A PIONEERING Skipton restaurant owner, a chemist and an inventor have combined to launch a new soft drink - aimed at gin and tonic lovers.

Friends and entrepreneurs – restaurateur Ian Ackroyd, chemist Ian Jowett and inventor Brendan Duckworth - have combined to create Teetotal G ‘n’ which they say offers all the taste of the classic drink.

Ian Ackroyd, who runs Skipton's Napiers restaurant and 20 years ago was the first to bring frozen Yorkshire puddings to the market, said: “Whether it’s for health reasons or to stay under the drink driving limit, Teetotal G ‘n’ T is an adult solution to the perennial problem of what to choose if you’re not drinking.

“It tastes and looks exactly like a gin and tonic which makes the drinker feel like they are having a gin and tonic. It is set to do for drinkers what vaping has done for smokers.”

The trio have created the new alcohol-free tipple using natural ingredients as the Government's safe drinking guidelines have changed to recommend drinkers limit their alcohol intake to 14 units a week – equivalent to 14 pub measure gin and tonics, six glasses of wine or six pints of beer.

The partners have formed The Temperance Spirit Company and have spent the last eight months developing the product which is available at selected restaurants and hotels across the North of England.

Dr Ian Jowett, who spent 15 years working as a research chemist tweaked the recipe until he was satisfied they had developed an authentic beverage.

He said : “We have used top quality ingredients to accurately replicate the taste of gin and tonic. Market research tastings proved that people preferred a stronger, more ‘ginny’ taste and we believe we now have a beverage to please the palate of everyone who enjoys a gin and tonic. Importantly, our use of better quality, natural ingredients will not leave you with a headache, which can sometimes be associated with some non-alcoholic drinks.”

The new drink has been well received and there are plans to bring out a club soda version of the beverage as well as other teetotal spirit and mixer drinks.

Ian Ackroyd added: “Everyone who has tried Teetotal G ‘n’ T has gone on to order more . We see people drinking it in the restaurant and feeling part of the crowd as to all intents and purposes, they’re enjoying a real gin and tonic. It’s also a great base ingredient for gin cocktails and we have a number of recipes freely available on our website.”