An alcoholic drink made from the source of cocaine is to be launched in Brighton.

Agwa is a 30 per cent proof drink distilled from coca leaves and is aimed at giving people the energy to party all night.

The tipple's promoters are playing on its drug connections by using "dealers" to sell it and offering drinkers the chance to "score" another free shot. But promoter Henrik Madsen said the drugs terminology is not a trendy marketing ploy.

He said: "Car showrooms have dealers but you wouldn't connect them with drugs. And you can score a goal in football or score with a girl. It depends on what you read into it."

Agwa will be go on sale in 30 to 40 Brighton bars and clubs in June, followed by a national launch.The green liquid is legal and also contains the energy-giving plant guarana.The drink is already available in few bars across town, including the Full Moon, Skid Row and the Saint James.

Saint James' barman Joe Longman, 24, said: "I've tried it and it really does wake you up. It's not very nice on its own as a shot but it's nice with Red Bull; after that you're running round the bar! Its popularity is growing and it will take off in a big way. We've already had to re-order it here."

It will be launched under the slogan Buzzing in Brighton. Mr Madsen said: "The phrase also means Brighton is a happening place. It's buzzing. We chose Brighton because it is full of the kind of people in the right frame of mind for Agwa."

Agwa, which costs £3 a shot, can be drunk neat, combined with a mixer or put into a pint. It is manufactured under licence in the Netherlands from Bolivian coca leaves. The leaves are imported by a pharmaceutical firm which removes cocaine for use in medicinal products. The leftovers are distilled by drinks company Babco International and combined with guarana.

Agwa's label claims that the plant is "reputedly used by Brazilians to improve the stamina of their love life" and the drink's promoters claim it has already been given the nickname Vi-Agwa.

Mr Madsen added: "It is perfectly legal, it cannot contain cocaine. It is a more exciting alternative to the traditional spirits and shots."