What to bring to your next summer BBQ gathering

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and this year, THC-infused drinks are stealing the spotlight at celebrations. Instead of the usual beer cooler, more BBQ hosts are opting for THC seltzers and cannabis-infused beverages to add a modern twist to their festivities. These THC drinks for BBQ gatherings are booming in popularity, touted as a “hangover-free” way to relax and socialize. Low-dose THC seltzers have been called “the trendiest low-dose weed drink of 2025”. The appeal is clear: you get a light, happy buzz without the downsides of alcohol.

Industry trends back this up – cannabis drinks are one of the fastest-growing segments of the market. In 2024, THC-infused beverages pulled in nearly $400 million in sales nationally, and they’re on track to double that by the end of the decade. 

Bars and restaurants have taken notice, too, reporting triple-digit growth in demand for THC cocktails and seltzers. From health-conscious millennials to the “sober curious,” people are embracing THC alternatives to beer as a refreshing, social option. With Memorial Day here, there’s no better time to crack open a cold cannabis seltzer and see what the buzz is about (literally!).

Why Replace Beer with THC Drinks?

Why are so many party-goers swapping out their beers for THC seltzers like Melo? Let’s break down the buzz behind this trend:

Light on Calories, Big on Flavor: Most THC seltzers are waistline-friendly. For example, Melo Seltzer is around 35 calories per can, letting you indulge without derailing your health goals. You get crisp, fruity flavors (think wild berry or mango) without the bloating or heavy carbs of beer.

No Hangover, No Regrets: Perhaps the biggest perk – zero alcohol means zero hangover. You can enjoy the holiday high and wake up fresh the next day. “Since there’s no alcohol, you get to enjoy the buzz without the morning-after regrets”. No pounding headache, no dehydration – just a clean, clear-headed morning after your Memorial Day fun.

Smoother, Controlled High: Each Melo Seltzer has a microdose of 5 mg THC, roughly akin to the effect of a light beer or glass of wine. That means a gentle euphoria without the sloppiness that alcohol can bring. Fans say THC beverages “enhance rather than numb” – providing relaxation and even a spark of creativity, versus the cloudiness that booze can cause. It’s a smoother high that keeps the vibes uplifting and social.

Health-Conscious & Wellness Friendly: Swapping beer for a THC drink fits a growing wellness mindset. Cannabis-infused seltzers don’t contain the sugars and additives of cocktails, and there’s no alcohol strain on your liver. Many people see it as a “wellness upgrade” to their drinking habits. As one user noted, making the switch helped her sleep better and reduced her anxiety compared to alcoholic drinks.

On-Trend and Social: You won’t be alone choosing a weed drink over a beer. Surveys show younger adults are cutting back on alcohol in record numbers. The “sober curious” movement and California sober lifestyle (no booze, only cannabis) are in full swing. With demand for alcohol-free options rising, THC seltzers have become the superb, cutting-edge choice at parties. Even bartenders are amazed at how many people now prefer a canna-seltzer over a craft beer. In short, bringing a pack of Melo Seltzer to the BBQ will earn you some trendsetter points!

What to Bring to the BBQ

Planning to introduce THC drinks for your BBQ this Summer? Here’s your checklist for a fun, safe, and well-stocked celebration:

Cooler and Ice: Treat your THC seltzers just like brews—keep them ice-cold. Bring a roomy cooler filled with ice to store your Melo Seltzer cans. A chilled THC drink is not only more refreshing but also helps mask any herbal notes for those new to cannabis beverages. Plus, a cooler makes it easy for guests to grab a can and go.

Assorted THC Seltzer Flavors: Variety is the spice of life (and BBQs!). Pack an assortment of flavors so everyone can find something they like. For example, Melo Seltzer’s popular variety pack comes with Wild Berry, Strawberry Mango, and Grapefruit flavors – a mix of vibrant berry sweetness, tropical mango, and zesty citrus. By bringing a medley of flavors, you’ll cater to different palates. 

Dosing Guide (Serve Responsibly): Bring some fundamental dosing wisdom for your friends. Each can of Melo Seltzer has 5 mg THC, which is a mild dose ideal for beginners and experienced users alike. If you have total newbies at the BBQ, consider having them split a can (about 2.5 mg THC each) to start – that can deliver a light, pleasant buzz. Seasoned cannabis fans might enjoy a whole can for that “one-beer” level high, and can always reach for a second later in the party if desired.

Importantly, pace the consumption: encourage guests to sip one can and wait ~15 minutes to feel the effects before deciding on more. THC drinks can kick in fairly quickly (thanks to fast-acting emulsification tech), but it’s wise to go slow and savor. Small cups can help people pour a half-serving if they want to start low. By guiding dosing and offering options, you’ll ensure everyone has a good time and stays within their comfort zone.

Backup Beverages & Snacks: Not everyone at the BBQ may partake in THC, so be a gracious host and stock some alcohol-free beers, regular sodas, or flavored seltzer water, too. This gives folks the chance to hydrate and alternate drinks if they prefer. 

Also, have your favorite BBQ foods and snacks ready; a savory burger or fresh fruit platter pairs great with a cannabis seltzer, and a little food helps round out the experience for those enjoying an infused drink. 

What Would You Gift Your Friends? Best THC Drink Gift Ideas Under $50

Maybe you’re not hosting this year, but attending someone else’s Memorial Day bash, or you want to surprise a friend with a fabulous summer gift. THC drinks make fantastic gifts for the cannabis-curious pal in your life. Here are the best THC drink gift ideas under $50 to consider:

Melo Seltzer’s 6-pack Variety Pack (5 mg THC each) – a flavorful gift set perfect for summer parties 

Melo Seltzer Variety Pack: You can’t go wrong gifting a Melo THC Seltzer variety pack. It comes with multiple crowd-pleasing flavors (like Wild Berries, Grapefruit, and Strawberry Mango) so your friend can sample a bit of everything. 

A-pack costs $10–$20 in many stores, and even the 12-pack is around $36.99—well under $50 for a gift that will liven up their fridge. It’s an affordable, fun gift that says, “Here’s to trying something new this summer!” Your friend can enjoy these low-dose drinks at their leisure or share them at their gatherings. Plus, the colorful packaging and the notion of an “alternative six-pack” are great conversation starters.

Summer THC Cooler Kit: For a more creative twist, a DIY THC drink bundle. Grab a few cans of your favorite THC seltzers (Melo’s Half & Half Lemonade Iced Tea flavor is a fantastic summer pick, combining tangy lemonade with sweet iced tea vibes) and pack them in a cute reusable cooler bag. 

Throw in festive extras like reusable metal straws, drink koozies, or even a bottle opener with a cannabis motif. This “summer THC cooler kit” is a thoughtful gift basket idea—all the fun of a summer picnic elevated with weed drinks. You can easily put together a stylish but sleek look for under $50, and it’s perfect for the friend who loves to host pool parties or beach days.

Cannabis Mocktail Starter Set: For the cocktail enthusiast friend, consider gifting the components for THC mocktails. Many THC drinks for under $50 can be paired with mixers to create cannabis-infused cocktails. For example, you could gift a couple of Melo Seltzer cans, a small bottle of fresh juice or flavored sparkling water, and a recipe card for a THC “mocktail.” 

Bun le in fun glassware or garnish (think cocktail picks and a fresh fruit garnish like pineapple or berries). This gift encourages your friend to play mixologist with their new THC beverages. It’s unique, interactive, and still budget-friendly.

These gift ideas center on THC drink variety and summer fun without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a straight-up variety pack or a personalized bundle, you’ll be giving the gift of a new experience. At under $50, these presents prove that you don’t need to splurge to make Memorial Day memorable.

Conclusion: Celebrate Responsibly with a Modern Twist

As you raise a toast (or rather, a can) to the start of summer, you’ll be part of a new-wave Memorial Day tradition – one that swaps keg beer for cannabis seltzer and hangovers for healthy highs. 

The beauty of Melo Seltzer and similar drinks is that you can enjoy the moment without the slips in judgment that alcohol might bring, but it’s still up to each of us to partake wisely.

Melo Seltzer offers a refreshing, innovative way to do precisely that—“socializing made easier” with a light buzz and zero next-day regrets. So whether you’re swapping out your IPA for a Wild Berry THC seltzer, bringing a cooler full of canna drinks to the barbecue, or gifting a variety pack to a friend, you’re tapping into a trend that’s all about enjoying the moment in a health-conscious way.