McDonald’s launching five new ‘go-to’ drinks after Krispy Kreme fallout

McDONALD’S is shaking up its drinks menu with five brand-new “go-to” beverages – but only a lucky few will be able to try them.

The fast food giant will begin testing a premium new drinks lineup in 500 stores across Wisconsin, Colorado and nearby areas in the US from September 2

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The move follows the quiet shelving of its short-lived CosMc’s spinoff and the recent fallout from its doughnut deal with Krispy Kreme.

The limited-run drinks will span a variety of flavours and styles, from fizzy soda blends and cold brews to iced refreshers and creamy frappes.

While full details haven’t been dished out yet, two of the drinks have been confirmed – the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher and the Popping Tropic Refresher.

The drinks are inspired by McDonald’s former CosMc’s concept, which focused on bold, Instagrammable beverages aimed at younger consumers.

Now, the company wants to learn which drinks are worth rolling out more widely.

“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,” the company said.

Marketing boss Alyssa Buetikofer added: “We’re seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people — especially our Gen Z fans — turning to cold, flavourful drinks as a go-to treat.”

The new lineup is being tested to gauge not just customer interest, but also how easily staff can prepare them at speed.

Frontline feedback will help McDonald’s decide which drinks to keep, scrap or tweak before a possible nationwide rollout.

The timing is no accident. With customer traffic slowing and McDonald’s ending its partnership with Krispy Kreme, the company is under pressure to bring exciting new menu options to the table.

Experts say drinks are becoming a major money-spinner for fast food chains, especially as younger customers increasingly seek out caffeinated, sweet, and visually appealing beverages.

From Starbucks refreshers to Taco Bell’s new fizzy mixes, the race is on to win over the ‘treat yourself’ crowd.

McDonald’s isn’t stopping at drinks either. This summer has already seen the return of several cult favourites.

The Snack Wrap is finally back after years of fan begging, and comes in both Spicy and Ranch flavours – each one served with shredded cheese, lettuce and a McCrispy chicken strip in a tortilla wrap.

The Daily Double burger has also gone nationwide and will now be featured in the McValue Meal Deal – with prices starting from just $6.

It comes with two beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and mayo – and fans can pair it with nuggets, fries and a drink.

And in a fiery twist, the Spicy McMuffin breakfast sandwiches have landed for the first time in 50 years, spicing up mornings with a kick of pepper sauce and sausage options.

While the new drinks test is strictly limited to parts of the US for now, UK fans can only hope some of the flavours eventually cross the Atlantic.

But with menu shake-ups arriving thick and fast, it’s clear McDonald’s is thirsty for more than just your standard Coke.

MORE NEW ITEMS

McDonald’s is bringing in two more new items for customers to enjoy this summer.

First off, the Blueberry & Crème Pie features blueberries and vanilla crème layered side by side and served hot.

The treat came onto menus on July 4 and is thought to be leaving by September 1.

McDonald’s said about this treat: “So, whether you’re going on a road trip, planning a special backyard bbq, or just craving a little pick-me-up to sweeten any afternoon, grab a Blueberry & Crème Pie (or a few) this summer.”

Then third and final new menu item at McDonald’s is the Hershey S’mores McFlurry.

It is made of vanilla soft serve, blended with Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows.

The item came to menus on June 10, and is also only sticking around for a limited time.

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