Logo for Ruby D Tonics -- need elegant simplicity!

Ruby D Tonics (OPTIONAL - please focus on the logo artwork)

Ruby D Tonics manufacturers and bottles small-batch quinine tonic concentrate. The concentrate is mixed with club soda to create the tonic water used in Gin & Tonics, Vodka Tonics, rum mixers, etc. It also provides a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.

Our tonic concentrate is created in small batches using natural ingredients (cinchona bark for the quinine, agave syrup for the sweetener, various herbs, spices, and citruses for subtle, yet complex, flavor profiles).

Our target audience enjoys fine gins, vodkas, and other spirits. They are willing to pay a premium for quality spirits, and would purchase a quality tonic which enhances, not detracts, their imbibing pleasures.

This audience will likely include young professionals (30-45 age), experienced management (50-60 age), and well-off retirees. It will also include higher-end bars, nightclubs, and restaurants where mixology is a valued art form.

We are contemplating using the bold lines and message of a black "familiar" animal, either a crow or cat.

We favor a crow/raven design featuring a ruby: Possibilities might be a crow lifting off into flight after snatching a ruby from a nest of rubies, or a crow in silhouette with a ruby in its beak. Sumi-e style would be of interest, but is not required. Bold lines, unmistakable design definition, are qualities in the logo that are absolutes.

Alternatively, we envision a black cat, possibly curled up with a ruby in its paws, or a silhouette of a cat with a ruby on its neck. Possibilities of the cat "snatching" the ruby from the air are intriguing. Again, sumi-e style would be interesting, but is not required. Both crow and cat concepts illustrating a clear uncluttered sense of purpose and motion are preferred.

A third idea was the letter D in ruby red, glowing or backlit, with the word Ruby shown but muted. (Update 4/30/2014:  We're tending to not like this idea so much, but we might consider a really unique take on it.)

Looking for simple, timeless and graceful elegance. Bold lines and unmistakable design definition are qualities in the logo that are absolutes.

The attached document is only to give an idea of the product. The actual production label will be significantly different.

Other ideas you have are welcomed! We look forward to your imagination and creativity.