# Cult-Mocking Ads Hacienda Restaurant Stirs Up a Controversy with Kool-Aid Cult Billboards By Katie Cordrey | Published 2011-02-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kool-aid-cult References: [news.yahoo](http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110222/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_billboard_flap_jonestown_3) & [lansingstatejournal](http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110215/NEWS01/102150332/Schneider-58-La-Se-241-orita-39-s-ad-humor-doesn-39-t-play-well) If you're under forty, it's unlikely that your remember the [Kool-Aid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kool-aid-cosmo) cult deaths at Jonestone, but they were big news in 1978 and apparently some folks aren't quite over it. Hacienda and La Señorita Mexican Restaurants hit a nerve when [billboard ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/believe-campaign) featuring a [red Margarita](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cholula-rita) with the tagline, "to die for," under the words,"We're like a cult with better Kool-Aid" appeared in Indiana. Even though the mixed drink on the ad wasn't purple -- the color of the deadly drink at Jonestown -- not everyone finds Kool-Aid cult humor funny. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Satirical Advertising:** There is an opportunity for businesses to create satirical ads to stir up conversation and get people talking. - **Controversial Marketing:** Controversial marketing can help create a buzz around a product or service, but it's important to strike a balance and not cross a line. - **Dark Humor:** Dark humor can be used to create memorable and impactful advertising campaigns, but it may not be for everyone. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** Food and beverage companies can create bold, attention-grabbing ads to stand out in a crowded market. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Advertising and marketing professionals can use controversial and satirical advertising to help their clients break through the noise and stand out. - **Entertainment:** Entertainment companies can use edgy and provocative advertising campaigns to appeal to a younger, more rebellious demographic. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Color-Changing 90s Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radical-rita.md) - [Fermented Drink Mix Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kool-aid-cosmo.md) - [Classic Cocktail Obituaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-perfectly-spicy-margarita.md) - [Law-Criticizing Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death1.md) - [Unexpectedly-Amusing Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death-misfortune-cookies.md) - [Sauce-Inspired Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olipop-and-hidden-valley.md) - [Fake Mocktail Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mocktail-launch.md) - [Wild Granny Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/your-grandmas-energy-drink.md) - [Provocative Tequila Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/censored-truth.md)