New carbonated vodka aims to get you in the mood

A lightly sparkling vodka with extracts from exotic herbal aphrodisiacs has been unleashed into the UK white spirit market.

Large Distilleries, based in Manchester and London, claims its Vodka 02 brand is the world's first and only carbonated vodka and the company is looking to target upmarket pubs and bars following its launch earlier this month.

In order to keep it lightly sparkling, Vodka O2 will be sold in 100ml "flight" sized bottles that are also designed to encourage consumers to share the drink.

Philip Maitland of Large Distilleries added that the company has sourced various aphrodisiacs from all over the world to give the drink an added dimension.

They include Yohimbe, reputed to stimulate both sexual desire and performance by increasing sensation and stamina, the Brazilian Catuaba bark, which is supposed to give strength and relieve fatigue and Damiana, a small Mexican shrub widely used as a stimulant to improve the libido of both men and women.

Philip Maitland added that the company had consulted the Portman Group prior to the brand's launch.

"Alcohol is in itself an aphrodisiac and always has been - but Vodka O2 is not about adding to one's sexual prowess," he said.

"They are natural aphrodisiacs and they help put you in a good mood quicker which means you don't have to drink as much."