Kahlúa Unveils an Exquisite Fragrance Inspired by the Aromatic Espresso Martini
Experience the captivating aroma of an espresso martini with Kahlúa's luxurious $105 fragrance Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this iconic cocktail-inspired gift is perfect for those who crave the irresistible charm and allure of this beloved drink
The beloved espresso martini now has a fragrance dedicated to its iconic scent, perfect for enthusiasts who can't get enough. Absolut Vodka and Kahlúa coffee liqueur, the key ingredients in this classic cocktail, have collaborated to create a luxurious perfume named "Blend No. 83," in honor of the cocktail's 40th anniversary. Priced at $105, this fragrance is a delightful homage to the year of the drink's inception.
In 2016, KFC launched a quirky food-related product called "finger-lickin good nail polish." Similarly, McDonald's capitalized on the trend in 2020 by offering scented candles that emitted the aroma of their famous quarter pounders. The primary objective behind these unconventional items is to arouse customers' curiosity, initiate discussions, and enhance brand visibility. Essentially, these innovative creations serve as disguised marketing tactics rather than ordinary products for sale.
The scent combines dark chocolate, sugarcane rum, arabica coffee, and night musk, creating a limited-edition fragrance that immerses the senses in luxurious silkiness, reminiscent of savoring an espresso martini. Encased in a bottle inspired by 1980s martini coupes, this fragrance oozes elegance.
According to renowned bartender Dick Bradsell, the espresso martini originated at a London bar in the 80s when a model requested a drink that would both awaken and intoxicate her. This iconic cocktail is a blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso.
The fragrance was inspired by a survey revealing that 91% of individuals expressed a desire to order an espresso martini upon encountering the aroma of coffee or espresso. Moreover, a significant number of respondents identified it as a preferred cocktail during the holiday season. Starting on Tuesday, orders can be placed exclusively online, with shipments commencing in early December, perfectly timed for the festivities.
French company Pernod Ricard owns both spirits, and they experienced a 10% increase in sales, primarily driven by the growth of popular brands like Absolut and Kahúla.
Kahúla's growing sales are a contributing factor to the company's success. The rising popularity of espresso martinis has made the 87-year-old brand more attractive to younger consumers, as stated by Rima Sawaya, the brand director of Kahúla.
According to her, the increasing popularity of trends from the 80s and 90s in fashion, music, and cocktails shows that consumers have a strong desire for nostalgia. She mentioned that Kahlúa has allowed a new generation of curious cocktail consumers to discover and enjoy its taste.
In recent years, espresso martinis have been gaining popularity among drinkers. However, they made a significant breakthrough last year when they entered the top 10 list of most-ordered cocktails at bars in the US, according to data from CGA by NIQ. This resulted in the classic Manhattan being removed from the list.
According to Lisa Hawkins, the senior vice president for public affairs at the Distilled Spirits Council, the rise in popularity of the espresso martini can be attributed to the combination of two prominent consumer trends in the United States: the growing interest in high-quality coffee and the thriving cocktail culture. Hawkins highlights that spirits consumers are attracted to the cocktail due to its simplicity and luxuriousness. She also emphasizes that the espresso martini adds elegance to the overall cocktail experience at bars and restaurants, while also serving as an impressive after-dinner drink for entertaining guests at home.
