Shaking up tradition with an iconic coffee liqueur
Challenge
Kahlúa has maintained a strong global following since its introduction in 1936 in Veracruz, Mexico. However, seasonal consumption patterns and category familiarity meant the brand was often limited to a narrow set of well-known cocktails.
Holiday retail periods presented an opportunity to stimulate incremental sales, but traditional promotional mechanics offered limited differentiation and did little to expand how consumers used the product.
The challenge was to activate creativity around the brand while reinforcing its coffee identity.
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Solution
A promotional cocktail shaker with an integrated thermos function was developed to encourage both hot and cold drink preparation.
The design language drew from two recognizable brand cues: the form of a coffee bean and the silhouette of the iconic Kahlúa bottle. This translation of brand DNA into a physical accessory connected product heritage with contemporary cocktail experimentation.
The thermos functionality enabled preparation of warm cocktails as well as chilled drinks, broadening the range of occasions in which the liqueur could be used.
The accessory functioned simultaneously as bar tool, brand object, and inspiration device for new drink rituals.
Outcome
The promotion successfully stimulated consumer engagement and increased seasonal sales performance.
Demand for the accessory exceeded initial expectations, leading the brand to repeat the program the following year with a revised colorway, extending the concept while maintaining recognizability.
Role
Concept development and industrial design.
Client: Kahlúa / Pernod Ricard
Agency: Workshop
Illustrator: Dan Berglund
Photo: Blackieshoot
