# Competition Show Coffee Drinks The SONIC Bourbon Caramel Iced Coffee is Sweet, Rich and Creamy By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2025-10-13 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bourbon-caramel-iced-coffee References: [qsrweb](https://www.qsrweb.com/news/sonic-brings-iced-coffee-drink-to-life-with-help-from-jimmy-fallon/) & [sonicdrivein](https://www.sonicdrivein.com)  The [SONIC Bourbon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bourbon-caramel-iced-coffee-1) Caramel Iced Coffee has been launched by the [QSR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cold-coffee-drinks) brand after its onscreen development on the On Brand with Jimmy Fallon reality series for fans to give a try this fall. The drink starts off with cold brew coffee with a non-alcoholic bourbon caramel flavor shot added before being poured over the brand's classic nugget-style ice and finished with whipped topping and a caramel drizzle. The drink comes garnished with a miniature cowboy hat to further drive home the country inspiration of coffee concoction. The SONIC Bourbon Caramel Iced Coffee is priced at $3.69 for a medium and is arriving as an app exclusive starting October 20 before being launched nationwide on November 3, 2025. Image Credit: Sonic ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 53% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Experiential Coffee Beverages:** The inclusion of unique elements like miniature cowboy hats with drinks brings a novel, experiential dimension to coffee beverages, appealing to consumers seeking more than just flavor. - **Non-alcoholic Flavor Innovations:** The introduction of non-alcoholic bourbon caramel flavors in coffee represents a growing trend toward complex, indulgent taste experiences without the inclusion of alcohol. - **App-exclusive Product Launches:** Launching products as app exclusives can stimulate engagement and drive digital traffic before wider market release, creating a buzz among early adopters. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Quick-service Restaurants (QSR):** QSR brands are leveraging reality TV show partnerships to create buzzworthy, themed menu items that captivate consumer interest and drive engagement. - **Flavor Innovation and Development:** Crafting new, non-traditional flavor profiles for mainstream beverages presents an opportunity to attract adventurous consumers seeking distinct taste experiences. - **Mobile Application Marketing:** The strategic use of mobile apps as a platform for exclusive product launches is transforming how brands engage with tech-savvy, digitally inclined consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cold Foam QSR Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-coffee-with-cold-foam.md) - [Sugar-Free Caramel Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugar-free-caramelicious.md) - [Limited-Edition Canned Diner Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-blend-cold-brew.md) - [Canned Cinnamon Bun Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/international-delight-cinnabon-iced-coffee.md) - [Autumnal Salted Caramel Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/save-a-pumpkin.md) - [Creamy Berry-Flavored Refreshments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonic-berries-and-cream.md) - [Donut-Flavored Iced Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jimmys-iced-coffee-donut.md) - [Icy Espresso Cafe Refreshments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iced-shaken-espresso-drinks.md) - [Artisan Autumnal Coffee Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmcs-drinks.md)