There was a time when choosing a soft drink meant accepting something simple, sweet and forgettable. Today, expectations have changed. Many people are looking for drinks that offer character, complexity and a sense of occasion, without necessarily containing alcohol. Into this evolving space arrives Toby & Co, a British-born brand seeking to bring a different level of thoughtfulness to the category.
At the centre of the brand is its founder, Tobias Gorn, an internationally recognised drinks specialist, critic and judge. His career has taken him across the world of fine beverages, where craftsmanship, balance and attention to detail are fundamental. With Toby & Co, he set out to combine two ideas rarely considered together in the soft drink market: the artistry of luxury drinks and the growing interest in wellbeing.
The result is the brand’s debut expression, The Green One.
A Soft Drink with the Character of a Cocktail
Presented in a 250ml can, The Green One sits somewhere between a refined soft drink and a non-alcoholic cocktail. It is lightly sparkling, built around orchard fruits, citrus and herbs, and designed to be enjoyed on its own or served as part of a considered drinks offering.
Rather than leaning on sweetness, the flavour profile is structured and layered. There are bright citrus notes at the front, subtle orchard fruit in the middle, and a gentle herbal finish that brings depth and balance. The overall character is reminiscent of fine teas and elegant sparkling wines, offering complexity without heaviness.
It is the sort of drink that invites you to pause and appreciate it, rather than simply reach for refreshment.
Botanicals Inspired by Travel and Place
A defining aspect of The Green One is the careful selection of botanicals. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes that influenced its creation, the drink combines ingredients from the English countryside, the Alps and the Mediterranean.
These botanicals are chosen for both flavour and their traditional associations with wellness and vitality.
Among them are:
- Green tea extract with L-Theanine, known for promoting calm focus and gentle energy.
- Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushrooms, ingredients long associated with cognitive support and relaxation.
- Ashwagandha and ginseng, traditionally used to support energy and resilience.
- Ginkgo biloba and gotu kola, botanicals linked to circulation and cognitive function.
- Celtic sea salt, providing natural electrolytes that contribute to hydration.
Together, they create a drink that aims to support hydration, clarity and balance while delivering a refined taste experience.
Crafted with a Natural Approach
Another notable feature of The Green One is what has been deliberately left out.
The drink contains no added sugar, no artificial colours, preservatives or sweeteners. Instead, it is sweetened only by nature, allowing the botanicals and fruit elements to speak for themselves. The formulation is also suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free lifestyles, reflecting the inclusive thinking behind its development.
A Modern British Interpretation of the Soft Drink
For Tobias Gorn, Toby & Co represents a broader idea about how drinks can evolve.
“We wanted to create something that reminds us of our favourite adventures, from the British countryside to the Alps and the Mediterranean.”
This sense of travel and exploration runs quietly through the drink itself. The flavours evoke gardens, mountain air and Mediterranean herbs, while the formulation reflects a contemporary interest in both enjoyment and wellbeing.
A Thoughtful Alternative
At Raison d’Être, we believe that every glass should feel considered, regardless of whether it contains alcohol. Toby & Co’s The Green One represents a thoughtful addition to the modern drinks table: something refreshing, complex and distinctive, created with care and intention.
For those seeking an alcohol-free option that still carries a sense of character and occasion, it offers a refreshing new perspective on what a soft drink can be.