All About Drinkin' Buds

Drinkin' Buds brings Wisconsin's drinking culture into the cannabis beverage space with their line of THC-infused cocktails designed to deliver a "No-Booze Buzz." Founded by agricultural professionals Justin Hopf and Matt Swanson, this Sheboygan-based brand creates sessionable, micro-dosed beverages that replicate classic cocktail flavors without the hangover. Each 12-ounce can contains a balanced 5mg THC and 5mg CBD formulation (or 10mg in their Double Shot line), providing a social experience that kicks in within 10-15 minutes. What started as a hemp farming venture in 2019 has evolved into a mission to make low-dose THC mainstream through quality ingredients and authentic flavors. The brand emphasizes fun, responsible consumption with products that let you "control and build your buzz one can at a time." As a hemp-derived Delta-9 THC product line, Drinkin' Buds ships nationwide and is expanding retail presence across multiple states, positioning themselves as the bridge between traditional alcohol and cannabis beverages.

Products Overview

Drinkin' Buds offers an impressive lineup of classic cocktail flavors reimagined as THC-infused beverages, available in both standard 5mg and Double Shot 10mg potencies. Their product range spans from tropical favorites like Mai Tai and Piña Colada to Wisconsin's beloved Old Fashioned, all formulated with a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio for balanced effects. The brand's commitment to variety shows in their multi-packs, including an 8-can Variety Pack and a 16-can Starter Pack, perfect for those looking to explore different flavors or stock up for social occasions.

For those seeking a stronger experience, Drinkin' Buds offers their Double Shot line with 10mg THC and 10mg CBD, perfect for more experienced consumers. The standard dose products provide an ideal entry point for newcomers to cannabis beverages, while maintaining the authentic cocktail taste the brand is known for.

Other Products by Drinkin' Buds

Before entering the ready-to-drink THC beverage market, Drinkin' Buds developed CBD-infused powdered drink mixes including Old Fashioned, Margarita, and Bloody Mary varieties. These dry mixes featured water-soluble CBD isolate and served as the brand's initial entry into the cannabis beverage space. While the company has since focused entirely on their THC cocktail line, these early products demonstrated their commitment to innovation in cannabis-infused beverages.

Background

Drinkin' Buds emerged from an unexpected pivot in Wisconsin's agricultural landscape. Co-founders Justin Hopf and Matt Swanson, who met while working at Bayer Crop Science, ventured into hemp farming in 2019 after Wisconsin passed the 2018 Farm Bill. When the CBD commodity market crashed, leaving them with unsellable hemp biomass, the duo transformed challenge into opportunity. Matt Swanson, a Marine Corps veteran, brought strategic discipline to their new direction, while Hopf's farming background provided agricultural expertise. Rather than abandoning their hemp crop, they decided to create value-added products that would resonate with Wisconsin's drinking culture. Their vision crystallized over cold beers while tending their hemp fields - to create cannabis cocktails that would make low-dose THC mainstream and socially acceptable. By 2020, Drinkin' Buds was officially launched with a clear mission: bridge the gap between recreational alcohol and cannabis beverages with products that taste great and bring the fun without the hangover.

Quick Facts About Drinkin' Buds

Values

• Quality First: Prioritizing premium ingredients and uncompromised flavor in every can
• Sessionable Experience: Micro-dosed products that let consumers control and build their buzz responsibly
• Social Without Regrets: Delivering the social aspects of drinking without hangovers or next-day regrets
• Mainstream Accessibility: Making low-dose THC approachable and available to curious consumers
• Education Through Fun: Providing approachable cannabis education while keeping things light and enjoyable

Reviews

Customer feedback for Drinkin' Buds consistently highlights the authentic cocktail flavors that successfully replicate their alcoholic counterparts without the booze. Users particularly appreciate the balanced 1:1 THC to CBD ratio that provides a mellow, social buzz perfect for gatherings and events. The fast onset time of 10-15 minutes receives frequent praise, as does the ability to remain functional and even serve as the designated driver. Many customers report making Drinkin' Buds their go-to alcohol alternative, with several mentioning they've completely restocked their fridges with these products. The brand seems to have successfully captured the essence of classic cocktails while delivering the cannabis experience consumers seek.

• "Cracked open a Margarita Bud after work and wow—it tasted just like the real thing, minus the booze. Chill vibes, no hangover. My fridge is officially restocked."
• "I brought a pack of Drinkin Buds to a BBQ and everyone wanted one. It gave me that perfect social buzz and still let me be the designated driver. Total game changer."
• "I've tried a lot of THC drinks, but Drinkin Buds nails the flavor and the vibe. The Lemonade one is my go-to when I want to unwind without alcohol. Zero guilt, all the fun."

Promotions & Coupon Codes

Drinkin' Buds offers a Subscribe & Save program providing 25% off regular prices for recurring orders. Bulk purchase discounts are available with savings increasing based on quantity: Buy 2 for 10% off, Buy 3 for 15% off, Buy 4 for 20% off, and Buy 5 or more for 25% off. Check their website for seasonal promotions and special offers.

Where to Buy Drinkin' Buds

Drinkin' Buds products are available for nationwide shipping directly from drinkinbuds.com. Retail availability includes locations throughout Wisconsin, Tennessee, Minnesota, Georgia, Florida, and Kansas. Major retail partners include Total Wine & More, Badger Liquor, Woodman's Markets, and the SOBER(ISH) marketplace. Products are distributed by GALA Ventures, LLC. Looking for similar cannabis cocktails? Browse our curated selection of THC seltzers from verified retailers at buythcdrinks.com.

Quality & Testing

All Drinkin' Buds products undergo comprehensive analytical testing by independent, third-party accredited laboratories at multiple points during the manufacturing process. The company maintains transparency through a dedicated testing page on their website where consumers can access quality information. Products are formulated to meet federal hemp requirements, containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight while utilizing compliant hemp-derived cannabinoids. The brand uses water-soluble cannabinoid technology to ensure consistent potency and faster absorption rates.

Important Safety Notice: THC beverages may cause intoxication; do not drive or operate machinery.

Ingredients

Drinkin' Buds prioritizes quality ingredients to create authentic cocktail flavors that mirror traditional alcoholic beverages. Their formulations feature hemp-derived THC and CBD in water-soluble form for optimal bioavailability and consistent effects. While specific ingredient lists for individual products are not publicly available, the brand emphasizes their commitment to uncompromised flavor and quality in every formulation. The Wisconsin Old Fashioned contains only 15 calories and 3 grams of sugar per can, while the Margarita variant has 30 calories and 8 grams of sugar, suggesting careful attention to creating lighter alternatives to traditional cocktails.

Recalls or Safety Issues

No recalls or regulatory actions reported as of 2025.

Events

No recent consumer events reported.

PR & Media

Drinkin' Buds has garnered attention from regional business media for their unique journey from hemp farming to THC beverages. BizTimes Milwaukee featured their story as part of their "Jump Start" series highlighting innovative Wisconsin startups. The Shepherd Express covered their evolution from CBD powdered mixes to ready-to-drink THC cocktails, emphasizing their role in Wisconsin's emerging cannabis industry. In 2024, co-founder Matt Swanson was featured in KLS's "Together Talks" series, discussing the challenges of pivoting from commodity hemp to value-added products and their recent success in securing distribution partnerships. The brand's story of two agricultural professionals turning a market crash into an opportunity resonates with entrepreneurial audiences and positions them as innovators in the hemp-derived beverage space.

• KLS Together Talks Feature - October 2024
• Shepherd Express Cannabis Coverage - July 2022
• BizTimes Jump Start Feature - April 2022

Social Media

Company Details

Related THC Beverage Brands

Consumers interested in Drinkin' Buds often also consider Wynk, Cycling Frog, and CANN for similar sessionable THC beverage options. Browse our full selection of standard dose THC beverages to compare products side by side and find your perfect cannabis cocktail match.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drinkin' Buds

How much THC is in Drinkin' Buds products?

Drinkin' Buds offers two potency levels across their product line. Their standard cocktails contain 5mg THC and 5mg CBD per 12-ounce can, while their Double Shot line doubles the dose to 10mg THC and 10mg CBD. The Cinnamon Hot Shot also contains 10mg of each cannabinoid in a concentrated 2-ounce format. This 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD is consistent across all products, designed to provide a balanced, social experience.

What do Drinkin' Buds beverages taste like?

According to customer reviews, Drinkin' Buds successfully captures authentic cocktail flavors without the alcohol. The Margarita features tangy lime and triple sec notes, the Rum Punch offers a sweet tropical blend with coconut, and the Wisconsin Old Fashioned delivers classic cocktail taste. Customers frequently mention that these beverages "taste just like the real thing" and appreciate that the cannabis doesn't overpower the intended flavor profiles.

How long do effects take to kick in?

Drinkin' Buds products are formulated for fast onset, with effects typically beginning within 10-15 minutes of consumption. This quick activation time is achieved through water-soluble cannabinoid technology, allowing for faster absorption than traditional edibles. The brand markets this as "Fast-Acting Freedom," making their products ideal for social situations where you want to feel effects quickly.

Can I build my buzz with multiple cans?

Yes, Drinkin' Buds specifically designs their products to be "sessionable," meaning you can control and build your buzz one can at a time. The brand recommends starting with one can and waiting to feel the effects before consuming more. For newcomers to cannabis, they suggest 1-2 cans, while more experienced consumers might enjoy a full 4-pack. The micro-dosed formulation allows for gradual consumption similar to drinking beer or cocktails.

Are Drinkin' Buds products legal to ship nationwide?

As hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products that comply with federal regulations (less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight), Drinkin' Buds can ship to most states across the US. However, some states have specific restrictions on hemp-derived THC products. The brand ships nationwide from their website and recommends checking local laws before ordering. Products may cause positive drug tests despite being federally compliant.

Last Updated

Last Updated: September 5, 2025

Sources

• Drinkin Buds — 2025-09-05
• Drinkin Buds THC Cocktail Party Pack — 2025-09-05
• About Us - Drinkin Buds — 2025-09-05
• All Products - Drinkin Buds — 2025-09-05
• FAQs - Drinkin Buds — 2025-09-05
• Together Talks Feature with Matt Swanson — 2024-10-01 — KLS
• Wisconsin Old Fashioned - Badger Liquor — 2025-07-12 — Badger Liquor
• Agricultural Industry Buddies Launch Drinkin' Buds — 2022-07-07 — Shepherd Express
• Jump Start: Two Sheboygan Drinkin' Buds — 2022-04-11 — BizTimes
• Drinkin Buds - SOBER(ISH) — 2025-09-05 — SOBER(ISH)
• Drinkin' Buds Variety Pack - Total Wine — 2025-09-05 — Total Wine
• Drinkin' Buds LinkedIn — 2025-09-05 — LinkedIn