11 Unique Alcohol Bottle Designs
When it comes to unique and cool alcohol bottle designs, people’s reactions may differ from one another. What makes you go “wow” and other people go “wow” is likely to vary.
First of all, you have to identify who your buyer is. Your product packaging is competing on shelves and at bars. Buyers have to identify themselves with your product packaging. How would they feel buying your product? Can your design encourage them to buy? You have to think about and test the purchase drivers.
The taste is more important than the packaging, but eye-catching design can be decisive! Unique aesthetics and creativity of execution impact overall effectiveness and impression.
For example, putting a QR code can lead your buyers to a website where they can find some recipes, etc. Think about packaging itself in this way, it can be a marketing tool for increasing brand awareness for the future.
A bottle design should be sophisticated and memorable. The design itself has to offer a value-added experience.
When consumers pick their poison, there is an overwhelming number of alcohol bottles (tequila, gin, rum, vodka) on the shelves in every store. If you put yourself in the consumer’s shoes then ask yourself: How will this bottle fit in my home?
Today everyone has their mix of botanicals. So, to stand out is not an option it is a must.
In the text below we’ve laid out some of the best alcohol bottle designs.
Hendrick's Gin
Janet Sheed Roberts named gin in honor of an expert family gardener, Hendrick. The brand is launched in 1999 in Scotland.
Apothecary style with opaque glass and a short neck. So you can say that the bottle actually protects the liquid inside from the sun which refers to gin’s medicinal past. You can’t see how much is left inside, it is heavy and short. The packaging looks like an old Victorian apothecary’s bottle.
What does Hendrick’s gin team say about their mix of botanicals? Well, for them it is a most unusual premium gin distilled in Scotland, with curious, yet marvelous, infusions of cucumber and rose. They are using two stills, one is the Bennet traditional copper pot, and the other is a rare Carterhead still, to produce its gin.
To point out, you can find 13 different ingredients inside Hendrick’s bottle. It’s not a London Dry because cucumber and rose oils are infused after distillation.
While producing marketing content they are using Victorian-era themes and playing around with inventive marketing ideas like launching “Theatre of Absurd” (the website and steady stream of events), and “A Journey most unusual” (guests are able to sample the cocktails) performances. These things are creating brand identity and image while customers are having fun being engaged and involved in these performances.
Price: 39$
Patron Tequila
The name “Patron” translated into English has the meaning “big boss”. John Paul DeJoria and Martin Crowley started the brand in 1989, in Mexico. You can buy Patron Tequila in over 100 countries around the world. Bacardi Limited as a parent company lends Patron its resources and logistics expertise. In the USA, Tequila is a big deal and Patron Tequila dominates the category. However, many tequila brands are facing some production issues these days because high demand outruns agave supply.
Each bottle is handcrafted with a glass-blowing technique. They’re very detail oriented, each bottle label is applied by humans and is individually numbered. We must admit that this is a great example of a unique alcohol bottle design that truly differentiates this tequila brand from others.
The design of Patron bottles on the shelf elicits sexiness and timeless class, they used it to increase brand awareness. Over the years, the patron tequila team’s efforts pushed them straight to one of the most desirable tequila brands. You want to see this bottle in your hand, at home, and in your glass at the bar.
Patron’s team encouraged their consumers to get creative with empty bottles. This way they leverage emotional attachment to the product.
People repurpose their empty Patron bottles in many creative ways. From soap dispensers, lamps, vases, etc.
Price: 50$
Absolut Vodka
“Absolut Rent Brannvin” or Absolutely Pure Vodka, translated into English. The brand name was shortened to Absolut. The name itself refers to pureness and cleanness.
Each bottle is produced in the same place, in Ahus, Sweden. They are using Swedish natural water.
From the beginning, the Absolute Vodka bottle design stood out among all the other same-looking alcohol bottle designs. Despite all the predictions that it is not possible to succeed in the market without paper labels, they put the information directly on the bottle and make it.
After 42 years, they re-design the bottle by putting opaque paper labels and removing scripts on the front of the bottle. In 1992, Absolut Vodka became a part of the Marketing Hall of Fame. Without doing any TV advertising they reached the same level of popularity as Nike and Coca-Cola.
Andy Warhol did a lot for the popularization of Absolute Vodka among artists.
He revealed the artistic potential of the bottle design and served the brand as an ambassador. So, many artists from around the world could identify themselves with the brand. Elin, global director of portfolio and innovation said that “collaboration is how the brand was and continues to be built”.
In 2018, Absolut vodka’s team start a contest on the China market and encourage artists to draw their own bottle designs. Next, the best piece of drawing would be released globally. Not only do they make local people compete against each other, but also they make them speak (word of mouth marketing) about the brand with their friends, family, etc.
They once produced 4 million limited edition bottles but every single bottle was with a different pattern. Could you imagine? Thirty-five color types and fifty-one pattern types.
Price: 29$
Maker's Mark Whisky
Pewter whitesmiths had a habit to put the phrase “Maker’s Mark” on their best work, which inspired Margie Samuels for the name of her Whiskey.
The Maker’s Mark team has an old joke that goes, “If we could make it any faster, we wouldn’t.” It makes sense because it’s one bottle at a time at Maker’s Mark. The only distillery with its own water source and watershed. A bottle of Maker’s Mark is hand-dipped in 400-degree red wax.
The first bottles went out for sale in 1958. Margie Samuels invented Maker’s Mark brand. She was the wife of distiller Bill Samuels. Margie put all things up, the company’s logo, the font on the label, and the name – Maker’s Mark. Also, her idea was also to put a wax closure on the bottle.
Sixty years ago, Maker’s Mark launched an advertising campaign: “It tastes expensive…and is” referring to its high price. The campaign was a failure at first. But after they partnered with Airlines to serve liquor during flights it catches the attention of a Wall Street Journal reporter who put the story on the front page and helped them to increase their sales.
Wax is decorative in this case but it gives a special vibe of old times.
Price: 31$
Old Pilot’s Gin
Two pilots and friends started a business in 2018. All botanicals (juniper, angelica root, sage, lavender, olive leaves, sweet orange, bitter orange) in this London Dry style gin are grown in Croatia. Hand-picked, botanicals are grown in the Mediterranean and continental parts of Croatia.
“A single bottle packed with best flavors Croatia has to offer”, is how the pair describe the gin.”
This creative alcohol bottle design features a white label with copper foil details. Old Pilot’s gin has won a gold medal at the eminent San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). Also, they won a bronze medal in the Packaging Design Competition, at the same ceremony but a separate competition, for their bottle design. The shape of the label follows the shape of the plane’s wings. So the bottle simply tells the story of two passions combined; flying and spirits.
Guys behind Old Pilot’s brand are saying that the full process (preparation, distillation, maturation, bottling, labeling, and wax sealing) is done by hand. You can find Old Pilots Gin in many sizes as small bottles 0,05 L or 0,2 L and 0,7 L which is regular size.
Price: 59$
Martel XO Cognac
If we translate “Martel” in English, it means hammer. In history, the word “Martel” was used for a smith or forceful person. In this case, the name of this exceptional cognac was taken from the last name (Martell) of a family. The “XO” stands for “extra old” which means Eaux de vie is at least six years old.
While looking closely, we can realize that the bottle itself looks very luxurious, and the glass is heavy and detailed. The original, elegant, and unique bottle design truly represents all the values of the brand. The taste of Martell XO could be described as fruity (fig, walnut, sandalwood), piquant, and spicy with a silky final note.
Martell XO transmits waves of positive energy and elegance. In some countries identified as “the arch”. This iconic alcohol bottle design is very easy to notice on the shelf. Gold details and dynamic lines are the perfect pair along with a heavy cap. The shape reminds us a bit of the carafe.
The main goal of this bottle design was to enhance the status and prestige. We have to admit they really created an outstanding and luxurious image.
TV campaign for Martell XO started with the line: “Shape Your World”, and the main part of the campaign is a successful businessman who finds inspiration in arches.
Price: 201$
Eminente Rum
Moët Hennessy has introduced Eminente, the Cuban rum brand, in the UK, France, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
The Eminente rum name sounds very Hispanic and refers to the soul of Cuba. That was the main reason for the naming of this rum brand. According to the words of Camille de Dominicis who established the brand, they were completely amazed by what they called the eminence of the island and savoir-faire of Cesar Marti (Cuba’s youngest “maestro ronero”).
This full-bodied rum with smokey and coffee notes has aged a minimum of 7 years in white oak barrels before it appears on your table.
Each label is placed by hand in Cuba. Inspired by “Isla del Cocodrilo”, the logo is crocodile-shaped and the glass is textured in a way that reminds you of crocodile skin. Bottles are produced in Mexico, the closest country to Cuba that makes glass. Outstanding work we have to admit!
The back label has a form of a train ticket and can serve as an invitation to visit Cuba.
Once emptied the bottle could be repurposed as a candle holder, a vase, or a water jar.
Price: 59$
Nixta Liqueur
A properly designed bottle that represents the liquid inside. Nixta is a Mexican liqueur made from maíz cacahuacintle or cacahuazintle maize (the name of an old white corn originating in Mexico). It’s hard to find a seed to grow in the USA.
The name comes from the process of nixtamalization, a cooking technique used to get the flavor of corn. This technique is included in the liqueur’s production.
The design stands out on the crowded back bars and liquor store shelves. Corn is a part of Mexican national identity and culture. For this reason, the whole story so far is perfectly rounded.
Double Gold winner at San Francisco World Spirits Competition and titled one of the top packaging designs of 2021 by The Dieline.
This smooth liqueur is the first of its kind. So, you won’t find anything similar on the market. Innovative spirit and unique bottle design sound good to us! Give it a try, definitely worth it.
Price: 47$
RedBreast 12 Whiskey
Inspiration for the name was a small Robin RedBreast bird. According to the story, the bird was wounded, while the other story tells that Christ’s blood fell on the bird’s breast. For one of these reasons, the bird has colored breasts.
The bird represents new beginnings and growth.
How do they promote their brand? Well, they started a global marketing video campaign with its iconic Robin Redbreast. Created using CGI technology, the campaign is named “Introducing Robin Redbreast. We can describe it as memorable with a good sense of humor.
The bottle comes along with a metal bird-cage-shaped bottle holder. The brand donates 3,7 $ to Birdlife International for each sold bottle. It’s a charity dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats. This bird feeder cage can have multiple purposes.
Price: 79$
The Olde Raleigh Bourbon
Visually delightful, some will say the sexiest bottle design they saw. The shape of the flask’s unique design is inspired by antique crystal decanters. We can say, this makes sense since they are using 19th-century Scottish blending practices. The bourbon inside the bottle is actually a blend of three different Bourbons from across the USA.
This honey-cask-finished bourbon is robust and perfectly balanced with caramel and chocolate notes. The family-owned and operated distillery has its doors open in the heart of Downtown Zebulon, North Carolina.
With the Olde Raleigh Whiskey Society membership, you are able to gain special access to hands-on workshops, exclusive events, and more.
If you look closely, you’ll notice a metal coin atop of closure. The Whiskey Society (membership) logo is engraved on it and into the base of the bottle.
After you drink all liquid from the inside, the bottle could be repurposed as a decanter later.
Price: 80$
Louis XIII Cognac
This decanter was created in 1874, following the original decanter’s unique design discovered on a battlefield in France in the 16th century. The shape of the bottle with flowers (fleurs-de-lys) as decorative design symbols is quite fascinating. Fleurs-de-lys could be described as a symbol of French royalty.
Inside a decanter, there are around 1200 various kinds of Eaux de vie from the finest region of Cognac, Grande Champagne. Impressive, unique, and rare blend.
There are no two same-looking Louis XIII decanters and each one has its own serial number. Moreover, decanters are available in a range of sizes, from 5 cl up to 6 L.
They launched The Drop, a nomadic collection of five 10 ml bottles with the purpose to target a younger audience. Each of these small bottles can be paired with a case and strap. So you are able to wear it as an accessory (so fashionable!).
Are you ready for more? Louis XIII introduces Infinity Wheel (available internationally from 2023) for refilling your hand-crafted decanters.
Price: 3700$
The Drop
They launched The Drop, a nomadic collection of five 10 ml bottles with the purpose to target a younger audience. Each of these small bottles can be paired with a case and strap. So you are able to wear it as an accessory (so fashionable!).
Are you ready for more? Louis XIII introduces Infinity Wheel (available internationally from 2023) for refilling your hand-crafted decanters.
As shown above, sustainability is still a challenge for each of the brands. Especially because they have to find a balance between aesthetics and environmentally friendly materials.
All, these alcohol brands are massively recognized in the consumer world. We’re sure you’ll find your favorite among these 11 very unique alcohol bottle designs.
