McDonald’s is set to introduce a brand-new selection of beverages—including cold coffee creations, fruit-forward refreshers, and crafted sodas—as part of a test rollout across more than 500 U.S. locations beginning this September 2, 2025.
This new drink menu is directly inspired by the company’s CosMc’s spinoff, which focuses on specialty beverages and convenience.
Why This Launch Is Important
The upcoming beverage expansion underscores McDonald’s strategic pivot in response to:
- Changing customer preferences
- Heightened competition in the fast-food space
- The pursuit of high-margin product categories
This comes after McDonald’s ended its Krispy Kreme partnership, citing supply and profitability concerns, and unveiled multiple menu changes. With menu prices up 40% since 2019 and sales growth slowing, the company is seeking new ways to retain and attract customers.
Where and What to Expect
The test will launch across 500+ restaurants in Wisconsin, Colorado, and nearby states.
New Beverages Being Tested
| Drink Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew | A smooth, chilled coffee with vanilla notes |
| Strawberry Watermelon Refresher | A fruity, vibrant iced drink |
| Sprite Lunar Splash | A citrus soda with a unique flavor twist |
| Popping Tropic Refresher | A tropical iced beverage with popping flavors |
These drinks mirror innovations originally featured at CosMc’s and are targeted toward Gen Z and younger consumers who prefer cold, bold flavors for their afternoon pick-me-up or snack breaks.
The Strategy Behind the Shift
According to McDonald’s USA’s chief marketing officer Alyssa Buetikofer, the new drinks are designed to meet evolving tastes, especially among younger generations seeking refreshing, flavorful beverages beyond traditional sodas.
“We’re seeing real momentum in beverages,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to engage customers in new moments throughout the day.”
The test allows McDonald’s to gather feedback from both customers and franchise operators, enabling swift scaling if the drinks perform well.
Charlie Newberger, the beverage category lead, added:
“This test is a significant step in our global beverage strategy. We’re ready to scale fast where it works.”
Broader Menu Changes and Competitive Insights
Aside from drinks, McDonald’s recently reintroduced:
- The Snack Wrap
- The Daily Double Burger under its McValue Meal
- New desserts like Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry
Industry experts believe this test shows McDonald’s pivoting toward more profitable segments.
Expert Commentary
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, noted:
“Specialty beverages are a smart move—higher margins and strong consumer interest. McDonald’s sees the opportunity to tap into Starbucks and Dutch Bros territory.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy educator, shared:
“This move could help McDonald’s regain customers lost due to price hikes. They’re learning from past missteps and cautiously testing this in select markets.”
What’s Next for McDonald’s?
McDonald’s will monitor customer reactions and restaurant operations during the test, which begins on September 2, 2025. A broader expansion may follow, depending on performance data and franchisee input.
With shifting consumer preferences and tightening profit margins, McDonald’s is adapting—not just by adding drinks, but by responding directly to what customers want. By testing these bold new beverages across 500+ restaurants, the brand is aligning itself with market trends, offering unique, refreshing options, and making a play for greater beverage sales—especially among younger generations.
If successful, this limited test could reshape McDonald’s beverage menu nationwide, offering more variety and boosting customer visits during off-peak hours.
FAQs
When will McDonald’s begin testing the new beverage menu?
McDonald’s will start the drink menu test on September 2, 2025, in over 500 U.S. locations, including areas in Wisconsin and Colorado.
What inspired these new drink offerings?
The beverage lineup is influenced by customer feedback and prior successes from CosMc’s, McDonald’s offshoot that focused on innovative specialty beverages.
Will these drinks become available nationwide?
At this stage, the drinks are part of a limited market test. A broader launch depends on customer response, feedback, and operational success.
