McDonald's Is Launching Something New This Month-and It's Not What You Expect
McDonald's is expanding its menu, but in a direction that customers may not have anticipated. After numerous changes to its food offerings in recent months, McDonald's is now tackling its drink options.
According to the Wall Street Journal on April 13, McDonald's is aiming for the popularity of energy drinks and specialty sodas.
On April 10, the Instagram account SnackWire gave followers a sneak peek at what McDonald's drinks will soon be available. According to SnackWire, the new initial drink menu debuts on April 28.
Additional options are expected to be introduced later in the year, with some coming in August, noted the Wall Street Journal.
McDonald's has not yet confirmed the list of new drinks it is adding to its menus later this month. In the meantime, the new drinks reportedly include:
- Strawberry Watermelon Refresher
- Sprite Berry Blast
- Mango Pineapple Refresher
- Orange Dream
- Dirty Dr. Pepper
- Blackberry Passion Fruit Refresher
Reuters noted that McDonald's plans to price its new drinks very competitively, keeping prices below what customers may see for similar concoctions at Starbucks, Sonic, Dutch Bros., and other similar restaurants.
In December 2025, SnackWire shared that a handful of these drinks, along with a few others, were being tested in over 500 McDonald's locations.
In addition to the drinks listed above, testing options included a Sprite Lunar Splash, which included dried dragon fruit and lemon-vanilla syrup, a Popping Tropic Refresher, a Toasted Vanilla Cold Brew Frappe, a Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew, a Red Bull Peach Boost Energizer, and a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer. Those may not be hitting menus this month, but fans may see them come later in the year.
Restaurant Dive shared that according to an email statement received from McDonald's, the chain believes that "Our fans' love for McDonald's beverages runs deep, from rallying for the return of Hi-C Orange Lavaburst to coining the iconic 'Spicy Sprite.'"
Behind the scenes, various locations have brought in new equipment and worked to streamline processes for staff to make the new drinks. The drink options are the latest additions made as McDonald's aims to adjust to changes in the economy and what customers want.
The Under $3 Menu and the Big Arch Burger are recent additions, and the return of the Snack Wrap has been a popular move among McDonald's customers.
The dirty soda trend is spreading rapidly after gaining popularity in part thanks to social media influencers and the stars of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
Which of the new McDonald's drinks are you most eager to try?
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 7:59 AM.