A soft drink that claims to provide the same ‘stress relief’ as a cigarette is targeting the UK to cash in on the smoking ban. Liquid Smoking, introduced in the Netherlands earlier this year, contains an African herbal extract that provides “a slight energising effect, followed by a euphoric sense of calming and relaxation”, according to United Drinks & Beauty Corporation, the Dutch supplier. It is positioned as an “ideal healthy” alternative to cigarettes.

“We are targeting the opposite end of the market to energy drinks. Liquid Smoking has already proven a hit in The Netherlands and we feel the time is now right to bring it to the UK and Europe,” said Guillaume van Grinsven, sales & marketing manager. The drink comes in 275ml cans and contains 15% nicotine from natural sources, is high in vitamin C and contains fewer than 21 calories per can.