Founded in 2013 by Michael Glickman and Harley Bauer, two born and raised New Yorkers with a passion for premium spirits, LIQS worked with brand agency CBX on the design of innovative packaging and the formulation of other branding initiatives for its eponymous line of LIQS™ super-premium, ready-to-drink cocktail shots.
LIQS products are packaged in a 50-mL recyclable, crystal polystyrene shot glass that weighs 21 g. It is sealed and tamper-resistant. Three individually sealed shots of a single flavor are sold in a 24-pt SBS multi-unit pack, printed in four colors with an aqueous coating. Each shot, as well as the outer packaging, carries the burst graphic. Three packs sell for $9.99. LIQS retailers include Crown Wine & Spirits, Big Daddy’s Liquors, I Love Liquor, and other South Florida retailers, which was the market targeted in advance of a strategic regional rollout.
On the LIQS website, Bauer says, “The sophisticated drinker is no longer satisfied with low-grade spirits and artificial ingredients. Our blend of premium spirits and natural flavors make enjoying expertly mixed shots convenient in any setting, from boating, pool or beach parties, home entertaining and catered affairs to music festivals and sporting events.”
“We were inspired by the growth and trends taking place within the premium cocktail and ready-to-drink markets,” adds Glickman. “After witnessing the love consumers have with shots for years, we wanted to disrupt that market by offering a solution that would give people access to delicious shots in any setting and without a bartender.”
LIQS and CBX partnered on a variety of efforts, including strategic alignment and development of the LIQS’ brand mark and package design. “We took our design cues from LIQS’ target customer, a sophisticated millennial who loves spontaneous get-togethers with friends, whether poolside, at the beach, or boating,” says Gregg S. Lipman, CBX Managing Partner.
Sunny and stylish Miami, where LIQS was launched and is based, offered CBX inspiration for the package designs. The firm reinterpreted a sunburst in a series of colorful graphic bursts to correspond with each LIQS flavor—red-orange for Tequila Cinnamon Orange; yellow-green for Vodka Cucumber Lime; aqua-blue for Vodka Kamikaze; and red-pink for Vodka Lychee Grapefruit. The cocktail shots use 45-proof vodka and 55-proof tequila.
“After many years of witnessing the love that consumers have with shots, and the lack of being able enjoy them at home as if made by a bartender, we set out for a solution that would give people access to quality shots they can take anywhere,” says Glickman. “LIQS is a convenient and attractive alternative to a bartender and bar setup and a far cry from ‘test-tube’-style shooters. With the new packaging, we’re delivering mixology with the mixologist.”
