Dunkin’ is expanding beyond your morning coffee fix and diving into your evening unwind with a sweet new twist. Teaming up with Kahlúa, the brand has unveiled the Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur, a creamy, rum-based drink that blends Dunkin’s popular caramel swirl syrup with chocolate and Mexican coffee beans.
Retailing for $24.99 and available nationwide, the liqueur carries smooth notes of toffee, vanilla, and dulce de leche. It’s crafted to be enjoyed over ice or mixed into cocktails like the ever-popular espresso martini.
Caroline Begley, Kahlúa’s VP of marketing, said the collaboration was sparked by the way fans already use Kahlúa at home.
“We went through multiple rounds of meticulous testing and refinement to make sure we got the balance just right: a creamy, indulgent profile with layers of rich caramel, roasted coffee, and subtle sweetness,” she told CNN.
This launch also marks Kahlúa’s biggest bet on a new cream-based product, with Begley noting Gen Z’s love for espresso martinis is driving category growth.
For Dunkin’, it’s another bold move to expand beyond breakfast. Sally Lyons Wyatt of Circana called it an “interesting play,” especially as the alcohol industry navigates slow sales and health trends.
“But then you want to figure out where else can you extend your brand across occasions throughout the day,” she said.
While this won’t shake up Dunkin’s bottom line significantly, retail analyst Blake Droesch said products like these build “affinity with the Dunkin’ brand.”
