. Orange Creamsicle tastes just like a soda minus the carbonation.
However, consumers should be aware if they are minding their caloric, carbohydrate, and/or sugar content. At 35g of carbs, 34g of added sugars, and 135 calories, drinking a few of these could throw off anyone’s diet.
#2 Vanilla Cola
I’m calling Vanilla Cola #2 to make the rankings look clean. But in reality, this was a 1A and 1B situation, no doubt.
A recovering soda addict like me loves finding drinks that taste like the stuff without having as much junk put into it–and Ayrloom hit the mark these two offerings. Catch me on a different day, and I might flip the rankings and give Vanilla Cola the top spot. But today, we’re giving it the second slot.
If you love Vanilla Coke as much as I do, try this one for sure. Heads up though: Just like Orange Creamsicle, Vanilla Cola also comes with the same high carb, sugar, and calorie count. Be aware if you’re being mindful of your diet.
#3 Half + Half
I’m a picky eater and drinker. I’ve gotten better, but since my childhood, I’ve been stubborn about the flavors, textures, etc. I’d ingest. One of the things that I typically cannot stand that a lot of folks love is an Arnold Palmer. For me, lemonade is usually too sugary, and I hold a disdain for tea on a Ted Lasso level.
That said, Ayrloom’s Half + Half hit the spot, providing a nice balance of the two flavors. I would definitely drink this again, especially during the summer months. Another perk about the Half + Half is its lower calorie (100), carb (26g), and sugar content (25g). While the carbs and sugar are still high, 100 calories per drink puts this on the level of most alcoholic seltzers, making it a viable replacement at parties.
#4 Black Cherry
Kudos to any brand that attempts to make a black cherry flavored things. Black cherry is one of my favorite flavors, dating back to my days drinking store-brand ShopRite sodas. But, one thing I’ve come to learn is that most black cherry-flavored options teeter on a fine line between tasting delicious and providing the gut wrenching retch children’s cough medicine delivered on the reg.
Usually, it takes a a lot of sugar to make black cherry taste like it isn’t Robitussin. But Ayrloom did a good job of keeping away from the medicine taste without pumping their beverage full of sugar. Much like a White Claw or a similar alcoholic seltzer, Ayrloom’s Black Cherry tastes a bit watered down, diluting the flavor but still letting you know it is black cherry. Is it my favorite taste? Is it anything like the supermarket sodas I downed in grade school? No, but it’s fine enough.
At 25 calories, 5g of carbs, and 4g of sugar, Black Cherry is a rather tasty option that I’ll likely bring to future parties instead of spiked seltzers.
#5 Honeycrisp
Apple lovers are probably going to hate me right about now on the list–especially when I’m ranking a line ran by apple specialists.
No shade to Ayrloom on this one—I actually liked Honeycrisp quite a bit. But compared to the other flavors, apple doesn’t typically stand a chance with me. Still, much like Half + Half, Ayrloom did a good job delivering a flavorful, tasty drink that my picky self would otherwise not typically enjoy.
However, at 180 calories, 45g of carbs, and 45g of sugar, be on the lookout with how many you consume.
#6 Lemonade
Hearkening back to Country Time Lemonade days, Ayrloom’s Lemonade is a refreshingly citrusy offering. But like any classic lemonade, a significant serving of sugar comes along with Ayrloom’s iteration.
At 170 calories, 44g of carbs, and 43g of total sugar, consumers should keep an eye out on how many they’re putting back. That said, I don’t think there’s many people who have ever drank a lemonade who didn’t expect a deliciously sugary experience. So, sip back and enjoy.
#7 Cran Apple
Growing up as a kid, I would go through phases I would absolutely down bottles of Ocean Spray, especially cran apple. But one day, my picky eater self just up and despised the taste of the juice I once held in quite high esteem. The disdain probably is more to be attributed to the apple than the cran side of things.
All I know is one day I felt like drinking the stuff was akin to chugging a fresh glass of Tang right after brushing your teeth. Again, no shade to Ayrloom—their take on Cran Apple was spot on with the flavor without any weed taste to go along with it. It’s just that cran apple and I are still an acrimonious relationship, leaving a literal and metaphorical bitter taste in my mouth.
And with the same calorie, carb, and sugar content as Honeycrisp, some many want to watch out for how many they’re drinking.
Did Ayrloom Get Me High?
At 10 mg THC to 5 mg CBD, Ayrloom didn’t deliver much of a noticeable effect. That said, I am a high-tolerance consumer, and most 10 mg edibles won’t do the job alone. In most cases, I’ll need to put back two or three 10 mg pieces before feeling something noticeable.
That’s why I took particular notice of the calorie, sugar, and carb content in Ayrloom’s beverages. Much like many other deliciously infused options, their excellent—and sometimes even addictive—flavors can come with a literal gut punch. As someone who just spent the last 5 months dropping 25 lbs, this is something I don’t want to lose track of. But as someone who needs 25+ mg to feel effects, that’s exactly what I need to do with 2:1 beverages. Lower tolerance consumers probably won’t run into the same issue.
Even though I ranked them at #3 & #4, I could see myself most often reaching for Black Cherry or Half + Half, due to their healthier profile and enjoyable tastes. Orange Creamsicle and Vanilla Cola would probably have to be more of a sporadic treat than a regular option for me if I want to keep my diet in check. And the others? Well, they’re fine but not the flavors I’d typically reach for.
Is Ayrloom the Best Cannabis Infused Drink Around?
Is Ayrloom the best cannabis infused drink I’ve ever had? I can’t say that for sure, but it definitely stands out as one of the better ones I’ve sampled. If this continues to become a series as intended, maybe I’ll make a chart to rank my picks. But for now, I’ll close on this:
Ayrloom is a solid brand representing the ongoing innovation and maturation of the New York market. I genuinely enjoyed all of the flavors and would absolutely grab them again for any social gathering. Delivering a light high with low calorie and sugar content, I could see myself swapping out spiked drinks for infused options.
Oh, and remember when I said I thought I ordered the entire line? That’s because I didn’t check online to learn that Ayrloom also carries Pineapple Mango and Pink Grapefruit. Sign me up for the former. And even though I typically cringe at grapefruit, I’ll give Ayrloom’s a shot if I come across it. I’ll update this post when I try them.
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Article Notes: Ayrloom did not pay for placement, nor was the company consulted at any point during this review. The product images (taken by AWARD) shown in this blog and main image are for review purposes only. They do not imply any affiliation or endorsement.
