Teddy Tears

Cocktails for All the Feels

Teddy Tears
Summary
Teddy Tears brings unapologetic humor and high-proof cocktails together in a way the canned space hasn’t seen before. With bold character, clean design, and flavors as unexpected as the brand’s voice, Teddy Tears stands out as the drink for anyone who’s “been through it” and still knows how to laugh about it.
Services Provided
Branding and Can Design
Beverage Category
RTD
Market
California
Teddy Tears logo in bold black serif typeface, stacked across two lines on a white background.

Brand Story & Vision

Teddy Tears was born from the idea that drinking should be both elevated and entertaining. The brand embraces the contradictions of life—sweet and bitter, playful and strong, silly and serious. With a sad-eyed teddy bear mascot and the ironic tagline “Don’t Not Smile,” Teddy Tears gives consumers permission to feel it all while enjoying a cocktail that’s as bold as their story. The vision: to become the go-to beverage for moments that are messy, memorable, and full of personality.

Our Creative Process

Our approach leaned into the humor and humanity of the brand. We developed a visual identity anchored in the illustrated teddy bear, using color-coded tears and flavor splashes to differentiate SKUs. Hand-drawn typography nods to imperfection while pairing with a bold, modern wordmark. Messaging was crafted to capture Teddy’s character: cheeky, raw, and relatable—like a friend who makes you laugh mid-breakdown. Every design choice amplified the brand’s storytelling potential, ensuring cans don’t just sit on shelves, but spark conversation.

Three Teddy Tears cocktail cans lined up, featuring Lavender Gin Lemon Drop, Rosemary Vodka Lemon Drop, and Smoky Bourbon Lemon Drop flavors with illustrated bear mascot and lemon accents.

Project Summary & Results

For Teddy Tears, we created a bold and playful identity that leans into humor while still delivering a clean, premium look. From the illustrated mascot to the cheeky tagline “Don’t Not Smile,” every element was designed to reflect the brand’s ironic personality and emotional storytelling. The can lineup uses color-coded tears and flavor splashes to distinguish each SKU, while maintaining a cohesive shelf presence that feels instantly recognizable. This approach positioned Teddy Tears as more than just a cocktail—it became a brand with character, built to spark conversation, drive consumer connection, and carve out a distinct space in the crowded ready-to-drink market.

Close-up of Teddy Tears can side panel showing playful brand copy with the tagline “Don’t Not Smile” and character description of Teddy.Close-up of Teddy Tears can front, highlighting sad teddy bear mascot illustration with green tear drop and lemon slice graphic.

Get Started with DigiMade Today!

Your beverage brand deserves an agency built entirely around your needs. Partner with a top beverage branding agency trusted by founders, formulators, and investors across the country.