McDonald's says ‘Buckle up for bold beverages’ at it teases new menu items for later in 2025

McDonald’s recently announced that its CosMc’s beverage-based spin-off would be permanently shuttered after failing to make a big impression, but it seems the concept isn’t completely dead and buried.

The 23 May 2025 announcement came via a CosMc’s website pop-up which read: "Dear valued customer, on June 23, 2025, the CosMc's Club loyalty program, mobile app, and web ordering services will be discontinued.”

Only five locations were opened, with one in Illinois and four in Texas, but sadly those pilot markets weren’t lively enough for McDonald’s to open more CosMc’s elsewhere.

CosMc's was a drive-thru concept that focused primarily on a wide range of innovative drinks (The Washington Post / Contributor/Getty Images)

The spirit of the idea will live on, however, with a big menu shake-up slated for later summer 2025.

Initially rolling out to 500 locations across Wisconsin, Colorado, and surrounding areas, a range of CosMc’s beverages will be available to lucky locals.

“Think cold coffees, fruity refreshers, crafted sodas, and energizing sips—all created to bring a little extra joy to your day,” McDonald’s said in a press statement.

“We’ve taken what McDonald’s fans love – the flavors they crave, the formats they reach for, and moments to savor – and built a test line-up for the U.S. that fits right into their lives.

“Whether it’s a morning boost, an afternoon cool-down, or a moment for a ‘little treat’, we think there’s something here for everyone.”

The pilot locations will host the likes of the Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew and the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, the Sprite Lunar Splash and Popping Tropic Refresher.

“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,” said Alyssa Buetikofer, Chief Customer Experience and Marketing Officer of McDonald’s USA.

“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.”

Charlie Newbeger, Beverage Category Lead, added: “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.”

A selection of the CosMc's drinks making their way to pilot locations in the US (McDonald's)

Keep an eye out for the range to hit select outlets from 2 September 2025.

Here in the UK, customers will be getting the option to customise drinks for the first time. It’s not quite on the level of the incoming CosMc’s beverages for US customers, but in the UK we can now customise Sprite with either Green Apple or Mango and Passionfruit syrups for a fresh spin on the classic.