Heat Wave started with two Florida moms who suddenly had empty nests, too much sun, and not enough good cocktails. So they ditched the boring mixes, grabbed a blender, and set out to create the perfect poolside drink. The result was Heat Wave small-batch cocktails—refreshing, cheeky, and made for lounging in the summer sun.
Heat Wave’s target audience is mostly women in their late 20s to 40s who love a cheeky, stylish drink to bring to the pool, brunch, or backyard hang—and young professionals who are over mass-market seltzers and want something with more personality. They’re social, playful, and design-oriented, looking for a refreshing, aesthetic cocktail that’s like a vacation in a can.
Each label is thoughtfully layered—featuring raised textures that make every bikini pattern pop from the surface. This tactile detail turns each can into a small sensory experience, emphasizing the brand’s craftsmanship and playful intention. Beyond texture, every bikini style, pair of sunglasses, and doodled cocktail is tailored to reflect the “personality” of its flavor. And to top it off, each can invites drinkers to keep the fun going online, with a call to action that leads straight to the Heat Wave website.
To introduce the brand to consumers, Heat Wave comes to life through a completely hand-crafted pool display—immersing shoppers in the playful, sun-soaked world of the brand. The pool doubles as both a “pool” and a functional cooler, stocked with plenty of drinks ready to grab. Surrounding the setup, branded signage on the front and sides boosts recognition, while whimsical details—like colorful straws, tiny pool chairs, a beach umbrella, beach ball, mini ladder, and a cheeky “No Diving” sign—tie the concept together.
Every element of the display is meticulously handmade, showcasing the same precision and craftsmanship that make the brand feel authentic, vibrant, and one of a kind.







CREDIT
- Agency/Creative: Aubrey Lauer
- Article Title: Heat Wave by Student Aubrey Lauer Brings a Sun-Soaked Visual Identity to Ready to Drink Cocktails
- Organisation/Entity: Student
- Project Status: Non Published
- Agency/Creative Country: United States of America
- Agency/Creative City: Savannah
- Project Deliverables: Art Direction, Brand Creation, Brand Design, Brand Identity, Brand Mark, Branding, Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Photography
- Industry: Food/Beverage
- Keywords: WBDS Student Design Awards 2025/26 , graphic design, packaging, brand and identity









