McDonald's Adds Energy Drinks and Crafted Sodas to US Menus
McDonald's is expanding its beverage lineup, beginning with refreshers and crafted sodas in May 2026, followed by energy drinks in August. New offerings include a Dirty Dr Pepper, Mango Pineapple Refresher, and a Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer. The company plans to price these drinks below competitors like Starbucks and Dutch Bros, targeting the fast-growing two-hundred-million-dollar beverage market. This move follows the closure of McDonald's standalone CosMc's concept stores, where the company tested specialty drink preferences on consumers. The chain aims to capture younger customers seeking afternoon refreshment and snack moments, while boosting overall ticket size and store traffic. Franchisees are preparing by investing in new equipment to support the expanded beverage menu.
Key facts
- McDonald's launching Dirty Dr Pepper and Mango Pineapple Refresher in May 2026
- Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer launching August 2026
- New drinks priced below Starbucks, Dutch Bros, and Sonic offerings
- Strategy follows closure of CosMc's concept stores in 2025
- Company targeting Gen Z consumers and afternoon snacking occasions
- Energy drinks represent fast-growing beverage category with rising demand
Limits of this briefing
Coverage focuses primarily on business strategy and market competition with limited discussion of health implications. No official McDonald's statement provided as of reporting; Reuters could not immediately verify details from company documents.
Sources
- Wall Street Journal: McDonald's to add energy drinks, crafted sodas to US menus Centre
- Reuters: McDonald's to add energy drinks, crafted sodas to US menus Centre
- CNBC: McDonald's to add refreshers, crafted sodas to U.S. menus Centre
- Restaurant Business Network: McDonald's is coming out with Refreshers and crafted sodas Centre
- eMarketer: McDonald's turns to low-priced energy drinks and crafted sodas to boost traffic, ticket size Centre