15 Refreshing New Fast Food Drinks That Taste Like Summer
Summer heat calls for cool, refreshing drinks that not only quench your thirst but also lift your spirits. As the temperature rises, fast food chains have stepped up their beverage game with creative and flavorful concoctions that capture the very essence of summer in every sip.
From fruity, icy blends to tangy, citrus-packed treats, these drinks offer the perfect escape from the sweltering heat.
I’ve been on a mission to sample these seasonal sippers, and let me tell you, these 15 drinks are worth every brain freeze and sugar rush they deliver! Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or a revitalizing refreshment, these beverages won’t disappoint.
1. Taco Bell’s Tropical Strawberry Lemonade Freeze
Yesterday I braved the drive-thru line just to get my hands on this frozen delight! The vibrant pink swirl against the pale yellow lemonade base instantly transported me to a beachside cabana.
The sweet strawberry flavor mingles perfectly with tangy lemonade, creating that perfect summer balance. What makes this freeze special is how the flavors stay distinct yet complementary.
The icy texture holds up remarkably well even on scorching days, unlike some other frozen drinks that melt before you leave the parking lot. Taco Bell really nailed the summer vibe with this one – it’s like a vacation in a cup!
2. McDonald’s Watermelon Sprite
Who knew McDonald’s would create such magic by adding watermelon syrup to Sprite? The first sip hit me with a wave of nostalgia – reminiscent of those sticky-sweet watermelon candies I devoured as a kid.
The carbonation amplifies the watermelon essence, making it dance across your taste buds in the most refreshing way. Unlike artificial watermelon flavors that can taste medicinal, this one strikes a natural balance.
My favorite part is watching the red syrup slowly blend with the clear Sprite, creating a sunset-like gradient in the cup. It’s the perfect companion for those late-night summer drives with windows down and music up!
3. Starbucks Iced Passion Tango Tea
My morning coffee routine got a summer makeover when I discovered this vibrant magenta masterpiece! The Passion Tango Tea blends hibiscus, lemongrass, and apple notes into a symphony of tropical flavors.
What separates this from other iced teas is its bold color and equally bold taste – no watered-down disappointment here. I appreciate that it’s not overly sweetened, letting the natural tartness of hibiscus shine through.
The barista recommended adding a splash of lemonade, which takes it to a whole new level of summer refreshment. Now I find myself making detours just to grab one before heading to the park with my dog!
4. Dunkin’ Coconut Refresher
Summer vacation in Hawaii might be out of reach this year, but Dunkin’s Coconut Refresher brings those island vibes straight to my neighborhood. The tropical coconut flavor pairs surprisingly well with the green tea base, creating a refreshing experience that doesn’t feel overly sweet.
White peach notes dance in the background, adding complexity without overwhelming the star ingredient. The light, frothy texture makes it feel more substantial than regular iced tea but lighter than a smoothie.
I’ve started timing my afternoon errands around my Dunkin’ cravings! Pro tip: ask for light ice to get more of this heavenly concoction in your cup.
5. Wendy’s Mango Lemonade
Sunshine in a cup! That’s what I thought when I first tried Wendy’s Mango Lemonade. The golden-yellow beverage looks as cheerful as it tastes, with real lemon bits floating among the ice cubes.
The mango flavor isn’t shy – it announces itself boldly with each sip, yet never overpowers the classic lemonade tang. What impressed me most was how the sweetness builds gradually rather than hitting you all at once.
Last week, I paired this with a spicy chicken sandwich, and the combination was life-changing! The cooling mango perfectly balanced the heat, creating a summer lunch combo I can’t stop craving.
6. Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade
Creamy meets tangy in this genius summer hybrid! My first encounter with Chick-fil-A’s Frosted Lemonade left me speechless – how had I lived so long without this blend of their famous lemonade and vanilla soft serve?
The consistency hits that perfect sweet spot between milkshake and slushie. Each spoonful (yes, I recommend a spoon over a straw) delivers a perfect balance of creamy vanilla followed by a bright lemon finish.
Fair warning: brain freeze is almost guaranteed, but totally worth it. I’ve started planning my Saturday shopping routes to ensure I pass at least one Chick-fil-A for my weekly frosted fix!
7. Burger King’s Tropical Mango Whopper Drink
Royal refreshment indeed! Burger King’s newest creation caught my eye with its vibrant orange hue and playful name. Despite sharing a name with their famous burger, this drink stands tall on its own merits.
The mango flavor tastes surprisingly authentic – not that artificial candy-like taste that plagues many fast food beverages. Small pieces of real mango pulp add textural interest as you sip through the straw.
A hint of passionfruit lingers in the aftertaste, adding complexity that kept me coming back for more. I’ve found myself detouring past BK on my way home from work, convincing myself that the extra five minutes is completely justified for this tropical treat!
8. Sonic Ocean Water
Blue drinks usually make me skeptical, but Sonic’s Ocean Water demolished my prejudice with one sip! The stunning turquoise color initially seems like a gimmick until you taste the unexpected coconut-lime fusion that truly captures seaside vibes.
The carbonation level is perfect – just enough to tickle your nose without overwhelming the delicate flavors. What keeps me coming back is how the sweetness fades into a slightly salty finish, mimicking that experience of swimming in the ocean.
My skateboarding nephew introduced me to this gem during our weekly hangouts. Now we have a standing Sonic date every Thursday where we debate whether the drink actually tastes like real ocean water (neither of us has ever accidentally swallowed seawater, thankfully!).
9. Jack in the Box Pineapple Express
Tropical vacation vibes hit me immediately when this sunny yellow creation arrived at my car window! Jack in the Box’s Pineapple Express combines real pineapple juice with a splash of coconut cream for a non-dairy twist that surprised my taste buds.
The pineapple flavor dominates but doesn’t overwhelm, striking that elusive balance between sweet and tart. Small bits of pineapple pulp add authenticity and remind you this isn’t just flavored sugar water.
Last weekend, I grabbed one before heading to an outdoor concert, and it stayed refreshing even after sitting in my cup holder for an hour! The subtle coconut finish lingers pleasantly, making you crave that next sip of liquid sunshine.
10. Starbucks Kiwi Starfruit Refresher
Green never looked so inviting! When I first spotted this vibrant emerald beverage on Starbucks’ menu board, I knew my usual coffee order would have to wait.
The Kiwi Starfruit Refresher delivers exactly what its name promises – a perfect harmony of tart kiwi and exotic starfruit that dances on your palate. Real kiwi pieces float throughout, giving you little bursts of flavor with each sip. The green coffee extract provides a subtle energy boost without any coffee taste.
My morning routine now includes this refreshing pick-me-up before tackling my inbox. Pro tip from a daily consumer: ask for light water and extra fruit inclusions to maximize the flavor experience!
11. McDonald’s Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie
Purple perfection in a cup! I discovered this gem during a road trip pit stop when I needed something more substantial than soda but less heavy than a milkshake.
The deep purple color hints at the antioxidant powerhouses within – blueberries and pomegranate blend into a surprisingly sophisticated flavor profile for a fast food chain. Unlike many smoothies that taste predominantly like bananas, this one lets the berries shine through with their natural tartness.
The texture strikes that ideal balance between thick and sippable. My daughter now requests a “special purple drink” whenever we pass the golden arches, and honestly, I’m not complaining – it’s become our favorite summer tradition!
12. Shake Shack Lemonade
Sometimes classics become classics for a reason! Shake Shack’s take on lemonade proves that simplicity, when executed perfectly, can outshine even the most elaborate concoctions.
The first sip transported me back to childhood lemonade stands, but with a grown-up balance of sweet and tart that most kids never quite master. You can actually see bits of real lemon pulp floating in the golden liquid, proof of its authentic preparation.
My favorite weekend ritual now involves grabbing a burger and this perfect lemonade before heading to the park. The tall, eco-friendly cup keeps it cold surprisingly long, even during those scorching July afternoons when nothing seems capable of beating the heat!
13. Dunkin’ Peach Passion Fruit Refresher
Sunshine captured in liquid form! That was my first thought when the barista handed me this gorgeous gradient drink that transitions from peachy orange at the bottom to vibrant pink at the top.
The peach hits your taste buds first – sweet but not cloying, followed by the exotic tang of passion fruit that lingers pleasantly. Green tea provides a subtle base that balances the fruit flavors while adding a gentle caffeine boost perfect for those mid-afternoon slumps.
I’ve started scheduling my client calls around 2 PM just so I have an excuse to grab one of these beforehand. The fruity aroma alone is enough to put me in a summer mindset, regardless of what my calendar or the weather app claims!
14. Culver’s Frozen Custard Milkshake (Mango)
Creamy dreams come true! Culver’s has long been my frozen custard destination, but their limited-edition Mango Milkshake takes summer refreshment to luxurious new heights.
The signature frozen custard base creates a silky texture that’s substantially richer than ordinary milkshakes. Real mango puree swirls throughout, creating pockets of tropical intensity that contrast beautifully with the vanilla custard.
My neighbor first recommended this treat after I helped her move some furniture, calling it “payment in liquid gold.” She wasn’t exaggerating! The thickness requires some serious straw strength, but the workout is worth every calories-be-damned sip of this summer indulgence.
15. Zaxby’s Lemonade
Southern charm in liquid form! Zaxby’s might be known for chicken, but their lemonade deserves its own spotlight – especially during these sweltering summer months.
The first thing you’ll notice is the cloudiness that signals real lemon juice rather than artificial flavoring. The sweetness level hits that perfect Southern sweet tea-adjacent territory without crossing into syrupy territory. Each sip delivers a zippy tanginess that cuts through the richness of their famous chicken.
My weekly meal prep plans fell apart after discovering I could grab a gallon of this liquid gold to go! Now my fridge always has a pitcher ready for impromptu backyard gatherings, complete with fresh mint from my garden for an elevated touch.