When two Vermont neighbors come together, good things happen.

High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider is a collaboration between Sunset Lake Cannabis and Hackett’s Orchard, combining fresh-pressed Vermont apple cider with sungrown cannabis cultivated right here in South Hero. The result is a crisp, lightly sparkling THC beverage that delivers everything you love about fresh cider, without the alcohol.

Since its launch, High Branch has earned recognition from both BrewView Vermont and Seven Days, highlighting its unique flavor, local roots, and approachable cannabis experience.

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A Collaboration Rooted in Vermont

High Branch was born from a shared appreciation for Vermont agriculture and a longstanding connection between two local businesses.

Sunset Lake Cannabis owner Sam Bellavance grew up visiting Hackett’s Orchard with his family, making the orchard a natural partner when the idea for a cannabis-infused cider came to life. 

Located just across the road from our cannabis farm, Hackett’s Orchard crafted a special blend of fresh Vermont apples specifically for High Branch, while Sunset Lake Cannabis supplied our Climate Neutral Certified, sungrown cannabis.

The combination created a beverage that celebrates two of Vermont’s most iconic crops in one refreshing can.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Featured in BrewView Vermont

High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider was featured in BrewView Vermont’s Cannabis Corner, where the magazine highlighted the story behind the collaboration between Sunset Lake Cannabis and Hackett’s Orchard.

The feature explored how family history, local agriculture, and neighboring farms came together to create a truly Vermont-made cannabis beverage, celebrating the partnership as much as the finished product.

Here’s an excerpt written by Emily Parker:

“The partnership between Sunset Lake Cannabis and Hackett’s Orchard grew naturally from a shared history and proximity. Sam Bellavance, owner of Sunset Lake Cannabis, explains, ‘Hackett’s Orchard has always had a special place in my heart. My grandmother was the sister of Celia Hackett, one of the orchard’s original owners.’ Childhood visits filled with apple picking and family tours left an impression, making Hackett’s the obvious collaborator for the project.

For Orchard Manager Devin Hackett, the decision was equally straightforward. ‘They’re as local as local gets!’ he says. ‘I can practically see their farm from our orchard.’ This closeness allowed the two businesses to work together seamlessly, merging their expertise to craft something truly unique.”

Reviewed by Seven Days

High Branch was also featured in Seven Days as part of its roundup of Vermont THC-infused beverages and edibles.

Reviewer Ken Picard praised the cider’s balanced flavor, describing it as “tasty and smooth.” The review noted its pleasant mouthfeel, gentle carbonation, and apple-forward character, while pointing out that it avoids the harsh bite of alcoholic cider and doesn’t have an overpowering cannabis flavor or aroma.

After enjoying the beverage with a meal, the reviewer described the effects as a mellow, gradual high, making High Branch an easy-drinking option for relaxing afternoons when you’re looking for an alternative to alcohol.

Why You’ll Love High Branch

Made with fresh-pressed cider from Hackett’s Orchard and infused with sungrown cannabis from our South Hero farm, High Branch is crafted for cider lovers and cannabis enthusiasts alike.

Every can is:

• Made with fresh-pressed Vermont apple cider
• Infused with Climate Neutral Certified, sungrown cannabis
• Naturally off-dry with no added sugar
• Never made from concentrate
• Non-alcoholic
• Gluten-free
• Vegan
• 10mg THC per can (two 5mg servings)

Serve it chilled straight from the can, over ice, or use it as the base for your favorite cannabis cocktail.

Stoned Fence Cocktail

Our take on the classic Stone Fence cocktail that fueled Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys during the raid on Fort Ticonderoga.

Ingredients

• 6 oz. High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider (5mg THC)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters (or All The Bitter Non-Alc Aromatic Bitters)
• Lemon peel
• Crushed ice

Directions

Fill an Old Fashioned glass with crushed ice and pour in the High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider. Add the bitters and stir gently. Twist a lemon peel over the glass to release the citrus oils, then use it as a garnish.

Shop High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider

Whether you’re winding down after a day on the lake, relaxing on the porch, or simply looking for a refreshing alternative to alcohol, High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider offers a distinctly Vermont take on THC beverages.

Stop by Lake Effect Vermont or browse our online menu to shop High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider and discover why it’s becoming one of Vermont’s favorite cannabis drinks.

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