Now that summer’s officially in full swing, it’s time to enjoy these long warm evenings with some backyard fun—and what could be more fun than getting high with some of your friends while enjoying a great meal? But while we’ve all grown up with the idea of a backyard cookout as a place for crushing some burgers and beers, what might a cannabis barbecue look like instead? To get some insight and inspiration, we caught up with Jordan Wagman, a James Beard Award-winning chef who’s known for his work crafting health-focused cannabis-infused dishes for private events across North America. And although Canadian-born, Wagman assures that he’s got what it takes to put together the ultimate Fourth of July cannabis barbecue. “This is one of those moments I’m proud to pull out my US passport,” he says, laughing.
It’s The Sauce
No matter where the barbecue, the most exciting action happens on the grill, churning out an array of burgers, hot dogs, veggies and other plant-based foods. “The trick is always going to be in the sauce,” Wagman says. “When you’re working with a hot grill, you wouldn’t necessarily start basting your ribs or vegan burger at the beginning. By the time it’d charred there would be no cannabis left,” he says, alluding to the fact that cannabis infusions are temperature-sensitive and that cannabinoids will denature at around 250 degrees.
Wagman’s solution is to use a regular non-infused sauce throughout the marinating and cooking process, saving the addition of any cannabis-infused sauces as a finish. “I’ll use an infused barbecue sauce as a glaze at the end, smothering it all over,” he says.
Wagman applies a similar science-backed approach to serving cannabis infused sides and salads. “The most important thing is to make sure any dressings or vinaigrettes are really well emulsified, so all that cannabis is really evenly distributed,” he says. Vigorously shaking or blending oil-based cannabis infusions in with the other dressing ingredients is the best way to achieve emulsification. With an infused dressing on the side, Wagman says that salads are also great to prepare in advance of your cannabis barbecue, making hosting duties easy. “Salads can be made the night before by putting a lot of the wet ingredients on the bottom, and some lettuce on top. All you’re doing is dressing it in the moment,” he says.
That’s So Sweet
Grilled desserts are another surprise guest at Wagman’s cannabis barbecue, with so many creative and versatile options such as grilled dessert pizza. “This is one of my favorite things to do during grilling season,” he says. The celebrated chef also offers advice to simplify the process for the baking averse. “Here’s a great kitchen hack,” Wagman says. “Don’t worry about making your own pizza dough; go buy raw dough at the grocery store, and when you’re working it, instead of flour, use oil. Get your grill smoking hot, roll out the dough, and put it on the grill. When it’s cooked on one side, flip it over and put your toppings on. It’s a great way to get a crispy crust and a smoky flavor.”
Wagman also suggests grilling fruits like peaches, pineapples, and watermelon for a sweet and smoky dessert. “You can grill them and then put them in a bowl with some ice cream and a little bit of cannabis-infused honey or maple syrup,” he says. “It’s a really simple way to get a great dessert.”
The High Life
Of course, no cannabis barbecue would be complete without some infused beverages. Wagman recommends making a batch of cannabis-infused lemonade or iced tea to keep guests cool and relaxed. “You can make a simple syrup with cannabis-infused honey or maple syrup, and then mix it with lemon juice or tea,” he says. “It’s a great way to get a little bit of a buzz without having to smoke or vape.”
Wagman also suggests setting up a DIY cannabis-infused cocktail bar, with a variety of infused syrups and mixers for guests to experiment with. “You can make a simple syrup with cannabis-infused honey or maple syrup, and then have some fresh herbs and fruits for people to muddle and mix with,” he says. “It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy cannabis at a barbecue.”
With these tips from Chef Wagman, you’re well on your way to hosting the ultimate cannabis barbecue. So fire up the grill, invite some friends over, and enjoy a summer evening filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a little bit of cannabis-infused fun.