The Challenge
How do you capture the awe and mystique of one of nature’s most breathtaking wonders – the cenote – and translate that into an unforgettable brand experience? Cenote Tequila’s current bottle design and branding don’t stand out on shelf. Instead, it blends in with other heritage spirits from a distance.
Levity set out to explore this challenge through a speculative, self-initiated project for Cenote Tequila, a brand with rich, mythical roots. We saw an opportunity to elevate the bottle’s existing design by embracing the beauty and sacred lore surrounding cenotes – natural limestone sinkholes revered by the Maya as portals to the underworld.
Our solution? Make the packaging as immersive as a cenote, from its rocky edges to its crystal-clear waters.
Concept-to-Commerce™ (C2C) Methodology
With every project, we leverage our C2C™ design process, which starts with deep research to ensure our design is rooted in strategy that achieves business success.
We conducted a thorough market audit and retail investigation, enlisted the expertise of a spirits strategist, and delved into the brand’s culture to understand the emotional connection people feel when visiting these natural wonders. Guided by strategic insights, we developed a range of innovative design concepts, each rooted in market data and deliberate decision-making.
The final design features sandblasted glass mimicking the rocky textures of a cenote, inviting the customer to interact with the bottle on a tactile level. The smooth, transparent cap adds a unique visual element, as if offering a glimpse into the serene waters of a cenote. The balance of rugged and refined elements makes this bottle not just a vessel but a conversation piece. Whether displayed at home or behind the bar, it transforms the act of pouring tequila into a moment of discovery.
The Outcome
The result is a bottle that tells a powerful story – one that goes beyond simply holding tequila. You’re holding a natural wonder and connecting the drinker to the magic of the cenote.
Services utilized:
Marketplace Audits + Brand Strategy
Packaging Graphic + Industrial Design
Production Feasibility