Your five o’clock tipple just got a whole lot more virtuous with the launch of South Africa’s first ready-to-drink virgin gin and tonic. The Duchess, as it is so elegantly named, is a sugar- and alcohol-free alternative to the popular summer drink – and we think it’s just as tasty and refreshing as the real deal.

The Duchess gin and tonic. Photo supplied.

Crafted using natural botanical extracts traditionally found in the spirit, The Duchess retains the authentic gin tasting notes but with zero alcohol. A team of botanists has blended re-distilled juniper berries with tonic water infused with botanicals, giving the drink that distinct ‘gin and tonic’ taste with aromatic layers of orange peel, all spice, star anise and devil’s claw. To top it all off, the refreshing sipper doesn’t contain any sugar and is naturally sweetened using Stevia and Xylitol.

The beautiful packaging by Fanakolo. Photo supplied.

The Duchess aims to solve the dilemma of what to drink when you’re not drinking, explains founder Johannes Le Roux. “It was created for the conscious consumer – the healthy, discerning individual who wants the option of an adult beverage without alcohol. Whether at a business lunch or being the designated driver, for personal or religious reasons, The Duchess now offers you the choice of a sugar-free, calorie-free, and hangover-free refreshment.”

As for the beautiful packaging, the design of the ready-made drink was created in partnership with Fanakolo, a design studio based in Stellenbosch that’s known for creating striking designs for boutique wine bottles.

Thirsty? The Duchess is currently available at Norman Goodfellows and on Yuppiechef.com. Further stockists will be listed on the website www.theduchess.co.za.

The Duchess is both sugar-free and alcohol-free. Photo supplied.