This summer, the assignment is simple: good food, good company, and a calm, curated vibe. Gone are the days of overdoing it for the ’Gram. In 2025, summer gatherings are all about keeping it low-key and high-quality, from the playlist to the plates to what’s poured in your glass.
Gen Z and millennial circles, in particular, are flipping the script on how to unwind. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, alcohol consumption among U.S. young adults is at its lowest in decades. The reason? A growing awareness of how alcohol disrupts sleep, impacts mood, and makes you feel less than your best the next morning. Not to mention the many health risks associated with alcohol.
But the goal isn’t to kill the buzz, it’s to enjoy it on your terms.
Rethinking What’s in the Cup
At any summer cookout, the ice chest is a familiar scene—cans of beer, hard seltzers, maybe a few bottled cocktails for variety. For those looking to cut back on alcohol, though, that reach-for-a-drink reflex can be tough to navigate. The options are everywhere, chilled and easy to grab.
But the landscape is shifting. A growing number of guests are showing up with zero-proof beverages, herbal tonics, and cannabis-infused alternatives in tow. Whether the goal is to pace the evening, stay sharp, or simply try something different, these new choices offer a way to engage without defaulting to alcohol.
Cannabis drinks, in particular, are designed for presence, not excess. They suit the crowd that wants to stay part of the action, not check out of it. The slight buzz still brings the fun when chatting by the grill, DJing from the phone, or catching up with cousins.
What’s in the Mix?
One standout in this new category is the Delta 9 THC Drink Mixer from cbdMD. Designed for low-key impact and full-summer flexibility, each serving contains 3 mg of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC and 3 mg of CBG—a combo known to support relaxation, creativity, and mellow mood boosts.
Available in black cherry or unflavored, it’s crafted to blend with anything from sparkling water and mocktails to homemade lemonades and fruit punch. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and has zero calories, making it ideal for wellness-minded guests who still want to let loose.
The best part? It’s ultra-portable. Whether you’re riding shotgun to a friend’s BBQ or pulling up with just a tote and a towel, the compact pack slips easily into a pocket or pouch.
Custom Vibes, Your Way
Unlike alcohol, which can flip the switch without warning, this microdosed mixer is all about intentionality and being in the moment. One serving keeps the energy light. Two can ease deeper into post-grill chill mode. You get to decide how you want to feel, whether you’re marinating on the porch or running spades at the card table.
It also plays well with day-long events. You won’t crash. You won’t be dehydrated. You’ll just coast.
And if you’re the one hosting? It’s time to upgrade the drink station.
For the Hosts: The Herbal Oasis Expansion Pack
Planning your own cookout this season? Elevate your beverage game by adding Herbal Oasis tonics into the mix.
Infused with a botanical blend of Delta 9 THC, CBD, and natural adaptogens, Herbal Oasis tonics come in bold summer-forward flavors like Mango Bliss and Berry Fusion. They’re designed to promote mood balance and mellow vibes, while complementing everything from smoked brisket to vegan skewers.
Offering these ready-to-pour beverages as part of your drink spread gives your guests an alcohol-free option to enjoy and just might earn your cookout legendary status.
The New Summer Ritual?
The cookout isn’t losing its soul; it’s just flowing into the cultural evolution. People still want to laugh, toast, and lean into good times. But they also want to sleep well, stay sharp, and avoid that next-day haze.
So as the speakers turn up and the sun goes down, skip the hangover. Grab the mixer. Raise your glass to vibes without compromise.