McDonald’s tests new drink lineup at select restaurants

Following its decision to close its CosMc’s concept restaurants — which offered signature smoothies and cold brews — McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) is rolling out new beverage offerings at select U.S. restaurants later this summer in an effort to capitalize on popular trends.

“Over the past year, we’ve been listening to fans, learning from our CosMc’s concept, and exploring what makes a drink moment truly special. Now, we’re bringing those insights to life in an expanded market test,” the company said in an announcement on its website.

The burger chain will begin testing a “bold new lineup of drinks” like Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew, Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, and “dirty sodas” that incorporate dried fruit and flavored syrups at 500 restaurants in Wisconsin and Colorado, and surrounding areas beginning September 2.

The company plans to use the test sample to determine what beverages will be scaled for broader global offerings.

The new drinks menu is the latest effort by McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) to beef up its menu offerings to include the spicy McMuffin, daily double hamburger and return of the popular snack wrap, while at the same time discontinuing its underwhelming partnership with Krispy Kreme (DNUT). The initiatives have helped breathe life into the stock and stem an 11% drop in the share price last month.

Thursday’s news, however, failed to move the needle for McDonald’s stock price (NYSE:MCD), but increased pressure on potential competitors Starbucks (SBUX) and Dutch Bros (BROS), both of which fell further into negative territory.