A Dutch company has developed a drink called "Liquid Smoking" that is targeted at those who find themselves unable to light up in pubs and restaurants due to the restrictions of the smoking ban which came into effect in July last year. It is just one of several innovative products for smokers that have recently been launched in response to smoking bans being introduced in many countries.

Liquid Smoking is said to contain not nicotine, but a herbal mixture of roots from South African plants and allegedly produces an instant high followed by a euphoric calming feeling, an experience similar to that of smokers when inhaling cigarette smoke.

Whereas the roots and leaves would traditionally have been chewed on by South African bushmen to produce a high, the Dutch company has managed to reduce the organic matter into an oil which it then uses in the drink.

The drink should go on sale in Britain before Christmas and can be consumed on its own or as a mixer with spirits.

Liquid Smoking comes in a tin, the design of which cleverly evokes that of a well known brand of cigarettes.