Sat in a cosy pub in Cornwall one Winter’s day in 2018, our founders pondered the absence of craft tonics compared with the ever-burgeoning range of craft gins that were on offer. Musing over the idea of Cornish Tonic Water, the seed of Navas was born..
Working at length with Cornish distillers, they tasked themselves to perfect a Tonic that enhanced botanicals without over-powering them. In reverence of the environment that living in that part of West Cornwall inspires, we knew the recipe needed to start with Cornish Spring Water.With naturally filtered water (through the granite of Bodmin Moor) and an aim to have as many natural ingredients as possible, our journey led to a discussion with the nearby Eden Project to experiment with growing botanicals in their renowned biomes.
Navas drinks are proud to continue working with the Eden Project and are donating a percentage of every sale, directly to it's mission.
After feedback from friends and family, enthusiasm for the product and the opportunity quickly grew. The business idea became a reality in Summer 2019.
The result was Navas – named after a beautiful creek on the Helford River, just South of Falmouth, where the Cornish ecosphere is at it’s most elemental. The branding uses the stunning seascape and rock patterns of the area as the backdrop of it's labelling.
Just 6 Months after launch, the UK was in lockdown, and hospitality closed in the key season. Yet Navas survived, and has now grown rapidly to become the leading independent Premium Tonic and Mixer brand in Cornwall and the South West – and soon further afield too.
Taste and product performance to enhance and illuminate spirit partners, has led to a number of recent accolades and awards for Navas.
April 2021 – voted Best Light Tonic by The Independent Newspaper.
Dec 2021 – Top 3 Finalist in Western Morning News Start-up of the Year.
2022/23 – Awarded 3 Gold Medals by Taste of the West.