Does Little Saints Give You a Buzz? Everything You Need to Know

Is it really possible to catch a buzz from a drink that has zero alcohol? That question pops up all the time with Little Saints. These cans keep flying off shelves, not because they just taste good, but because people swear they feel something after sipping them. But is it a placebo, clever marketing, or do they actually work in a sneaky way?

If you're thinking about trading your favorite cocktail for one of these alternative drinks, you’re not alone. After all, nobody wants to swap spirit-fueled fun for a flat, boring soda. The whole appeal of Little Saints is that they promise a good time—just without the headache and embarrassing texts in the morning. But what’s really inside these cans, and can you expect a legit social lift or just flavored fizz?

• What Exactly Are Little Saints?
• How Does the Buzz Work?
• Ingredients and How They Work
• Tips for Enjoying Little Saints

What Exactly Are Little Saints?

Little Saints is a brand of non-alcoholic drinks designed for adults who want a fun beverage without the downsides of booze. Picture a can sitting next to your usual craft beer or cocktail, but with zero alcohol and a recipe that swaps cheap thrills for smarter ingredients. Instead of masking the taste of missing alcohol with just more sugar, they load up on things like adaptogens, nootropics, and even hemp-derived CBD (which, by the way, won’t get you high but can make you feel noticeably mellow).

Here’s what sets Little Saints apart from your everyday soft drinks:

• No alcohol at all, so you won’t accidentally break your dry January streak or worry about driving home.
• Flavor profiles inspired by classic cocktails, like Paloma and Ginger Mule. They aim to mimic the adult flavor experience, not just pack sweetness.
• Key ingredients: Reishi mushroom (an adaptogen), CBD isolate (broad-spectrum, no THC), botanical extracts, and monk fruit as a sweetener
• Zero added sugar, gluten-free, and vegan — so they tick the dietary boxes a lot of people care about.

Check out the quick comparison below if you want a no-nonsense look at how Little Saints lines up with other drink choices:

If the usual non-alcoholic options bore you senseless, Little Saints aims to fill that gap. Bottom line: it’s for people who still want to sip something special while keeping their head clear and energy steady.

How Does the Buzz Work?

If you’re used to getting a kick from a regular cocktail, you might wonder what’s happening when you crack open a Little Saints can. The buzz here doesn’t come from booze. Instead, it comes from plant-based ingredients—mostly adaptogens and nootropics. These are natural compounds that some people say help support stress relief and mental focus.

Most Little Saints drinks list ingredients like rhodiola, reishi mushroom, and sometimes CBD. Rhodiola and reishi are popular for their calming effects—people have used them for centuries in traditional wellness routines. CBD, if it’s included, is known for promoting relaxation (without the illegal or psychoactive side of cannabis). The usual goal isn’t to get tipsy, but to feel a gentle mental lift or a sense of chill. These are subtle changes, not the wild swings you get from alcohol.

Here’s the trick: bodies react differently to these ingredients. Some folks feel the promised "buzz"—a light mood bump or a moment of calm. Others might just notice they’re less anxious. If you want the best shot at feeling something, drink slowly, stay present, and see how you feel after about 20 minutes.

• No alcohol, so you’re skipping the standard drunk effects.
• Some drinks use hemp-derived CBD, which works on the body’s endocannabinoid system and can give a mellow vibe (no, you won’t get high).
• Adaptogens like rhodiola may support a clearer, more upbeat mindset after a stressful day.
• The flavors and ritual can trick your brain into feeling social and relaxed—never underestimate the power of a well-designed mocktail.

Bottom line: if you’re after the classic alcohol buzz, you might not find it here. But if you want a different kind of "lift" that’s rooted in plant science, Little Saints might be worth a shot. It’s about shifting the mood, not shifting your balance or memory.

Ingredients and How They Work

Little Saints bottles a mix of plant-based ingredients—mostly adaptogens and botanicals—that you won't find in your basic soda. The goal? To give you some of those 'feel-good' vibes you usually chase with alcohol, but without the hangover or regret.

The biggest players in their recipes are:

• Reishi mushroom: Used for centuries in traditional medicine, reishi can help you chill out without making you groggy. It’s not psychedelic, so you’re not tripping, but people say it helps take the edge off stress.
• CBD (hemp-derived): Most Little Saints flavors include a microdose of CBD. It doesn’t get you high, but can bring a sense of calm. Just remember, a typical can has around 10mg—enough for a gentle nudge but not enough to glue you to the couch.
• Botanical flavorings and juices: Little Saints uses real fruit juice, spices, and herbs. This is partly for taste, but some (like ginger or turmeric) have their own mood-boosting or anti-inflammatory perks.
• 5-HTP: This one's gotten attention. It's a natural compound tied to serotonin production—think lighter mood and less anxiety. Some folks swear by it, but if you’re already taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor first.

None of these ingredients create a "buzz" in the way alcohol does. Instead, it’s a mix of feeling more relaxed, clear-headed, and maybe a little happier. The social lift is subtle, not strong, so you won’t be dancing on tables. But for anyone wanting a lift without the risk, this formula does hit a sweet spot.

If you’re sensitive to supplements, it’s smart to start slow—maybe one can and see how you feel before loading up your fridge. And if you’re looking for that classic tipsy feeling, Little Saints isn’t pretending to deliver that. It’s more about taking the edge off in a natural, controlled way.

Tips for Enjoying Little Saints

Alright, so you’ve got your can (or maybe a whole fridge pack) of Little Saints and you want to get the best out of it. You don’t need a chemistry degree to enjoy them, but a few tips will make the experience a lot better and help you actually get that vibe everyone keeps talking about.

First off, treat Little Saints like a social drink, not just hydration. It’s built for moments when you’d usually have a beer or cocktail in your hand, so try it during a get-together, at happy hour, or even after work. That’s when those botanicals and adaptogens do their thing best—you’re relaxed and in good company.

• Serve them cold. Little Saints really shines over ice or straight from the fridge. Flavors pop and the texture feels more like a real cocktail this way.
• Try pouring it into a fancy glass. This small step actually messes with your brain in a good way. You start to connect the experience with having a real drink.
• Start slow if you’re new to Little Saints. Most folks report that one can is enough to notice a gentle lift—nothing wild, just a pleasant, mood-friendly feeling. Some people have two, but it’s not about pounding down a six-pack.
• Mix it up. If you want more flavor, add a dash of soda water, a squeeze of lime, or even a sprig of mint.
• Be aware of the ingredients. Little Saints uses functional stuff like hemp-derived CBD and reishi mushroom extract. The CBD content is around 5mg per can—enough to give some people a little chill-out without crossing into drowsy territory.

How people enjoy Little Saints varies, but a quick look at a recent survey of non-alcoholic beverage fans (taken in March 2025) shows what’s working for most drinkers:

Don’t expect the exact same buzz as alcohol—it’s more of a social spark or a soft mellowing. If you know what’s in the can and use it in the right moment, you’ll get way more out of it. And hey, zero hangover is hard to beat.