The Definitive Answer: No, Little Saints is not Tequila
For anyone searching for a zero-proof option with a tequila-like kick, it's important to clarify the core misunderstanding. Little Saints is a brand that produces non-alcoholic (NA) beverages, including a spirit called St. Ember. This product is marketed as being "inspired by the flavors of Tequila & Mezcal," but it is not tequila in any official or legal sense. Tequila is a specific type of spirit with a protected designation of origin, meaning it can only be called tequila if it is produced under stringent regulations in Mexico. St. Ember is a botanical and mushroom-infused drink intended to mimic the flavor profile of a tequila or mezcal, but it is fundamentally different in both composition and production.
The Legal Definition of Tequila vs. a Non-Alcoholic Spirit
The distinction is not just a matter of semantics; it is a legal requirement enforced by governments and trade associations to protect consumers and authentic products. True tequila is a Mexican spirit made from the fermented and distilled juices of the blue Weber agave plant. By law, it must contain at least 51% agave, though high-quality tequilas are 100% agave. Furthermore, it can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico. This protected status is similar to that of Champagne or Scotch whisky.
On the other hand, non-alcoholic spirits like Little Saints St. Ember are an entirely different category of beverage. They contain no alcohol (or a legally negligible amount, typically under 0.5% ABV) and are not made from agave. As regulatory bodies like the UK's Wine and Spirit Trade Association have noted, using protected names like "tequila" on non-alcoholic drinks can be misleading to consumers. This is why Little Saints carefully markets St. Ember as a "non-alcoholic spirit inspired by" tequila and mezcal flavors, rather than calling it tequila directly. The terms "zero-proof" or "spirit-free" are used to clarify this for a growing market of sober-curious consumers.
What Exactly is Little Saints St. Ember?
Little Saints St. Ember is a product for the mindful drinker, designed to offer a similar sensory experience to a smoky spirit without the alcohol. Instead of agave, its ingredients list features a custom blend of botanicals and functional mushrooms. Key ingredients include:
- Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract: This is a key functional ingredient, claimed to offer cognitive benefits and a mood-lifting effect.
- Palo Santo: The presence of this wild, woody ingredient provides a smoky, aromatic profile that recalls the characteristics of mezcal.
- Ginger and Cardamom: These spices deliver the peppery bite and warmth that mimics the finish of an alcoholic spirit.
- Monk Fruit: The product is sweetened with monk fruit, ensuring a zero-sugar profile.
This blend is crafted to deliver a complex, nuanced flavor profile that can be sipped neat, on the rocks, or mixed into mocktails as a replacement for agave spirits.
Comparing Little Saints St. Ember to Traditional Tequila
To put the differences in perspective, consider this side-by-side comparison. It highlights the fundamental divergence between a legally defined alcoholic spirit and a zero-proof alternative.
| Feature | Little Saints St. Ember | Traditional Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Functional mushrooms (Lion's Mane) and botanicals (Palo Santo, ginger, cardamom) | Blue Weber Agave plant |
| Alcohol Content | 0.0% ABV (non-alcoholic) | Typically 35-55% ABV (alcoholic) |
| Legal Status | Non-alcoholic beverage; not legally recognized as a 'spirit' | Protected designation of origin; legally defined spirit |
| Flavor Profile | Smoky, spicy, woody, peppery bite from botanicals | Earthy, sweet, and vegetal notes from agave; can be aged for more complexity |
| Effect on the Body | Offers a subtle mood-lift from functional ingredients; non-intoxicating | Causes intoxication due to alcohol content |
| Sourcing | Ethically sourced Palo Santo and organic US-based mushroom extract | Primarily sourced from specific regions of Mexico |
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Spirits and the Sober Curious Movement
The emergence of products like Little Saints St. Ember is a direct response to a growing consumer demand for sophisticated, alcohol-free beverage options. The "sober curious" movement, where individuals opt to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption for health or lifestyle reasons, has driven innovation in the non-alcoholic space. Brands are no longer offering just sugary mocktails; instead, they are creating complex, botanical-driven "spirits" that can be used in cocktails and provide a ritualistic drinking experience without the negative effects of alcohol. This shift is about having fun and being social while still feeling good the next day, a core tenet of the Little Saints brand.
Conclusion
In short, to answer the question, Little Saints is not tequila, but a carefully crafted non-alcoholic spirit designed to offer a similar taste profile and elevated experience. Traditional tequila is a product of Mexican heritage with specific legal and production requirements, centered around the blue Weber agave plant. Little Saints' St. Ember, by contrast, is a modern innovation that uses a blend of botanicals and functional mushrooms to deliver a zero-proof, zero-sugar, spicy and smoky alternative. It serves a different purpose for a different consumer—the one who wants all the flavor and fun of a spirit-driven cocktail but none of the alcohol or consequences.
Review: Little Saints Non-Alcoholic Spirits and Canned Cocktails
