When cocktail and spirits guru Paul Zahn invites you to an exclusive event in Hollywood, you clear your calendar immediately. So when the invitation arrived for “Drinks & Donuts” at The Godfrey Hollywood, celebrating Kahlúa’s partnership with Dunkin’, I knew this was going to be one unforgettable evening. (Cover photo credit: Max Aria Photography and Viceroy Photography)
The Collaboration We Never Knew We Needed
On August 5th, 2025, Kahlúa officially launched their nationwide collaboration with Dunkin’, introducing the Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur – and let me tell you, this is the pairing we absolutely never knew we needed. As someone who’s witnessed countless beverage trends come and go in Los Angeles, from cold brew everything to adaptogenic lattes, this collaboration feels both nostalgic and refreshingly innovative.
The genius lies in the simplicity: take America’s beloved coffee shop experience and elevate it with premium liqueur craftsmanship. It’s the kind of crossover that makes perfect sense once you taste it, combining Dunkin’s iconic caramel swirl flavor with Kahlúa’s smooth, coffee-forward profile that’s been perfecting cocktails since 1936.
The Perfect Hollywood Setting
The Godfrey Hollywood, the luxury hotel nestled in the heart of Hollywood provided the ideal backdrop for this celebration. The panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills provided that quintessential LA atmosphere, while the warm lighting created an ambiance that was both luxurious and approachable – much like the Kahlúa Dunkin’ collaboration itself.
A Cocktail Experience That Exceeded Expectations
The evening’s star was undoubtedly the reimagined Espresso Martini, crafted with the new Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur. This wasn’t just a typical spin on the classic cocktail – it was a complete flavor revelation. The familiar coffee notes of a traditional Espresso Martini were beautifully enhanced by the creamy caramel undertones that made each sip feel like a liquid version of your favorite Dunkin’ order.
What impressed me most was how well-balanced the cocktail remained despite the addition of the caramel element. Too often, flavored liqueurs can overwhelm a cocktail’s complexity, but this version maintained that sophisticated edge that makes the Espresso Martini such a beloved choice among myself and LA’s cocktail enthusiasts.
Drinks and Donuts
And of course it wouldn’t be a Paul Zahn event without food pairings. Dunkin’ Munchkins and mini donuts alongside craft cocktails might sound unconventional, but it was absolutely brilliant. The sweet, cake-like texture of the donuts provided the perfect complement to the coffee and caramel notes in the cocktails, creating flavor combinations that were both nostalgic and sophisticated.
The Verdict: A Sweet Success
For home bartenders and professional mixologists alike, this new liqueur opens up countless possibilities. The Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur isn’t just another flavored spirit – it’s a thoughtful collaboration that respects both brands while creating something entirely new and exciting.
Thanks to Paul Zahn’s expertise and The Godfrey Hollywood’s perfect hospitality, the evening showcased exactly why this collaboration deserves attention. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur exploring new flavors or someone who simply loves the nostalgic comfort of coffee and donuts, this pairing offers something genuinely delightful. Cheers to this new dynamic duo!
The Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur is now available in retailers nationwide.
