When two icons collide, things get creamy, caramelly, and delightfully chaotic. Kahlúa and Dunkin’ serve up a swirl of humor and heat—starring the ever-glamorous Salma Hayek Pinault.
There’s drama—and then there’s Kahlunkin’ drama. Academy Award–nominated actress and producer Salma Hayek Pinault is back, bottle in hand, bringing her signature fire to the newest campaign from the world’s #1 coffee liqueur, Kahlúa, this time with a caramel twist.
The “It’s Kahlunkin’” campaign, directed by Rodrigo Valdes and created by Wieden + Kennedy London, finds Salma turning an ordinary lounge scene into a telenovela-level spectacle. A mysterious creamy liquid gets poured, doors fly open, and Salma bursts in like a caffeine-fueled storm goddess to declare—it’s not Kahlúa! Moments later, the real culprit is revealed: someone in a Dunkin’ coffee cup costume. The drink? Neither Kahlúa nor Dunkin’—it’s Kahlunkin’, a blend of both worlds and a flavor mash-up that’s as extra as the campaign itself.
The partnership celebrates Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur, a smooth fusion of Kahlúa’s coffee and rum with Dunkin’s beloved Caramel Swirl and real cream. It’s indulgent, unexpected, and just a little bit wild—exactly how Salma likes it.
“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.”
The campaign’s rollout matches the vibe: bold, fun, and everywhere. Fans can tune in to Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live on October 23 to catch “Who Is In The Cup” make their surprise reveal, or swing by Grand Central Terminal’s Graybar Passage in NYC for a one-day Kahlunkin’ pop-up experience—complete with samples and Dunkin’ MUNCHKINS® pairings.
Behind the cheeky tone, there’s a serious brand power play here. Caroline Begley, VP of Marketing for Kahlúa, calls Salma the brand’s “scene-stealer” who brings glamour and authenticity to everything she touches. And Craig van Niekerk, Kahlúa’s Global VP of Marketing, adds, “With It’s Kahlunkin’, we’re stirring up the cream liqueur category with a splash of drama and a whole lot of playfulness. Partnering with Dunkin’ was the perfect match.”
Whether you sip it neat, chilled, or over ice with a MUNCHKINS® garnish, Kahlunkin’ promises a little extra flair with every pour. Just remember—drink responsibly, and keep guessing: Who. Is. In. The. Cup?
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