McDonald’s to test CosMc’s-inspired drinks at 500 stores
Image credit: McDonald's
McDonald’s has announced plans to test new coffee drinks, refreshers and flavoured sodas at hundreds of restaurants later this summer, hoping to capitalise on Gen Z consumers’ love for fun, colourful drinks.
“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,” 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.”
The initiative aims to explore premium beverage options, drawing on insights gained from its CosMc’s, which launched in 2023. McDonald’s shuttered CosMc’s in May.
The fast-food giant will bring a lineup of at least five different CosMc’s-branded beverages to 500 McDonald’s restaurants across the US. The drinks, which McDonald’s describes as “cold coffees, fruity refreshers, crafted sodas and energising sips,” will first be available at restaurants in Wisconsin, Colorado and the surrounding areas, according to the company.
The test lineup includes Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew, Toasted Vanilla Frappe, Popping Tropic Refresher, Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, and Sprite Lunar Splash, as well as others not yet shared by McDonald’s. The test is designed to help McDonald’s assess operational effectiveness and customer engagement in the US market. The company highlighted the importance of restaurant teams and owner/operators in this process, noting that their experiences will be crucial in refining aspects such as equipment and execution to enhance the overall beverage experience for customers.
“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.”
According to McDonald’s, the drinks will be available in stores starting September 2nd.
