Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano has done a lot over his decades-long reality TV career – from outwitting castaways on Survivor to outsmarting faithfuls on Peacock’s hit The Traitors. But his latest project might be his most unexpected yet: he’s the mystery man inside the Dunkin’ cup in Kahlúa and Dunkin’s new “It’s Kahlunkin’” campaign starring Salma Hayek.

“It makes sense, right?” the Massachusetts native, 49, exclusively tells Men’s Journal with a laugh. “I’ve been drinking Dunkin’ since I was a kid working construction in Boston, and I love Kahlúa. When the two came together, it felt like a perfect fit.”

The collaboration celebrates the launch of Kahlúa Dunkin’ Caramel Swirl Cream Liqueur, a sweet, creamy blend that Rob admits has already become part of his coffee routine. “I like it over ice — it’s good just as a drink,” he says. “And when it’s cold out, that’s pretty standard—to spice it up a little.”

Though fans have been guessing “who’s in the cup” since the campaign teaser dropped, Rob didn’t expect his funniest on-set moment to happen before cameras started rolling. “[Salma and I] filmed on the same day, but separately,” he explains. “At the beginning of the day, I walked into the wrong trailer — there were three hairdressers, a couple dogs, some makeup people — and Salma looks over and goes, ‘Honey, I think you’re in the wrong trailer.’ I was like, ‘Yup, got it!’ and went to my trailer where it was just me and my agents.”

He laughs, “She’s awesome. The whole thing was just fun and lighthearted, exactly what this campaign is.”

For Rob, the partnership was a natural fit. “It has to make sense for me,” he says. “I remember when it was Dunkin’ Donuts and you’d bring your own mug to get refilled. My mom used to take me before school, and I’d always get a Boston cream donut. So yeah, this one was a home run.”

He’s no stranger to working with the brand either. “I’ve partnered with Dunkin’ before, but this time, adding Kahlúa into the mix gave it that fun twist,” he tells MJ. “I like things that feel like me—Boston, family, coffee. This checked all the boxes.”

Between raising four daughters with wife (and fellow Survivor winner) Amber Brkich Mariano and stopping by Dancing With the Stars to support his Traitors castmate Dylan Efron, Rob is booked and busy. “The girls had fall break, so we made a quick trip to L.A.,” he says. “We had a blast. It was fun seeing Dylan crush it. Derek Hough even came over during the commercial break and said, ‘He’s killing it.’”

Still, fans shouldn’t expect him to hit the ballroom anytime soon. “I am terrible at dancing,” he admits. “But I’ve learned after 25 years, never say never.”

The five-time player says his competitive chapter on Survivor is officially closed, though he’ll “always be a fan.” “I feel like my journey as a contestant is complete,” he says. “There are friends of mine playing this season, and I can’t wait to watch, but I didn’t feel the need to go back.”

As for Big Brother? “Strategically, I love it,” he says after making a cameo on the show this past season. “But it’s in the summer, and I’m not giving up my summer with my kids. Maybe a two-week celebrity version while they’re in school…I could get behind that.”

The Kahlúa x Dunkin’ spot isn’t the only thing on Rob’s plate. He teases that he and Dylan have another project in the works. “You’ll be hearing about that soon,” he says. “Very, very soon.”

Until then, he’s happy to toast to his latest venture – complete with a caramel swirl. “I like my Dunkin’ over ice,” he says. “It’s just how we do it in Boston.”

About the author

Entertainment Editor, Men’s Journal

With nearly 20 years of experience, Sharon Tharp has written and edited for leading outlets such as People, Us Weekly, Parade, Marie Claire, and Seventeen, covering celebrity, entertainment, food, and travel.