Dunkin's New Celebrity Drink with Sabrina Carpenter Goes Viral
Dunkin' is starting 2024 by partnering with pop star Sabrina Carpenter for a new drink that's already getting attention on social media.
The coffee chain introduced "Sabrina's Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso" on New Year's Eve, featuring espresso shaken with oat milk and brown sugar flavor. The drink launch coincides with Carpenter's 2024 hit song "Espresso," which reached number three on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
"When we first dreamed up Sabrina's Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso at Dunkin', it had to be more than another delicious drink on the menu — we wanted to bring some levity to guests' everyday coffee order," said Dunkin' chief marketing officer Jill McVicar Nelson.
The promotion includes a playful commercial called "Shake that Ess'" produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's Artists Equity company. The ad features Carpenter and other performers shaking their drinks to the tune of "Espresso." A limited-edition Shakin' Espresso Shaker, priced at $12.99, sold out in just 17 minutes when released on December 31.
The drink has gained lots of positive reviews across social media, with fans comparing it favorably to similar offerings from competitors. One unexpected viral review came from "Grandma C," an 81-year-old TikTok creator who praised the beverage's "strong coffee flavor" and creaminess. Her review caught Carpenter's attention, leading to a heartwarming social media exchange where the singer commented, "I love you grandma C."
This celebrity partnership continues Dunkin's strategy of star-powered marketing campaigns. In 2023, the chain collaborated with Martha Stewart for iced-drink shaking tutorials and featured celebrities like Will Arnett and Joey Fatone in summer beverage promotions.
The Carpenter collaboration comes as Dunkin' releases its winter menu, which includes new items like the Lava Cake Signature Latte and special deals for loyalty program members. This follows the coffee industry's trend toward cold beverages, which now represent the majority of drink sales at many coffee chains.
RELATED: Taco Bell Launches Live Más Café, a New Specialty Drink Concept
To support the launch, Dunkin' is offering mobile app promotions and loyalty rewards, including bonus points for "Mobile Monday" orders throughout January.
@crlchpmn Grandma C is trying Sabrina’s brown sugar shaken espresso @Dunkin' ♬ original sound - Carol Chapman
