Overview
- McDonald’s, which detailed the lineup Tuesday, will add six permanent specialty drinks nationwide on May 6 after lessons from its CosMc’s pilot shaped what made the cut.
- The six drinks include three lemonade‑based Refreshers and three crafted sodas with touches like cold foam, freeze‑dried fruit and strawberry popping boba.
- U.S. restaurants are adding a beverage specialist role to focus on drink preparation, with training already under way and some locations offering early access through the app.
- Canada begins a similar menu on May 5 as the chain repositions itself as a beverage destination with premium prices that sit above basic fountain drinks.
- Executives say beverages deliver stronger margins than many food items, and the launch tracks a broader fast‑food shift as KFC, Taco Bell and Wendy’s build out higher‑priced cold drinks.