# Gen Z-Influenced Drink Menus These New McDonald’s CosMc Drinks are Headed to Over 500 Locations By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2025-07-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-cosmc-drinks References: [restaurantbusinessonline](https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/mcdonalds-will-test-new-beverage-platform-wisconsin-colorado?utm_source=McDonald%27s%20will%20test%20a%20new%20beverage%20platform%20in%20Wisconsin%20and%20Colorado&utm_medium=rb-feed&utm_campaign=RSS-Feeds) & [mcdonalds](https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca.html)  These [McDonald’s CosMc](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-mccaf-drinks) drinks have been announced on the heels of the brand's move to close dedicated CosMc locations and instead focus on providing specific refreshments in its existing restaurants. The drinks will make their debut at more than 500 locations and come in five varieties including the Toasted Vanilla Frappe, Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, [Sprite Lunar Splash](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonic-sprite) , Popping Tonic Refresher and the Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew. The drinks all have a cold composition that embraces [Gen Z](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-kwench) interest in chilled refreshments that range from fruit-forward to caffeinated. Beverage Category Lead Charlie Newberger commented on the McDonald’s CosMc drinks saying, "We’re not just adding drinks to the menu, we’re advancing our global beverage platform that fits naturally with how people already enjoy McDonald’s. We’ve got the structure, the tools and the team to move fast and scale what works. The first test in the U.S. market is a big step in our global direction.” Image Credit: McDonald's ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.6/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 46% - 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Gen Z-driven Flavor Innovations:** Influencing beverage offerings, Gen Z's preference for unique flavor combinations continues to shape product development in the fast-food industry. - **Cold Beverage Popularity:** Chilled drink compositions are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting a broader consumer shift towards refreshing, cold options. - **Fast-food Beverage Diversification:** Expanding drink menus in fast-food chains represents a trend towards capturing a wider audience with varied beverage preferences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast-food Chains:** Fast-food chains are diversifying their beverage offerings to align with evolving consumer preferences and drive new revenue streams. - **Beverage Manufacturing:** Beverage manufacturers are finding opportunities to collaborate with fast-food brands to introduce innovative drink options tailored to new consumer demographics. - **Flavor and Fragrance Industry:** The flavor and fragrance industry plays a crucial role in developing distinctive taste profiles that appeal to Gen Z consumers, driving innovation in food and beverages. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fair-Inspired QSR Cafe Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-mccaf-drinks.md) - [Crafted Fast Food Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Crafted-Fast-Food-Beverages.md) - [Specialty Beverage Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-beverage.md) - [Beaded Beverage Carriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/specialty-drinks.md) - [Artisan Autumnal Coffee Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmcs-drinks.md) - [Nostalgia-Inspired Fast Food Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-concept.md) - [Smooth QSR Cold-Brew Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-cold-brew.md) - [Refined QSR Cold Brews](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-mccaf-cold-brew.md) - [Cafe-Inspired QSR Coffee Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cold-coffee-drinks.md)