Pernod Ricard, the makers of Kahlua, the world famous rum and coffee liqueur, has teamed up with oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges to release a short film honouring both the classic cocktail and the iconic “Dude” character played by Bridges in “The Big Lebowski,” who is perhaps the cocktail's most famous admirer. The film represents a return to the Mexican brand's heritage within the world of classic cocktails alongside the likes of the Old Fashioned and the Pina Colada. It's a new look and feel for the brand that is fitting considering its long history in films and a key ingredient behind one of the most popular classic cocktails, and as a point of conversation for so many pop-culture moments.
The film represents a return to the Mexican brand's heritage within the world of classic cocktails alongside the likes of the Old Fashioned and the Pina Colada
The film, which was directed by Ivan Zacharias and can be watched below, features Bridges both starring and narrating. It's shot like a cross between a film noir and a western, and recounts the intriguing story of an unlikely meeting between two men from different worlds, as told by a man reminiscing about his past adventures. That man is Bridges, channeling his “Dude” persona at a classy jazz bar and casually enjoying his favourite beverage. It's the first campaign created by Lucky Generais start-up for the brand since they were appointed the Pernod Ricard account last October.
The White Russian - A Kahlua Production
Brian Mequet, the vice president of rum and liqueurs at Pernod Ricard USA, believes “There are few classic cocktails that resonate as powerfully across generations as the White Russian made with Kahlua,” and with the new campaign they “Wanted to partner with a fellow icon like Jeff for this film to showcase the importance of a timeless classic.” He continues, ”The White Russian was born out of a deep and longstanding appreciation for the classic cocktail and Jeff’s partnership in this project drove it home for us.” The Dude himself (Bridges) couldn't be happier to officialy promote the drink he's been unofficially promoting for more than a decade. He said “The White Russian is one of the most popular classic cocktails and it’s seeing a massive revival right now, so to work with Kahlua on this project is great timing.” He's also pleased with how the film turned out, praising is as a simple story inspired by a simple cocktail that is “Creative, enigmatic and beautifully shot.”
“The White Russian is one of the most popular classic cocktails and it’s seeing a massive revival right now, so to work with Kahlua on this project is great timing.” Jeff Bridges
“The White Russian” is set to debut on the 9th of September in Hollywood, where Bridges will join Kahlua for a a special private screening with fans. It will be supported by a behind-the-scene series, instructional cocktail mixing films, which will be posted across all major social media networks and offline through “Retro” movie posters promoting classic Kahlua cocktails. Word of the film can also be spread through the #KahluaWhiteRussian hashtag.
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and musician from the UK who went through a 'White Russian period' himself in his early twenties. It's like the cocktail equivalent of a chocolate cake. Oh and it's 1 part Kahlua, 2 parts vodka and 1 part cream in case you were wondering.
