McDonald’s launches new summer drinks menu as ‘fan favourite’ finally returns
McDonald’s has added more items to its stacked summer menu, with sweet beverages taking the spotlight amid World Cup fever.
Fast-food titans, coffeehouse chains, and beloved British bakeries are seemingly dedicated to crafting innovative, fun drinks this summer, with Starbucks’ Caramelised Banana range and Cafe Nero’s Wimbledon-inspired Strawberries & Cream matcha leading the pack.
Greggs has put its own spin on a drinkable Gen Z favourite; the so-called ‘proffee trend’ is booming, and Taco Bell finally launched Mountain Dew Baja Blast in the UK for the first time.
McDonald’s has also had a busy couple of months. In May, the team at LADbible Group had the chance to taste the McDonald’s summer drink menu, with The Honeycomb Frappé coming out on top.
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“Huge fan of the Chocolate Honeycomb Frappé, didn't want it to end,” one fan said.
Now, McDonald’s has announced plans to add to its bursting Frappé portfolio whilst bringing back a so-called ‘fan-favourite’ item that has been missing from menus for more than a year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new launches.
And don’t forget - there’s still a chance to get your hands on collectable plastic beakers designed to honour legends of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Green Apple x Sprite Zero
Back by popular demand, McDonald’s is finally set to relaunch the Green Apple x Sprite Zero remix on 14 July.
The returning item, which first debuted in the UK and Ireland last summer, is back again with its signature crisp taste.
Engineered as the ultimate refreshment, the beverage combines Sprite Zero with sugar-free green apple-flavoured syrup.
The drink will cost you £2.19 for a medium. However, The Sun reported that in some locations it’ll be priced slightly higher at £2.29.
The Green Apple x Sprite Zero replaces the Pineapple x Sprite Zero flavour.
Strawberry Candyfloss Frappé
Off the back of the new Vanilla Matcha Frappé comes its perfectly pink sister: the Strawberry Candyfloss Frappé.
Inspired by carefree summer days and nostalgic fairground flavours, the McCafé treat blends strawberry flavour with saccharine candyfloss notes.
Each drink is topped with a swirl of cream and glistening sprinkles. You can grab it from 14 July.
More McDonald’s drinks
The good news is that if you don’t fancy the new Apple Sprite or the Strawberry Candyfloss Frappé, then there are a plethora of McDonald’s drinks you can enjoy instead.
That includes the Vanilla Matcha Frappé, set to hang around while stocks last, as well as the Raspberry x Sprite Zero and the Frozen Cherry Lemonade.
McDonald’s warned that you have until August to sup on the latter, as it will be swapped out for a Frozen Strawberry Lemonade instead.
The latter is set to blend tangy frozen lemonade with a swirl of sweet strawberry syrup.
There’s also the Chocolate Honeycomb Frappé, a rich chocolate frappé topped with cream and crunchy honeycomb pieces.
FIFA World Cup Menu
McDonald’s is currently celebrating the Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026 across the globe with its various promotions, including the return of Squishmallows in Happy Meals.
There are over 20 cute critters to collect, including three inspired by tournament co-hosts Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Adults can get their hands on various collectable cups featuring footballing legends like Sir David Beckham and Thierry Henry.
To opt in, you have to purchase a FIFA World Cup 26 meal, featuring either a Big Mac, 10-piece McChicken Nugget box, or McPlant.
“At McDonald’s, magic happens when friends and fans come together and celebrate with the people they love,” said Global chief marketing officer and head of new business ventures at McDonald’s, Morgan Flatley.
“Partnering with the FIFA World Cup 26 allows us to take that shared joy and bring it to life at a global scale through our food, our experience, and the ways fans connect with the game.
“As football icons take the field to unite fans across continents, McDonald’s will be there with limited-time meals and keepsakes so fans can be part of the excitement all tournament long and beyond.”
New FIFA World Cup menu items
A handful of limited-time menu items have launched at McDonald’s ahead of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026, including burgers, McFlurries, and easy cheesy sides.
Mexican Chipotle Chicken Burger
Introducing the Mexican Chipotle Chicken burger, made with 100 percent chicken breast in a crispy coating.
It features chipotle mayo, smoky sauce, slivered and crispy onions, fresh lettuce, and a slice of white cheddar cheese.
Sweet Carolina BBQ Stack
Opposite the Mexican Chipotle Chicken burger is the returning Sweet Carolina BBQ Stack.
Two 100 percent British and Irish beef quarter-pounder patties are stacked with cheese, smoked bacon, ‘smoky’ cheese and a ‘sweet tangy South Carolina sauce.
Sauce and sides
McDonald’s Crunchy Cheese Bites are making a comeback, as are individual pots of indulgent Big Mac sauce.
McFlurry flavours
To finish, there are two McFlurries on offer: the Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry, combining creamy soft serve with Galaxy chocolate pieces and chocolate sauce, and the Galaxy Salted Caramel McFlurry, which adds a lick of salted caramel to the pot.
World Cup 2026 fixture schedule and UK kick off times
Monday, 6 July
Round of 16 - Match 93: Portugal vs Spain, kick-off 8pm - Arlington, US
Tuesday, 7 July
Round of 16 - Match 94: USA vs Belgium, kick-off 1am - Seattle, US
Round of 16 - Match 95: Argentina vs Egypt, kick-off 5pm - Atlanta, US
Round of 16 - Match 96: Switzerland vs Colombia, kick-off 9pm - Vancouver, Canada
Thursday, 9 July
Quarter-final - Match 97: France vs Morocco, kick-off 9pm - Foxborough, US
Friday, 10 July
Quarter-final - Match 98: Match 93 winners vs Match 94 winners, kick-off 8pm - Los Angeles, US
Saturday, 11 July
Quarter-final - Match 99: Norway vs England, kick-off 10pm - Miami, US
Sunday, 12 July
Quarter-final - Match 100: Match 95 winners vs Match 96 winners, kick-off 2am - Kansas City, US
Tuesday, 14 July
Semi-final - Match 101: Match 97 winners vs Match 98 winners, kick-off 8pm - Arlington, US
Wednesday, 15 July
Semi-final - Match 102: Match 99 winners vs Match 100 winners, kick-off 8pm - Atlanta, US
Saturday, 18 July
Third Place Playoff - Match 103: Match 101 losers vs Match 102 losers, kick-off 10pm - Miami, US
Sunday, 19 July
Final - Match 104: Match 101 winners vs Match 102 winners, kick-off 8pm - New Jersey, US
Ella Scott