How to Make THC Simple Syrup Without Distillate

A distillate-free infusion for elevated drinks and herbal rituals.

Infusing cannabis into drinks is one of the most elegant ways to enjoy the plant—whether you’re prepping a low-dose mocktail, winding down with infused tea, or adding a spoonful to your lemonade on a slow Sunday afternoon.

While many THC syrups use distillate, this recipe offers a full-spectrum alternative that doesn’t rely on store-bought concentrates. Instead, we’ll use Green Dragon tincture and homemade Cannasugar to craft a rich, herbal THC simple syrup from scratch—perfect for those who want to keep it intentional, customizable, and made with love

What Is THC Simple Syrup?

THC simple syrup is exactly what it sounds like—a sweet, pourable syrup infused with activated cannabis. It’s water-soluble, versatile, and easy to mix into drinks. Unlike cannabutter or oil-based infusions, syrup is ideal for beverages and recipes where oil just won’t do.

This version skips the distillate in favor of two classic infusions:

Green Dragon Tincture: Alcohol-based extraction made with cannabis flower.

Cannasugar: Sugar infused with Green Dragon, which becomes the sweet base of your syrup.

Step 1: Make a Green Dragon Tincture

Time: ~2–3 hours (plus decarbing time)

You’ll Need:

High-proof alcohol (Everclear is preferred)

Cannabis flower (~3.5 grams per 1 cup alcohol)

Glass jar with a tight seal

Cheesecloth or fine strainer

How to Make It:

1. Decarboxylate Your Flower

Preheat oven to 240°F. Break your cannabis into small pieces and spread it on a parchment-lined tray. Bake for 30–40 minutes to activate THC.

2. Infuse the Alcohol

Add your decarbed flower to a glass jar and cover with alcohol. Seal tightly.

3. Simmer (Optional but Helpful for Speed)

To fast-track the infusion, place the sealed jar in a warm water bath (not boiling) for 2–3 hours. Shake occasionally. The alcohol will gradually turn green-gold as it pulls cannabinoids from the plant.

4. Strain & Store

Use cheesecloth to strain out the plant matter. Store your tincture in a dark dropper bottle or airtight jar until ready to use.

Note: Always use caution when heating alcohol. Ensure proper ventilation and keep away from open flames.

Step 2: Make Cannasugar

Time: 2–3 hours (mostly hands-off)

You’ll Need:

1 cup granulated sugar

3–5 tablespoons Green Dragon tincture

Parchment paper

Baking sheet

How to Make It:

1. Mix

In a large bowl, combine the sugar with your tincture. Stir until it’s evenly coated—your sugar should feel damp, not soaked.

2. Dry It Out

Spread the sugar onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dry in the oven at 200°F, stirring every 20 minutes to prevent clumps and ensure even evaporation. This can take up to 2 hours.

3. Cool & Store

Once dry, your sugar will have a light green tint and a subtle herbal aroma. Store in an airtight container away from moisture.

Step 3: Create Your THC Simple Syrup

Time: ~5–10 minutes

You’ll Need:

1 cup Cannasugar

½ cup water (for thinner syrup)

Small saucepan

Whisk

How to Make It:

1. Combine

In a saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup Cannasugar with ½ cup water. You can adjust the sugar-to-water ratio depending on how thick you want your syrup.

2. Dissolve

Stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Keep the heat low to avoid burning or crystalizing the sugar

3. Cool & Bottle

Let your syrup cool completely before bottling. Store in a sealed glass container in the fridge. It should last up to two weeks.

How to Use THC Simple Syrup

Your homemade syrup can be added to:

Herbal teas

Iced coffees

Mocktails or cocktails

Lemonade or fresh juice

Desserts (think: drizzle over fruit, pancakes, or infused sorbet)

Start with 1–2 teaspoons and wait at least 60 minutes before consuming more. Potency depends on your Cannasugar and tincture strength, so always go low and slow—especially with homemade infusions.

Final Thoughts

Infusing your own syrup is part kitchen craft, part wellness ritual. It takes more time than using a store-bought distillate, but it’s worth it. You get full-spectrum effects, personalized dosing, and a final product that feels intentionally yours.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to elevate their cannabis experience beyond the basics—and enjoy it beautifully.