The Design Process of a Custom Cocktail Serve: From Concept to Creation
Creating a custom cocktail serve is about more than just aesthetics — it’s about crafting an experience. Whether you're a bar launching a new menu, a brand looking to elevate customer engagement, or a restaurant seeking to boost drink sales, custom-designed drinkware can tell a story and leave a lasting impression.
In this blog, we break down our design process — how we take ideas from concept to completion — and share what makes our approach unique in the world of custom barware and cocktail serveware.
1. Discovery & Briefing: Where Every Idea Begins
The journey starts with a conversation. Most of our projects begin when a bar, restaurant, or drinks brand approaches us with a new menu, a theme, or simply the desire to create something unforgettable. Sometimes the brief is detailed; other times, it’s just a rough idea or vibe.
In this phase, we work closely with clients to understand:
Brand identity and target audience
Desired function and presentation style
Budget, timeline, and quantity goals
Any specific themes or inspirations
2. Concept Development: Visualising the Vision
Once we’ve defined the brief, the creative process begins. Our design team develops:
Mood boards to capture tone and style
Sketches and early concept ideas
Material suggestions based on practicality, durability, and cost
This stage helps explore all creative avenues while keeping production feasibility in mind. It’s also where we often narrow down to the most viable concept.
3. Concept Design: Blending Form & Function
With a concept approved, we develop detailed designs:
Technical drawings for production
Hand-rendered illustrations to visualise the final piece
Functional considerations for real bar use (weight, stability, ease of service, stackability)
We understand that a cocktail vessel isn’t just a prop — it has to look amazing on a table and perform in a high-pressure service environment.
4. Prototyping & Production: From Sketch to Reality
Once the design is locked in, we move into production planning. Depending on the complexity and material, we’ll either:
Produce a prototype for review and testing
Head straight into production for simpler or lower-risk items
We work with a range of materials — from ceramic, wood, and metal to multi-use plastics and fiberglass — and because we produce many of our serves in-house or through trusted partners, our deep understanding of construction and tooling allows us to bring bold and unusual ideas to life.
Whether it’s a tiki mug shaped like a pirate ship or a cocktail glass disguised as a chemistry beaker, we’re all about making imaginative ideas functional and production-ready.