A Coffee Liqueur Inspired by Cocktail CulturE
Overview
Café Solo is an award-winning range of espresso-strength cold brew coffee liqueurs crafted for coffee enthusiasts. Inspired by 1980s London - a time when bar alchemist Dick Bradsell created the iconic Espresso Martini at Fred’s Club in Soho - the liqueur captures the bold and decadent spirit of an era where music, fashion, and cocktail culture surged together. Maturation in handpicked casks that formerly held fortified European wines adds depth and complexity to the range variants - altogether a perfect base for any coffee cocktail.
Challenge
To launch a premium coffee liqueur that stands out in a saturated market, Café Solo required a distinctive brand identity that balanced cultural resonance with meticulous craftsmanship. The identity also needed to accommodate future variants, including ready-to-drink options.
Scope
Hoop-la collaborated closely with Café Solo to deliver:
• Brand strategy and positioning reflecting heritage and modern appeal
• Visual and verbal identity ensuring consistent messaging across platforms
• Key packaging design featuring a three-panel wrap-around label telling three stories - product info, coffee origin, and signature cocktail recipes
• Digital and editorial material branding
• Brand strategy and positioning reflecting heritage and modern appeal
• Visual and verbal identity ensuring consistent messaging across platforms
• Key packaging design featuring a three-panel wrap-around label telling three stories - product info, coffee origin, and signature cocktail recipes
• Digital and editorial material branding
Approach
By combining cultural research with creative expertise, Hoop-la worked closely with the Café Solo team to craft an identity true to the product’s story. The collaborative process ensured authenticity, craft, and innovation were faithfully reflected in design and communications
Art Direction
Referencing the monochromatic optimism of Katharine Hamnett’s 1980s style, the visual and verbal language combines 80s culture with European artisanal craftsmanship.
The hand-printed style wordmark and dipped wax closure on each bottle introduce authentic tactile elements inspired by finishes in European fortified wine production, communicating the perfect balance of contemporary and heritage appeal. Material choices and finishes emphasise sustainability and quality. The geographical origins of the variant finishes is visually conveyed through a vibrant colour palette and debossed patterns inspired by traditional ceramic tile patterns from those regions.
Our art direction also guided photography to ensure a consistent mood across all media.
Solution
The final brand channels the energy and spirit of the 80s in a contemporary craft coffee liqueur. Engaging storytelling and thoughtful packaging connect strongly with trade and consumers. Ready-to-drink variants extend this in a convenient format.
Results
Café Solo has received critical and commercial acclaim. The distinct brand identity has secured strong shelf presence and consumer enthusiasm while expanding visibility in bars and retail. Its design and messaging continue to set the stage for future product development.
Awards
Café Solo was recognised at the 2025 World’s Liqueur Awards, receiving both the World’s Best Liqueur Design Award and Best Label Design – UK, acknowledging the exceptional craftsmanship behind its visual identity and packaging design.
Client TESTIMONIAL
"CAFÉ SOLO" began as an idea inspired by the coffee brand "Solo Coffee" and our extensive expertise in cask maturation, particularly how fortified wine casks can add rich finishes to a premium base liqueur. The challenge was to create a totally new brand that captures both the true essence of real coffee and the origins of the Espresso Martini from London’s vibrant 1980s late-night cocktail scene.
Hoop-la created a comprehensive design and unique brand identity that blends the authenticity of traditional coffee with the hedonistic culture of 1980s London cocktail bars. Every element of the design holds integrity and depth, inviting people to discover something new the more they interact with it.
The brand reflects Hoop-la’s creativity and their obsession with detail and quality. I truly believe CAFÉ SOLO could not have been brought to life without the passion Hoop-la bring to every brand project.
Warren Scott - Group Chairman - Fortitude Spirits Group
For brands seeking strategic creative partnership that combines culture, craft, storytelling and all sensory touchpoints, Hoop-la provides expertise to build resonant and enduring identities. Contact us to find out how we can bring your brand to life.
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