A shift is happening in the world of adult beverages that is having an effect on what is served at weddings. This is the rising popularity of dry weddings or simply couples providing more non-alcoholic options to accommodate all of their guests. Julia Steinberg of Snyder Event Rentals in Charleston, South Carolina, a full-service bar and event company specializing in weddings and large-scale events, confirms and has observed this growth firsthand.

“We’re seeing a major shift toward zero-proof cocktails that prioritize flavor, presentation, and experience,” says Steinberg. “Guests aren’t just looking for something without alcohol, they’re looking for something memorable. Little Saints makes this easy for us as their specialty drinks, when incorporated with glassware and garnish, make for a memorable NA experience.”

While we’ve discussed some incredible NA or low-calorie wines we recommend in the past, we have yet to dive into the world of NA spirits. That’s why, when we were introduced to Little Saints, tried the product and loved it, we knew this discovery had to be shared!

In the past, when folks thought about mocktails, the drinks they pictured were pretty much just regular cocktails without the booze added. That’s all fine and dandy, but what if you want the social lubricant an alcoholic beverage provides without the alcohol? That’s where Little Saints comes in.

These faux spirits contain a variety of “functional ingredients,” such as Lion’s Mane for focus, Reishi for chill, and Damiana for connection. This thoughtful blend is entirely intentional, born from Founder & CEO Megan Klein’s personal journey with alcohol. Like many of us, Klein reevaluated her relationship with drinking during the pandemic.

“I was always a social drinker, and when the pandemic hit, and I was drinking on Zoom calls at home alone, I started to really see the toll that alcohol was taking on me physically and emotionally,” Klein shares.

When she committed to a “Dry January,” but missed the flavors of hard liquor, she found that the existing non-alcoholic market fell short. She noticed three distinct gaps: the options were stocked full of sugar, lacked a mood-boosting functional element, and missed the sensory “nose” or aroma that mimics a cocktail.

Leveraging her background in product development, Klein created exactly what she wanted to drink: a top-shelf non-alcoholic cocktail with zero sugar, functional mushrooms, and a distinct aroma to signal that it’s finally time to unwind.

Meet the Spirits

To bring this vision to life, Little Saints crafted a core lineup of award-winning spirit alternatives that look, smell, and taste gorgeous behind a wedding bar, allowing your mixologists to recreate the classics flawlessly.

• St. Oak (Whiskey/Bourbon Alternative): This blend delivers a warm rye spice balanced by a sweet bourbon finish. It’s absolutely perfect for zero-proof Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or Whiskey Sours.
• St. Juniper (Gin Alternative): Herbaceous, bright, and deeply botanical, this crisp pour is designed for elegant Martinis, Gimlets, and refreshing G&Ts.
• St. Ember (Mezcal Alternative): Smoky, complex, and deeply warming, this is the ultimate base for NA Margaritas, Palomas, or any smoky cocktail.

The Secret to “Keeping the Party Going”

For couples planning their big day, incorporating these sophisticated, functional alternatives isn’t just a courtesy for non-drinking guests; it is a strategic move to elevate the overall energy of the reception.

“More NA options keep the party going!” Klein says. “Every couple getting married wants their guests to have a great time without getting sloppily drunk. And every guest basically wants the same thing, no one wants to be that drunk mess!”

When an open bar is standard, and the only non-alcoholic alternative is a sugary soda or water, guests often overindulge simply because they want a drink in their hand. Premium non-alcoholic spirits (like those from Little Saints) change the game completely by introducing a concept Klein calls “zebra striping.”

“We have data from over 40,000 customers showing that most people who drink Little Saints also drink alcohol,” Klein notes. “They start their night with an alcoholic cocktail and then start drinking Little Saints. In other words, they’re zebra stripers.”

By spacing out alcoholic drinks with functional, delicious NA options, wedding guests can successfully pace themselves throughout the night. It allows everyone to choose their own adventure, maintain a great buzz without crossing the line, and crucially, extend the life of the party.

The biggest perk for the newlyweds? “Fewer hangovers means more people at the brunch the next day, too,” says Klein.

Whether you are hosting a completely dry celebration or really just want to elevate your signature drink menu with inclusive, mood-boosting alternatives, a “zebra stripe” friendly bar ensures every guest feels included, energized, and ready to tear up the dance floor.