How to Get Custom Beer Bottles Made

To get custom beer bottles made, you’ll need to combine the right bottle style, labeling method, and packaging strategy. Start by sourcing bottles in your preferred shape and size, then design personalized beer bottle labels that reflect your brand or event.

Whether you’re brewing at home or for retail, how you label and package matters as much as the beer itself.

1. Choose the Right Bottle for Your Beer

Start with size and shape:

  • 12 oz longneck – the most common and easy to source
  • 22 oz bombers – great for limited releases or sharing
  • Swing-top bottles – reusable, vintage-feel, and ideal for small batches
  • Custom glass molds – possible for large-scale breweries, but expensive

 
Tip: Consider the end use. If you’re gifting or selling, swing-tops and bombers feel premium. For events, longnecks are cost-effective and easy to store. Also make sure your choice fits your capping equipment.

2. Design Beer Bottle Labels That Hold Up

Good beer bottle labels don’t just look cool—they survive cold, moisture, and handling.

What to include:

  • Your logo or name
  • Style (IPA, lager, saison, etc.)
  • ABV, volume, bottling date (optional)
  • Story or message if it’s event-based

Use water resistant labels like BOPP or vinyl. They won’t peel or smudge in a cooler or fridge. Paper labels look great, but unless they’re laminated, they won’t last in wet conditions.

Pro tip: For weddings or events, use personalized beer bottle labels with names, dates, or inside jokes. One couple printed mini bios on each label for their guests to read while toasting. See more ideas in our blog post, How Can You Use Custom Labels in Your Wedding?


 

3. Where to Print: DIY or Professional?

Printing at home:

  • Works for small batches
  • Use templates and full-sheet or pre-cut label paper
  • Requires waterproof stock and a good printer

 
Professional printing:

  • Cleaner, more durable finish
  • Many options for custom beer labels with die-cut shapes
  • Great for bulk orders and consistent application

4. Apply Labels the Right Way

Labeling mistakes are common—especially with condensation or inconsistent placement.
Here’s how to avoid them:

  • Make sure bottles are clean, dry, and room temperature before applying
  • Use a guide or label jig for alignment
  • Apply labels in one smooth motion—start center, press outwards
  • For roll labels, consider a manual or semi-auto applicator to save time and get consistency

 
Important: Never label cold bottles. Even waterproof labels won’t adhere well to condensation.

Packaging tip: Some brewers use two labels—one for branding, one for legal info or tasting notes. It’s a great way to separate design from details without clutter.

beer bottle with custom label

5. How to Package Beer Bottles Safely and Professionally

Whether you’re handing out samples or shipping across states, proper packaging protects your product—and your reputation.

Retail or Wholesale

  • Corrugated boxes with dividers
  • 6-pack or 12-pack carriers with branding
  • Shrink sleeves or tamper-evident seals

Events or Gifts

  • Kraft gift boxes with die-cut windows to show off labels
  • Foam cutouts inside keepsake boxes
  • Add branded tags, stickers, or a note explaining the beer

Shipping Tips

  • Wrap each bottle individually in paper or bubble wrap
  • Use bottle-specific shippers with molded inserts
  • Follow local laws for shipping alcohol and use approved carriers

Note: If you’re mailing alcohol, it’s important to follow local laws and carrier-specific guidelines. In the U.S., most major carriers have policies for alcohol shipments, and requirements can vary by state.

You’ll typically need an alcohol shipping license and adult signature on delivery. The TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) provides helpful guidance for federal compliance.

Need Labels That Actually Stick?

If you’re planning to brand your bottles—whether it’s a homebrew release or your cousin’s wedding—our beer bottle labels are made for real-world use. Moisture, ice buckets, label applicators—no problem.

FAQs

How do I get custom beer bottles made?

You’ll need to source the bottles, design your label, and choose your printing method. Then apply your labels after bottling and chill. You can order everything yourself or work with suppliers who offer bundled packaging and printing.

What label material works best for beer bottles?

Water resistant labels made of BOPP or vinyl perform best. They won’t peel in a fridge or melt in an ice chest. If you use paper labels, laminate them or avoid moisture altogether.

Can I print beer labels at home?

Yes—if you have a good printer and the right paper. Use label templates to line things up. Just test on one bottle before printing the full batch.

What’s the best way to package beer bottles for shipping?

Use molded foam inserts or corrugated bottle shippers. Each bottle should be individually wrapped, and boxes labeled as fragile. Some carriers have alcohol-specific requirements—check first.

Can I use custom labels for events like weddings?

Absolutely. Personalized beer bottle labels are popular at weddings, bachelor parties, birthdays, and holiday gifts. They make great keepsakes and conversation starters. Learn more in our blog post How Can You Use Custom Labels in Your Wedding?