Yes You Can: Sikaru “Drink Like a God” Sikaru is a contemporary reinterpretation of one of humanity’s oldest beverages: beer. The name Sikaru originates from ancient Mesopotamia and literally translates to “liquid bread,” referring to the first recorded form of fermented grain drink in human history. By reviving this ancient brewing tradition through a modern design lens, Sikaru reconnects contemporary audiences with a shared cultural heritage that spans millennia. The visual identity of Sikaru draws from ancient motifs, symbols of divine agriculture, and celestial imagery, weaving a golden thread through history from the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China to the present. Each variant represents a distinct geographical and mythological origin, unified under the overarching theme: “Drink Like a God.”
The core beer, Sikaru Original, pays homage to the origins of beer in ancient Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq and Iran. Archaeological findings from Israel’s Raqefet caves (circa 11,000 BCE) suggest that beer was initially brewed from fermented bread and grains, a ritual tied deeply to early agricultural practices. The design of the Sikaru Original can integrates cuneiform-inspired motifs, representing the earliest written records of beer production. At the center stands Dagan, the Mesopotamian god of grain and fertility, symbolizing abundance and nourishment. The visual expression is rich yet minimal, textured gold surfaces echo the sun-drenched plains of Sumer, while rhythmic linework suggests flowing grain and divine energy. This iteration embodies the spirit of communal celebration and the sustenance of the gods. An earthy, herb-infused beer that bridges the ancient with the refined.
The first seasonal variation, Kui, draws inspiration from ancient China, where early fermented beverages were crafted from fruit, rice, and honey. Although this drink’s composition differs from traditional barley-based beer, it shares a spiritual connection through its role in ritual and festivity. Visually, the design references ancient Chinese pottery delicate curves and porcelain-like surfaces are reimagined in a modern matte finish. The can features Shennong, the mythical Chinese deity of agriculture and herbal medicine, depicted amidst constellations symbolizing harvest and balance. Soft gold and red tones dominate the palette, evoking prosperity and vitality. Kui represents the gentler, celebratory side of the divine light, sweet, and radiant.
The second seasonal variant, Heneket, honors the ancient Egyptian brewing tradition. During the reign of the pharaohs, beer was both a sacred and social drink believed to appease gods and maintain cosmic harmony. Egyptian beer, known as heneket, was stronger and richer, brewed with dates and honey, and often consumed during festivals honoring Osiris, god of agriculture and rebirth. The can’s design merges Egyptian iconography with contemporary minimalism. The figure of Osiris is central, portrayed in stylized geometric form surrounded by golden hieroglyphic patterns. Deep amber and lapis blue hues reference the Nile’s life-giving waters and the divine afterlife, while intricate linework hints at eternal cycles of death and renewal. Heneket embodies festivity and transcendence a bold, honeyed flavor symbolizing the vitality of the gods and the rhythm of the seasons.
Visual Identity
Across all three variants, the gold base color serves as a unifying visual and conceptual element representing divinity, abundance, and continuity. Celestial motifs referencing constellations tie the designs together, emphasizing humanity’s timeless fascination with the cosmos and the divine. The expressive, celebratory faces of the gods subtly appear across the cans, communicating joy, indulgence, and reverence. The overall aesthetic is both archaeological and modern an interplay of historical authenticity and contemporary minimalism. Sikaru is more than a beverage, it is a design exploration of cultural continuity. By translating ancient brewing rituals and mythologies into a cohesive modern identity, the project reflects how design can bridge epochs, reawakening ancient narratives within a contemporary context. To drink Sikaru is to participate in a ritual older than civilization itself a divine act of nourishment, festivity, and connection to the gods of the earth.
