McDonald's to test CosMc's-inspired drinks at more than 500 restaurants
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McDonald's to test CosMc's-inspired drinks at more than 500 restaurants

Why This Matters

Fast-food chains have been leaning into fun, colorful drinks to win over younger consumers.

July 24, 2025
03:46 PM
4 min read
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McDonald's shuttered CosMc's, but the burger chain is planning to test new coffee drinks, refreshers and flavored sodas inspired by the spinoff brand (which is quite significant).

At the same time, The initial test will include more than 500 restaurants in Wisconsin, Colorado and the surrounding areas, amid market uncertainty.

Fast-food chains have been leaning into fun, colorful drinks to win over younger consumers (an important development).

Additionally, In this articleMCD your favorite stocksCREATE FREE ACCOUNTSomething Bold (and Delicious) is Brewing at McDonald’s: A First Sip into the Future of BeveragesCourtesy: McDonald'sMcDonald's said Thursday it is planning to test new coffee drinks, refreshers and flavored sodas at more than 500 restaurants later this summer, hoping to cash in on younger consumers' love for fun, colorful drinks.

"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," Alyssa Buetikofer, chief customer experience and marketing officer of McDonald's USA, said in a statement.

"It's a great opportunity for us to meet our US customers' evolving tastes and show up in new moments, afternoon refreshment or snack breaks.

"The test lineup includes Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew, Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, Toasted Vanilla Frappe, Sprite Lunar Splash and Popping Tropic Refresher, as well as others not yet d by McDonald's, given current economic conditions.

Nevertheless, However, The initial stage of the test will only include locations in Wisconsin, Colorado and the surrounding areas, according to McDonald's (remarkable data).

The chain is hoping to learn more what customers best, plus how to make an expanded drink lineup work for its restaurants and franchisees, in today's market environment.

Additionally, Furthermore, McDonald's announcement on Thursday comes after the chain began shuttering its stand-alone locations of its once-buzzy CosMc's brand last month.

The spinoff, which focused on snacks and customizable drinks, initially inspired hourslong lines from customers eager to try something new.

Nevertheless, At the same time, But after 18 months, McDonald's chose to wind down the brand and instead bring beverages influenced by CosMc's to its own restaurants, considering recent developments.

Conversely, Expanding the burger chain's drinks lineup could help McDonald's compete better with fast-growing beverage chains Dutch Bros.

, 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee and Swig, which have all leaned into consumers' desire to customize their drinks. New drinks could also drive more customers to McDonald's restaurants.

In recent quarters, the burger chain has reported lackluster sales as consumers spend less money on its french fries and Big Macs. However, McDonald's U.

Same-store sales fell 3 (an important development). Nevertheless, 6% in the first three months of the year; the company is expected to report its second-quarter results on Aug (fascinating analysis).

Fast-food rivals have also recently been looking beyond the soda fountain for drink options that will appeal to diners.

Additionally, Earlier this month, Yum Brands' Taco Bell unveiled a new Refrescas lineup; the chain also plans to expand its in-restaurant drinks concept called the Mas Cafe later this year.

Wendy's added three new sour Powerade options to its drinks lineup in June.

And earlier this summer, KFC collaborated with PepsiCo's Mountain Dew on a "dirty" soda, made with sweet vanilla cream, in today's market environment.

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