McDonald's to test CosMc's-inspired drinks at more than 500 restaurants

McDonald's said Thursday it is planning to test new coffee drinks, refreshers and flavored sodas at more than 500 restaurants later this summer, hoping to cash in on younger consumers' love for fun, colorful drinks.

"We're seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people – especially our Gen Z fans – turning to cold, flavorful drinks as a go-to treat," Alyssa Buetikofer, chief customer experience and marketing officer of McDonald's USA, said in a statement. "It's a great opportunity for us to meet our US customers' evolving tastes and show up in new moments, like afternoon refreshment or snack breaks."

The test lineup includes Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew, Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, Toasted Vanilla Frappe, Sprite Lunar Splash and Popping Tropic Refresher, as well as others not yet shared by McDonald's.

The initial stage of the test will only include locations in Wisconsin, Colorado and the surrounding areas, according to McDonald's. The chain is hoping to learn more about what customers like best, plus how to make an expanded drink lineup work for its restaurants and franchisees.

McDonald's announcement on Thursday comes after the chain began shuttering its stand-alone locations of its once-buzzy CosMc's brand last month. The spinoff, which focused on snacks and customizable drinks, initially inspired hourslong lines from customers eager to try something new. But after 18 months, McDonald's chose to wind down the brand and instead bring beverages influenced by CosMc's to its own restaurants.

Expanding the burger chain's drinks lineup could help McDonald's compete better with fast-growing beverage chains like Dutch Bros., 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee and Swig, which have all leaned into consumers' desire to customize their drinks.

New drinks could also drive more customers to McDonald's restaurants. In recent quarters, the burger chain has reported lackluster sales as consumers spend less money on its french fries and Big Macs. McDonald's U.S. same-store sales fell 3.6% in the first three months of the year; the company is expected to report its second-quarter results on Aug. 6.

Fast-food rivals have also recently been looking beyond the soda fountain for drink options that will appeal to diners. Earlier this month, Yum Brands' Taco Bell unveiled a new Refrescas lineup; the chain also plans to expand its in-restaurant drinks concept called the Live Mas Cafe later this year. Wendy's added three new sour Powerade options to its drinks lineup in June. And earlier this summer, KFC collaborated with PepsiCo's Mountain Dew on a "dirty" soda, made with sweet vanilla cream.