It’s not Kahlúa or Dunkin’, it’s Kahlunkin’!
Academy Award nominated actress, producer, and director Salma Hayek Pinault is returning to the Kahlúa spotlight, this time with a caramel twist swirl. Starring in the newest campaign from the world’s No. 1 coffee liqueur1, Kahlúa’s leading lady helps to spotlight the newly released Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur, which isn’t Kahlúa or Dunkin’, it’s Kahlunkin’.
Directed by Rodrigo Valdes and created by Wieden + Kennedy London, the new It’s Kahlunkin’ campaign is quintessentially Kahlúa: bold, playful, and just a bit extra. The telenovela-inspired spot opens with a group lounging in a living room when an enticing, creamy liquid that looks like Kahlúa is mysteriously poured. Suddenly, Salma kicks down the door, declaring the liquid is not Kahlúa. Moments later, a mustache disguise is revealed, and the pourer turns out to be someone in a Dunkin’ coffee cup costume – the drink is Kahlunkin’! But the question remains: Who. Is. In. The. Cup.?
The phrase Kahlunkin’ represents the perfect union of two icons, bringing together Kahlua’s coffee and rum with Dunkin’s Caramel Swirl flavor and real cream. As dramatically declared in the new spot, Kahlunkin’ is shorthand for what happens when two legendary sips come together to create something sensational, unexpected and just a tad nonsensical.
“It was such a joy to celebrate moments of connection with Kahlúa once again, plus a wink of Dunkin’ humor along the way,” said Salma Hayek Pinault. “I think people will feel the energy and playfulness we felt while shooting.”
To celebrate the official debut of Kahlunkin’, Kahlúa is teaming up with like-minded partners to spread the caramel swirl joy:
- On the screen: Kahlúa and NBCUniversal have joined forces across channels to drive awareness of the new Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur. Tune in to Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live on October 23 at 10 p.m. EST to see “Who Is In The Cup” step behind the bar.
- On the festival scene: Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur will be poured at iconic food and beverage festivals like the New York City Wine & Food Festival and ChainFest LA.
- In the heart of New York: On Tuesday, October 21 from 2-7 p.m., Grand Central Terminal’s Graybar Passage in NYC will host a one-day-only pop-up experience (21+). Guests can be among the first to try this new creamy, dreamy drink paired with Dunkin’ MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats.
“We are thrilled to continue collaborating with our favorite scene-stealer, Salma Hayek Pinault,” said Caroline Begley, Vice President of Marketing, Kahlúa. “She kicks down the door again as the Kahlúa authority, while bringing a level of glamour to everything she does, and our new spot that introduces Kahlunkin’ into the world of Kahlúa is no exception.”
The It’s Kahlunkin’ campaign is now running as streaming video, digital, social and audio. Take a watch of the :30 or :15 spot and guess “Who Is In The Cup” on Kahlua’s website and Instagram for a chance to win a gift from Kahlúa & Dunkin’ with free Dunkin’ coffee for a year2 .
“When we started working with the amazing Salma Hayek Pinault two years ago for our Stir Up campaign, it kicked off our vision to make Kahlúa the world’s most dramatically playful spirits brand. With It’s Kahlunkin’, we’re taking that energy up a notch — stirring up the cream liqueur category with a splash of drama and a whole lot of playfulness,” said Craig van Niekerk, Global Vice President of Marketing for Kahlúa. “Partnering with Dunkin’ was a perfect match. The spot combines their iconic brand of humor with our telenovela-inspired, over-the-top spirit.”
Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur is available at retailers nationwide. Enjoy neat, chilled or over ice and try it paired with a Dunkin’ MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treat garnish. To learn more, visit Kahlua.com and follow @Kahlua.
1IWSR CY2024
2No purchase necessary. Must be 21+ legal resident of (50) U.S. or D.C. Ends 10/22/25. See official rules at www.Kahlua.com/en-us/WhoIsInTheCup. Odds of winning based upon total number of eligible entries received with correct guess. No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited. Sponsor: Pernod Ricard USA, 250 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10177.
