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ervey.nyc

the spark


Luchata started as a simple craving. My friend Marco Lemair and I noticed that while plant-based milks were everywhere, no one had reimagined horchata, a drink we both grew up with, for the modern market. We wanted to create something that stayed true to its roots but fit today’s lifestyles: dairy-free, shelf-stable, and ready-to-drink. What began as a kitchen experiment quickly evolved into a full design and research project.

the problems


1. The ready-to-drink horchata market is severely underserved.

2. Fresh horchata has a short shelf life and spoils quickly, making it hard to enjoy on the go.

3. Current packaged options are loaded with condensed milk and excessive sugar, making them heavy, overly sweet, and far from healthy.

the solution


offer a healthy, ready-to-drink alternative for a new, thirsty generation seeking to reconnect with their favorite traditional beverage.

process


We started with market research, surveying the current landscape of plant-based drinks and identifying gaps in accessibility and cultural storytelling.

From there, we hosted a tasting event with over 30 attendees, collecting survey data on taste preferences, texture, and packaging impressions.

The responses guided our next steps, from adjusting sweetness levels to refining our brand narrative.

sourcing...

tested many bottles...

many iterations were made...

Building a mockup in blender...

As a designer, I focused on visual identity and packaging, developing prototypes that balanced cultural authenticity with a bold, contemporary feel. I designed labels, color palettes, and logo variations that could communicate both heritage and innovation on a crowded shelf.

project:
luchata

type:
branding/research

role:
co-founder, product designer, graphic designer

skills:
ux research, product design, package design

team:
Marco LeMair

date completed:
may 2025