Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur Launch

New York, N.Y. — Academy Award–nominated actress Salma Hayek Pinault has returned to Kahlúa’s advertising spotlight. She stars in a new campaign for the Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur.

Rodrigo Valdes directs the campaign, and Wieden + Kennedy London develops it. It features a telenovela-inspired video. The video introduces the drink’s blend of coffee, rum, Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl flavor, and real cream.

The limited-time product is available at retailers nationwide.

The campaign is titled “It’s Kahlunkin’.” It highlights the collaboration between Kahlúa and Dunkin’. The brands combine their signature flavors into a cream liqueur offering. In the video, Hayek Pinault confronts a mysterious pourer. The pourer disguises themselves as a Dunkin’ coffee cup. This reveals the drink’s identity as Kahlunkin’.

“It was such a joy to celebrate moments of connection with Kahlúa once again, plus a wink of Dunkin’ humor along the way,” said Hayek Pinault. “I think people will feel the energy and playfulness we felt while shooting.”

Kahlúa’s Vice President of Marketing, Caroline Begley, added that the campaign positions Hayek Pinault as the brand’s authority while introducing the new product:

“She kicks down the door again as the Kahlúa authority, bringing glamour to the campaign that introduces Kahlunkin’ to consumers.”

Multi-channel launch

The campaign rollout includes digital, social, streaming, and audio spots, supported by activations across television and live events:

Television: Collaboration with NBCUniversal includes a feature on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live on October 23.
Experiential: A one-day pop-up at Grand Central Terminal in New York City on October 21 allowed visitors 21+ to sample the liqueur alongside Dunkin’ MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats.
Festivals: Kahlúa will showcase the product at events such as the New York City Wine & Food Festival and ChainFest LA.

Social media campaigns encouraged fans to guess “Who Is In The Cup?” via Kahlúa’s Instagram and website, revealing TV personality Rob Mariano as the identity behind the cup.

Industry context

The Kahlúa Dunkin’ collaboration represents a growing trend in the CPG industry toward co-branded limited-time offerings and flavored cream liqueurs. Legacy spirits and popular coffee or snack brands increasingly use partnerships to attract younger consumers and drive seasonal engagement.

Analysts note that experiential activations, like pop-ups and social media games, are becoming standard methods to combine marketing with audience participation.

Craig van Niekerk, Global Vice President of Marketing for Kahlúa, emphasized the brand’s strategy:

“With It’s Kahlunkin’, we’re stirring up the cream liqueur category with a splash of drama and a whole lot of playfulness.”

Community News

Update: January 2026 While Dunkin’ is busy shaking up happy hour with Kahlúa, the brand is also making a massive impact on its local communities. The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation kicked off the year by awarding over $1.6 million to support children battling hunger and illness across New York. To see which organizations received funding and how the money is being used, read our full report on the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Grants.

Source86 perspective

From a CPG perspective, the Kahlúa Dunkin’ launch demonstrates how heritage brands are leveraging cross-category partnerships. These collaborations help brands innovate within established categories. Co-manufacturing and private-label collaborations can extend reach, attract diverse audiences, and create buzz in both retail and social channels.

At Source86, we observe a larger trend in experiential marketing and playful brand storytelling. Brands now pair product launches with interactive campaigns and multi-platform content. Contact us!

External Source: PR Newswire – SALMA HAYEK PINAULT RETURNS IN NEW KAHLÚA® AND DUNKIN’® CAMPAIGN TO SWIRL UP THE DRAMA