the Last Drop

Coffee mate stirs up magic with Harry Potter creamers

Ahead of Harry Potter’s birthday on July 31, Coffee mate unveiled limited-edition creamers inspired by The Boy Who Lived. The two creamers feature velvety smooth tastes inspired by the whimsical treats from Honeydukes, the brand says. Coffee mate Toffee Cauldron Cake Flavored Creamer consists of the sweetness of caramel matched with buttery richness. Meanwhile, Coffee mate Zero Sugar White Chocolate Peppermint Toad Flavored Creamer “includes a heavenly mix of white chocolate and peppermint flavors” for a sweet and refreshing taste. “Coffee mate is to coffee what Harry Potter is to the wizarding world — pure magic. It’s no surprise we believe flavor is at the heart of that magic for coffee drinkers, with the power to turn mundane days and ordinary cups into a mesmerizing moment,” said Amanda Zaydman, Nestlé director of brand marketing for the coffee and beverage division, in a statement. “Witches, wizards and Muggles will all agree nothing says ‘enchanting’ quite like the spellbinding world of Harry Potter, and our two new flavors — Harry Potter Toffee Cauldron Cake and Zero Sugar White Chocolate Peppermint Toad creamers — bring that whimsical spirit to every sip. Because coffee isn’t magic. Until it is.”

Sodastream searches for the most unhinged sparkling drink recipe

Sodastream is on the hunt to discover the most unhinged drink recipe creator in America. The Purchase, N.Y.-based company is offering $10,000 to the person bold enough to mix it up as part of its “Made by Me” campaign. The campaign celebrates creativity, self-expression and personalization in sparkling drink creation, Sodastream says. It draws inspiration from the growing trend on social media of “unhinged” content — from flavor experiments to confessional storytelling — that continues to captivate audiences for its authenticity and relatability. Sparkling drink fans across the U.S. can head to @Sodastream on Instagram and share their wildest sparkling drink recipe and drink name. One “brilliantly original, offbeat idea” will be crowned the most unhinged sparkling water recipe and take home $10,000. “Sodastream is about empowering people to personalize every part of their drink — from the fizz to the flavor to the vessel it’s served in,” said Aliza Leferink, chief marketing officer of Sodastream North America, said in a statement. “The unhinged mindset is all about freedom in flavor and the joy of experimenting without limits. That’s exactly what we’re celebrating with this campaign. Because at the end of the day, the best-tasting drink is the one made exactly how you want it.” To bring the creativity to real life, Sodastream is set to hit the road with a three-city pop-up tour, with stops in New York City, Philadelphia and Boston. Each stop in the tour will give fans the opportunity to create their own unique drink, sample their creations at a mixology-style bar and customize a take-home bottle complete with their name and signature flavor.

Limited-edition Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake drops at Whataburger

Two Texas originals joined forces for a fruity twist: the Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake, available for a limited time at Whataburger. A “delightfully refreshing mashup” joins together the legendary taste of Dr Pepper and Whataburger’s signature shakes — the kind of velvety creation that could only come from two Lone Star icons, it says, blended into a “smooth and seriously craveable treat.” The shake comes after consumers got a taste of the new Dr Pepper Blackberry flavored soda, which blends the signature taste of Dr Pepper with juicy blackberry. “The new Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake is the kind of treat that takes an ordinary moment and makes it feel just a little extra,” said Scott Hudler, Whataburger senior vice president and chief marketing officer, in a statement. “We paired two Texas favorites in a way that feels fresh but familiar — fun, unexpected and full of that signature Whataburger deliciousness. It’s the kind of sip that’ll keep you coming back all season long.” The Dr Pepper Blackberry Shake continues Whataburger and Dr Pepper’s legacy of tasty teamwork, it adds. Last summer, the brands brought back the original Dr Pepper Shake.

Kahlúa, Dunkin’ create first-ever Dunkin’ cream liqueur

Coffee liqueur brand Kahlúa partnered with Dunkin’ to introduce the Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur. It is the latest addition to Kahlúa’s permanent line of thoughtfully crafted liqueurs. The cream liqueur marks Kahlúa’s largest investment in the cream liqueur category and Dunkin’s first foray into cream liqueur, it says. “Kahlúa is famous for great-tasting Espresso Martinis and now we’re stirring up everyday occasions with Dunkin’ for something special,” said Caroline Begley, vice president of marketing, Kahlúa, said in a statement. “We’re proud to partner with this iconic coffee brand and continue the partnership in exciting ways.” Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur features one of Dunkin’s bestselling flavor swirls, with a blend of caramel notes like toffee, vanilla and dulce de leche and hints of coffee and chocolate. The smooth and creamy finish with a sweet ending is combination of Dunkin’s Caramel Swirl with Kahlúa’s rum and 100% Arabica coffee from Veracruz, Mexico. The cream liqueur was recognized by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) with a Gold award for taste. “This collaboration blends premium indulgence with everyday coffee culture,” said Brian Gilbert, vice president of retail business development at Dunkin’, in a statement. “Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl is a bold step in the cream liqueur category for both brands and a delicious new treat for coffee and cocktail enthusiasts alike.”

Fat Tire wants to fund a full year of freedom

Fort Collins, Colo.-based Fat Tire, a New Belgium Brewing brand, launched a new contest offering $100,000 to help one lucky dreamer chase their passion. Through Sept. 30, Fat Tire is asking consumers one question, “If given a year off and $100,000, how would you flip the script?” Fat Tire is calling for submissions full of creativity, heart or so bold, they make the judges say, “Hell yeah, give them the money.” One winner will receive the full $100,000 to realize their dream. Ten more will score a year’s supply of Fat Tire to fuel their own wild ride. Fat Tire, known for its easy-drinking beer, reflects the spirit of its founders who embraced their passions and rejected convention. That same spirit drives the campaign by offering the chance to ditch routine and reclaim the freedom to define success on their terms, at their pace, it adds. “More and more consumers, especially Gen Z, aren’t connecting with the rat race mentality,” said Rebecca Dye Yonushonis, New Belgium chief marketing officer, in a statement. “According to a report published by the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA earlier this year, nearly 60% of Gen Z feel the American Dream is out of reach due to economic barriers, and Fat Tire wants to change that. Over 30 years ago, Fat Tire’s founders followed their passion for craft beer, leaving a legacy of incredible beer and an even more incredible company. Their journey shows what’s possible when we embrace what inspires us and stay curious about what’s possible.” Applications can be submitted on Fat Tire’s website. At the end of the entry period, a panel of Fat Tire-loving judges will choose one winner to receive the full $100,000 based on an original and compelling entry statement outlining how the money will be used.