McDonald’s understands that beverages deliver higher profit margins.

CEO Christopher Kempczinski made this clear back during the company’s third-quarter 2025 earnings call. That was before the company had closed its standalone CosMc locations, which were being used to test beverage offerings.

“Beverage is an exciting incremental opportunity for us that we like because of its ability to drive incremental traffic. It’s a check add-on. It’s got a lot of benefits. And to do that, it needs to be, I think, priced at a competitive value for us to win,” he said.

Kempczinski made it clear that he does not see beverages as a value platform.

“It’s very much designed to drive margin,” he said. “…But how we do that is also being mindful about where it’s priced vis-a-vis the competitive set.”

The McDonald’s beverage platform has been a success so far, and the chain has been spotted testing new flavors.

Starbucks has created the blueprint

Starbucks has shown that in addition to a core platform of drinks that drive repeat visits, it’s important to add limited-time offers (LTOs) and regularly change its drink lineup.

CEO Brian Niccol explained during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call how the coffee chain leverages its brand to drive people to its cafes.

“Starbucks brand affinity is at near record levels as our menu innovation, marketing, and merchandise continue to create moments that drive culture and bring people into our coffeehouses,” he said.

He noted a specifically successful promotion that drove sales around the world.

“Our Unicorn launch in August united 34 markets for our first global coffeehouse activation and delivered a record sales weekend for our North America company-operated business,” he added.

McDonald’s continues to innovate

McDonald’s is in the early days of its beverage expansion program, but is working on growing its lineup, according to the Snackolator Instagram page.

“On the soda side, they’re working on a new Tart Cherry Splash that blends in sour cherry and tops it with cold foam, and then a Coconut Chill Diet Coke that has a coconut syrup with cold foam,” the social media page shared.

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McDonald’s also plans to expand its line of Red Bull drinks. “They’re really working on the Red Bull side of things with a handful of new flavors. Cherry Rush Energizer uses the same tart cherry syrup as the Sprite, but then they have a Green Apple and Peach flavor as well,” Snackolator wrote. “The Tropical Cloud Energizer blends coconut syrup and is topped with cold foam, and the Popping Paradise has boba.”

None of these launches have been confirmed by the company.

McDonald’s has used drinks to increase check size and drive visits outside of traditional hours.

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McDonald’s just added new drinks, too

These rumored additions follow McDonald’s official holiday launches, it shared on its Menu Spotter website.

• Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite: A crisp Sprite infused with bright orange and cranberry flavors, featuring cold foam and cranberry sprinkles for a refreshing finish.
• Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer: The bold, uplifting flavor of Frosted Cranberry with cold foam and sprinkles meets the energizing boost of Red Bull — made for packed holiday schedules and festive adventures. Available with classic Red Bull and Red Bull Zero.
• Cookie Butter Frappé, Latte and Iced Coffee: A creamy blend of rich cookie butter flavor topped with caramel cookie crumbs and sweet vanilla whip for a seasonal treat.

Beverages drive more visits to McDonald’s

One of McDonald’s biggest challenges has been driving traffic outside of traditional meal dayparts. Beverages appear to be making that happen.

“We continued to see checks that included a specialty beverage up about 50% compared to the full-day average check, with the majority of units sold after lunch,” CFO Ian Borden said during the Q3 earnings call.

RTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino thinks that McDonald’s is pursuing a smart strategy.

“McDonald’s doesn’t need to become Starbucks. It just needs to steal some of those visits. If you’re driving past a McDonald’s and can get a fun specialty drink for less money, why wouldn’t you consider it?” he told TheStreet.

He noted that McDonald’s already has the real estate needed to drive the added business.

“McDonald’s already has the locations, the drive-thrus, and the convenience. Now it’s giving people a reason to stop even when they’re not hungry. That’s a huge opportunity, especially with younger consumers,” he added.

Related: Mountain Dew offers an exclusive holiday gift soda only at Walmart