For Dunkin' devotees, the Dunkalatte, a seasonal beverage, disappeared prematurely from the menus, stirring anticipation among fans for its return. The espresso-based milkshake drink, created with coffee milk, struck a chord with coffee lovers at Dunkin’.

An invention of Dunkin’s beverage culinary innovation head, Heidi Curry, the Dunkalatte isn't likely gone for good. Made primarily of coffee milk, a delectable blend achieved by adding coffee extract or syrup to wholesome milk, Dunkin' has used this beverage as the base for a dreamy espresso latte that promises to taste like a melting milkshake.

Even comedy veteran and SNL alum, Kristin Wiig, was roped in for its promulgation in a 70s-themed ad, engineered to explain to its audience what "coffee milk" meant exactly.

It's interesting to know that this beverage didn't originate at a Dunkin’ outlet. A long-treasured drink in Rhode Island since the mid-1930s, coffee milk was designated the state's official drink in 1993. Dunkin's team set to work and, after multiple iterations, developed their version of the drink drawing inspiration from this classic New England recipe. Thus, the Dunkalatte was born three years ago.

Such last-ditch efforts were not made in vain. The Dunkalatte has a robust fanbase. Dunkin's Instagram account is inundated with comments of fans demanding the return of the Dunkalatte. Redditors and TikTokers alike are joining the campaign. Curry and her team did expect some response, but this widespread fervor was an unexpected delight.

Fueling the craze, Curry reads out contentious comments, “'The Dunkalatte made me Dunkasmile,' and how many others have demanded not to get it removed from the menu.”

However, the fans are left confused as to where their beloved drink disappeared. The Dunkalatte was never intended to stay forever, having been launched as a temporary inclusion in the fall lineup, only available from late August to October end. The Boston-based chain is now focused on its holiday beverages with no explicit date for the Dunkalatte's return.

Even during the popularity of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, availability of the Dunkalatte dwindled at several Dunkin’ outlets due to high demand and limited stock supply, Curry admits.

Hope is not lost though. Dunkin's official Instagram account hinted at a possible return next year in response to a comment on an October 9 post. Adding to the hope, Curry stated, "This isn't a goodbye…it's just 'see you later.' All I can say is, stay tuned!” If our wishes come true, a Dunkalatte might soon be just a few taps away on the Dunkin' app.