You’ve seen the TikToks. You’ve probably heard the song playing on a loop in every retail store from here to Timbuktu. But the Sabrina Carpenter Dunkin’ partnership isn't just another celebrity slapping their name on a cup for a quick paycheck. Honestly, it's a bit of a masterclass in marketing that caught a lot of people off guard.
Most folks thought the "Espresso" singer would just do a standard coffee run ad. Instead, we got "Shake That Ess."
The Drink That Actually Taste Like the Song
When Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso dropped on New Year’s Eve, the internet basically imploded. It wasn’t just a regular latte. Dunkin' went for something specific: bold espresso, notes of brown sugar, and creamy oat milk.
The "shakin'" part is literal. Baristas actually have to use a dedicated shaker to get that frothy texture. It’s a lot like the Starbucks version, sure, but the vibe is completely different. Sabrina’s version feels more like a dessert you can justify at 10:00 AM.
Some people were skeptical. "Is it just sugar?" kinda. It has about 18 to 37 grams of sugar depending on the size. But it also has that oat milk smoothness that makes it feel slightly more elevated than a standard syrup-heavy iced coffee.
Why the "Shake That Ess" Campaign Worked
The commercials were... bold. Directed by Dave Meyers—the same guy who did the "Taste" music video—the ads leaned hard into the puns. "I've been shakin' that ess for hours," Sabrina says in the spot.
Then her grandma (GamGam) pops up and says, "No one shakes that ess like GamGam."
It’s cheeky. It’s slightly racy. It’s very Sabrina.
Dunkin’ worked with Artists Equity, which is Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company. That’s why it feels like a mini-movie rather than a boring 30-second slot. They knew exactly who they were talking to: Gen Z and millennials who grew up on Disney Channel but now want their caffeine with a side of irony.
Beyond the Coffee: The Daydream Hotline
By mid-2025, the collaboration evolved. It wasn't just about the caffeine anymore. They launched the Dunkin’ Daydream Hotline.
If you called 1-877-DREAMMY, you actually got a recorded message from Sabrina herself. This wasn't just a gimmick to sell more coffee; it unlocked promo codes for the Sabrina’s Daydream Refresher lineup.
These were a pivot from the heavy espresso drinks:
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- Mixed Berry Daydream: Super juicy and sweet.
- Mango Daydream: Very tropical, very summer.
- Strawberry Daydream: This one was the fan favorite, topped with a "cloud-like" cold foam.
Basically, they turned a winter coffee launch into a year-long cultural moment. The Strawberry Daydream specifically used oat milk and cold foam to create this creamy, nostalgic flavor that honestly tasted like those strawberry candies your grandma used to have—but better.
The Merch Madness
If you tried to buy the limited-edition Shakin’ Espresso Shaker, you probably failed. It sold out in 17 minutes.
People were paying way over the $12.99 retail price on eBay within an hour. There were even rumors about exclusive "Sabrina Cups" hitting stores right before the Grammys. Dunkin' has mastered the art of the "drop," making a coffee chain feel more like a streetwear brand.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Partnership
A lot of critics think these celebrity collabs are "killing" the brand's identity. They say Dunkin' is trying too hard to be cool.
But look at the numbers.
The "Espresso" singer helped Dunkin' reach a demographic that was increasingly leaning toward local boutique cafes or high-end competitors. By leaning into the "short n' sweet" persona, Dunkin' made themselves relevant again. They aren't just the place where your dad gets a plain black coffee anymore.
Wait, is it still on the menu?
That's the million-dollar question. These are "limited-time offers." Usually, the specific "Sabrina" branded drinks disappear after a few months to make room for the next season. However, you can basically "hack" the menu.
Order an Iced Espresso with brown sugar syrup and oat milk, shaken. It’s the same thing. You just won't get the cool name on the app.
Insights for the Savvy Drinker
If you're looking to actually enjoy the Sabrina Carpenter Dunkin' experience without the sugar crash, here is the move:
- Go for the Small: The sugar content in a Large is essentially a meal’s worth of carbs. A small gives you the flavor profile without the afternoon slump.
- The App is King: Rewards members often get these drinks for $3 during promo weeks. Paying full price ($5+) is a rookie mistake.
- Customize the Foam: If you're getting a Refresher, ask for extra cold foam. It's the best part of the drink and really sells the "Daydream" aesthetic.
- Watch the Seasonal Swaps: Don't expect the Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso to be there in July. That's Refresher season.
This collaboration proves that when a brand stops taking itself so seriously and lets a pop star have a little fun with the marketing, everybody wins. Just be ready for the line at the drive-thru to be a little longer when a new "Sabrina" drink drops.
To get the most out of the current menu, check the Dunkin' Rewards app every Monday. They frequently refresh "Member Exclusive" deals that mirror Sabrina's favorite flavor profiles even after the official promotion ends. If you're hunting for the sold-out shakers or special cups, your best bet is verified resellers, but honestly, the DIY version of the drink at home is much cheaper and tastes almost identical.