Something Bold (and Delicious) is Brewing at McDonald’s: A First Sip into the Future of Beverages

July 24, 2025

McDonald's is turning up the flavor - and the fun - as we enter the next chapter of our beverage journey. Over the past year, we've been listening to fans, learning from our CosMc's concept, and exploring what makes a drink moment truly special. Now, we're bringing those insights to life in an expanded market test.

Later this summer, more than 500 select U.S. restaurants across Wisconsin, Colorado and the surrounding areas will begin testing a bold new lineup of drinks. Think cold coffees, fruity refreshers, crafted sodas, and energizing sips-all created to bring a little extra joy to your day.

Take a peek at a few (but not all!) of the thirst-quenching stars in our U.S. beverage test line-up!

We've taken what McDonald's fans love - the flavors they crave, the formats they reach for, and moments to savor - and built a test lineup for the U.S. that fits right into their lives. Whether it's a morning boost, an afternoon cool-down, or a moment for a 'little treat', we think there's something here for everyone.

Here's what to expect:

• Fan-Fueled Flavors: Out-of-this-world tastes are landing at McDonald's, blending the best of CosMc's creativity with the convenience you know and love. Buckle up for bold beverages like the Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew and a Strawberry Watermelon Refresher.
• Cool, Exciting Choices: From soda-based picks to energy-boosting sips, this lineup taps into fast-growing beverage trends and evolving fan preferences - offering something for every mood and moment - with items like Sprite Lunar Splash and Popping Tropic Refresher, both created with flavor in mind.
• Test and Learn: This test will help us understand what works here in the U.S. - from operations to guest excitement - so we can learn and then scale smartly and quickly.
• Built with Our Teams: Restaurant teams and Owner/Operators are at the heart of this test. Their experience will help us fine-tune everything - from equipment to execution - so McDonald's fans around the world get the best possible beverage experience.

Why Beverages, and Why Now?

"We're seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people - especially our Gen Z fans - turning to cold, flavorful drinks as a go-to treat," said Alyssa Buetikofer, Chief Customer Experience and Marketing Officer, McDonald's USA. "It's a great opportunity for us to meet our US customers' evolving tastes and show up in new moments, like afternoon refreshment or snack breaks."

"We're not just adding drinks to the menu - we're advancing our global beverage platform that fits naturally with how people already enjoy McDonald's," said Charlie Newberger, Beverage Category Lead. "We've got the structure, the tools, and the team to move fast and scale what works. This first test in the US market is a big step in our global direction."

At McDonald's, we're not just serving drinks-we're creating new reasons to visit, new ways to enjoy, and new moments to savor.

So…stay tuned for September 2nd as we embark on this bold, new test.