Can you put RSO in lemonade? A guide to safe infusion

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies indicate that oral consumption is a common method for RSO, and mixing it into a beverage is a popular choice for masking its potent flavor. Here's how you can safely put RSO in lemonade by ensuring proper emulsification and consistent dosing.

Quick Summary

Infusing RSO into lemonade requires an emulsifier like MCT or lecithin to ensure the oil and liquid combine evenly. Proper mixing prevents separation and ensures consistent dosing.

Key Points

Emulsification is Essential: RSO is oil-based and requires an emulsifier like lecithin or MCT oil to properly mix into water-based lemonade, preventing separation and ensuring consistent dosing.
Create a Stable Syrup: Making an RSO-infused simple syrup with an emulsifier creates a stable and easy-to-dose infusion base for your lemonade, perfect for consistent results.
Start Low and Go Slow: Because RSO is very potent, beginners should start with a very small dose (like a grain of rice) and wait several hours to understand its effects before consuming more.
Use a Carrier Fat: For quick, single-serving drinks, pre-mix the RSO with a small amount of carrier fat (like coconut or MCT oil) to aid in absorption and emulsification.
Flavor is a Factor: The strong, herbal taste of RSO is effectively masked by the potent, citrusy flavor of lemonade, making this a pleasant way to consume it orally.
Edible Effects Delay: The effects of ingesting RSO through a drink take longer to begin (1-2 hours or more) compared to other methods, requiring patience to avoid overconsumption.
Label and Store Properly: Always clearly label your RSO-infused products and store them securely away from children, pets, and heat to maintain potency and prevent accidental ingestion.

The Challenge of Mixing RSO with Water-Based Drinks

RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil, is a potent, full-spectrum cannabis extract with a thick, tar-like consistency. Unlike water-soluble additives, RSO is oil-based and does not mix readily with water, which is the primary component of lemonade. Simply dropping RSO into your lemonade will result in the oil separating and floating on the surface. This can lead to uneven, difficult-to-control dosing, as you won't know how much you're consuming with each sip. The key to successfully infusing RSO into any water-based beverage, including lemonade, is to create a stable emulsion using a compatible emulsifier.

Emulsification Methods for RSO Drinks

Emulsification is the process of combining two liquids that don't normally mix, like oil and water. For RSO and lemonade, an emulsifier binds to both substances, creating a uniform, stable mixture.

Method 1: Creating an RSO-Infused Simple Syrup An RSO-infused simple syrup is a versatile and highly stable way to prepare your infusion.

Ingredients:
- 1 gram RSO (approx. 600mg THC)
- 1/8 teaspoon liquid sunflower lecithin
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over low heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Do not boil.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Carefully stir in the RSO and liquid sunflower lecithin. Use an immersion blender for 1-2 minutes or whisk vigorously until the oil is fully dissolved and no specks remain.
4. Allow the syrup to cool completely. Store in an airtight, labeled container in a cool, dark place.

Method 2: Direct Emulsification with a Carrier Fat This method is quicker and works well for single-serving drinks. The high-fat content in a carrier oil helps bind with the RSO.

Instructions:
1. Measure your desired RSO dose into a small, heat-tolerant container.
2. Add a small amount of warm carrier fat, such as MCT oil, coconut oil, or full-fat coconut milk.
3. Stir vigorously until the RSO is fully dissolved into the fat.
4. Mix this emulsified RSO/fat blend thoroughly into your warm or cold lemonade base.

The Importance of Proper Dosing and Safety

RSO is extremely potent, so accurate dosing is crucial for a safe and positive experience. As with any edible, the effects take longer to manifest than smoking or vaping, often 1 to 2 hours. Waiting patiently is key to avoid overconsumption. For beginners, it is highly recommended to start with a very small, "grain of rice" sized dose and wait a full day to understand its effects before increasing.

Comparison of RSO Emulsification Methods


Method	Ease of Preparation	Stability & Homogeneity	Dosing Control	Best For
RSO Simple Syrup	Moderate	High (stable, uniform mix)	Excellent (pre-measured per serving)	Making larger batches for future use
Direct Emulsification (Carrier Fat)	High (quick prep)	Moderate (can re-separate if not blended well)	Good (per-drink customization)	Single-serving drinks and immediate use

A Simple RSO-Infused Lemonade Recipe

Ready to get started? This recipe uses the simple syrup method for the most reliable results.

Ingredients:
- 1 batch RSO-infused simple syrup (see recipe above)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (approx. 4-6 lemons)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare your RSO-infused simple syrup and let it cool completely.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the cold water and fresh lemon juice.
3. Add the desired amount of RSO syrup, starting with a small portion, and stir vigorously until fully combined. A good starting point is to divide your total syrup volume by the number of desired servings to calculate a per-glass dose.
4. Fill glasses with ice, pour the infused lemonade, and garnish with a fresh lemon slice and mint sprig. Sip slowly and enjoy responsibly.

Conclusion

Yes, it is entirely possible and common to put RSO in lemonade, but the process requires careful attention to detail to ensure safety and effectiveness. By incorporating an emulsifier like lecithin or MCT oil, you can create a stable, uniform infusion that allows for consistent dosing and a more pleasant consumption experience. The key takeaways are to always use an emulsifier, start with a low dose, and be patient for the effects to set in. Creating a batch of infused simple syrup is the most reliable method for precise and stable dosing in your favorite refreshing beverage. For a deeper dive into the properties of RSO, you can explore resources like the What is RSO? article on Brülosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

RSO is an oil-based concentrate, and its cannabinoids are not soluble in water. Without a proper emulsifier, the oil will separate and float on top of the liquid, leading to inconsistent dosing and an unpleasant texture.

Common and effective emulsifiers include liquid sunflower lecithin, MCT oil, or coconut oil. Using lecithin, in particular, helps create a very stable, homogeneous mixture for beverages.

As an edible, RSO absorbed through the digestive system typically takes 1 to 2 hours to begin taking effect. The duration and intensity of effects can vary based on dosage and individual metabolism.

Yes, you can orally ingest RSO directly or with a small piece of food. However, mixing it into lemonade can make consumption easier and helps mask the oil's strong, herbal flavor.

First, know the total cannabinoid content of your RSO. Then, divide the total milligrams by the number of servings. For example, if you use 1 gram (approx. 600mg THC) in a 10-serving recipe, each glass contains about 60mg THC. Always start with a much lower dose.

Common side effects from high THC RSO can include dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, paranoia, and impaired coordination. Overconsumption increases the risk of these negative effects.

Yes, making an RSO-infused simple syrup is a safe method when done correctly. It requires gently heating the RSO with sugar, water, and an emulsifier to create a stable, uniform mixture. Avoid high heat to preserve cannabinoid integrity.

If you see oil separating, it means the emulsification process was incomplete. Use a blender or immersion blender to mix thoroughly, or ensure you're using a sufficient amount of emulsifier and carrier fat.