Award winning Banks Botanical celebrating Australia's unique bush flavours

To coincide with the start of Dry July, Banks Botanicals announces the arrival of its first nonalcoholic organic botanical spirit onto the global market.

Banks Botanicals is a celebration of Australian flavour.  Named in honour of the Banksia, the non-alcoholic spirit combines mountain-fresh Yarra Valley water with five distinctive ingredients – wattleseed, lemon myrtle, lime, cassia and pepperberry.

And it's good for you: organic, non-alcoholic, 100 per cent sugar and gluten-free and vegan friendly.

It has already created a stir during its pre-launch phase, winning a silver medal at the April London Spirits Award and in May, Banks Botanicals was named the Regional Alcohol Free Producer of the Year at the New York International Spirit competition.

The arrival of Banks Botanicals confirms increasing international interest in, and demand for, non-alcoholic alternatives. 

Co-founder Yolanda Uys says: “We are aware that more people are looking for a drink that is sophisticated, non-alcoholic and taste-driven, yet still allows all of us to be part of the mix. Whether it is mixing it up with friends midweek or mixing in a big day out today with a big day coming up tomorrow, they want to enjoy the best of spirits while being part of the moment.”

The five carefully selected botanicals each have their own unique flavour: wattleseed with its nutty rich aroma, lemon myrtle and its fresh citrus notes, limes for their floral citrus flavour, cassia’s cinnamon sweetness, and the spice of pepperberries.

Banks Botanicals is the result of many months’ planning, distilling, tasting and test-driving. Its arrival corresponds with a new wave of interest in non-alcoholic products.  According to the 2021 IWSR Drinks Market Analysis’ No- and Low-Alcohol Strategic Study, no- and low-alcohol volume in Australia increased by 2.9% last year and is expected to grow by 16% in the next three years. 

Yolanda Uys also acknowledges the impact of recent lockdowns on the non-alcoholic drinks market. 

“The post-pandemic impact has accelerated the demand for non-alcoholic drinks with the category now being one of the fastest growing categories in the drinks industry,” she explains.

“Retailers are already recognising this, and we have already seen the category expand and choice increase.  We believe Australian products given our rich natural abundance can lead the charge.”

Uys adds: “We are passionate about providing quality Australian products and choice.  When it comes to the changing face of the drinks market, behaviours are shifting, and people are looking for balance and moderation without the compromise. And we believe Banks Botanicals ticks all the boxes.”

Banks Botanicals has also pledged 10 cents of every bottle sold to Bush Heritage Australia, a not-for-profit national conservation program committed to restoring and protecting Australia’s unique native flora and wildlife.  

Says Banks Botanicals co-founder Frank De Palma: “We believe in Bush Heritage’s work, and we are huge supporters of its mission to save hundreds of endangered species.

“Bush Heritage is an independent not-for-profit that buys and manages bush and former farming land, and partners with Aboriginal people, to conserve and renew our magnificent landscapes and our irreplaceable native species forever.  We are honoured to be supporting this important national project from the outset.”

Banks Botanicals is now available. It can be purchased via Banks Botanical’s website and from selected national and independent retailers.  RRP $49.99 (700ml).