When I was a kid, all the old cartoons (like Bugs Bunny) always depicted booze in bottles with skulls and crossbones, clearly marked "poison." Decades later, the medical establishment and gen pop, are finally figuring out there is no truly safe dose and that alcohol is indeed a toxin. "Dry January" is now turning into "Functional February" and sober morning dance parties in coffee shops are trendier than after hours.
It's not surprising that the founder, Megan Klein recently refused a deal on Shark Tank. The non-alcoholic functional drink space is blowing up and will likely keep going until it reaches critical mass.
Klein says she'd "like to see Little Saints cocktails available everywhere that alcohol is." That's a world we'd like to live in too. From the sound of it, she may get her wish sooner than later as Americans, and people the world over, wake up to the health hazards of drinking and start ditching booze.
Personally, I have not been able to tolerate alcohol since 2006, when I started levothyroxine for autoimmune thyroid condition. Before that, I was a great drinker of champagne with no ill effects. Nearly 20 years later, I'm a little over the forced sobriety. If I had my way, I'd never be offered another shitty, overly-sweet "mocktail" at a bar or restaurant, that does absolutely nothing, ever again. I want my drink to actually DO SOMETHING. And please hold the sugar because I'm not twelve.
My discovery of Little Saints in 2024, was huge for me. Finally, an amazing alcohol-free spirit that tastes amazing and natural, and that you can feel.
The first time I tried St. Ember, my non-drinking friend and I were bowled over by our change in mood after 1 glass. It was smokey, and the lion's mand and palo santo gave us a loosey-goosey vibe such that no other substances were needed or desired.
Another saint, the herbaceous St. Juniper, gives serious gin cocktail vibes featuring juniper, birch, angelica, cucumber, lion's mane, and damiana extract. Damiana is the hero here as it definitely lifts mood, relieves stress, and is a mild aphrodisiac. It works on neurotransmitters increasing dopamine and serotonin, so what more do you need?
While I did try two of the canned beverages, I didn't feel quite as much effect from them and find myself always going back to St. Ember for the buzz, although St. Juniper is a close second.
If I owned a bar or restaurant, I would make sure to have this on my menu because it's clearly the next big thing and you are either on the bus, or you just missed it. LOL.
Although mixologists could have a field day with these two spirits, and there are plenty of recipes posted on Little Saints' website, it's not really necessary. This is because there are already so many herbal notes and flavors going on, not much is needed. A little sparkling water and a twist of lemon or lime and it's a perfect cocktail. You could throw an olive or some pickle juice in there if you're that kind of fellow. This much is clear, you can —and should—go to town!
Post your favorite LIttle Saints' non-alcoholic spirit recipes below.
Comments