News

QSRs looking to quench thirsts this summer

April 18, 2011

Twitter was aflutter upon hearing QSRweb.com's news in March that McDonald's was testing frozen strawberry lemonade in select Florida and Georgia markets as part of its wildly popular McCafe lineup.

That seems to be just the tip of the iceberg for drink innovations coming to the quick-service segment within the next few months.

According to USA Today, restaurants are ready to launch everything from ice cream-based drinks to zero-calorie Pepsi Max. Here is a rundown of what to expect:

Like McDonald's, Dairy Queen also has embraced a lemonade base by bringing back its Lemonade Chillers in both regular and strawberry flavors. The icy, slushy beverages were first introduced as an LTO last summer.

KFC said today via Twitter that its U.S. restaurants will roll out Pepsi Max in May, the first QSR to do so. Pepsi Max is a sugar-free, carbs-free, ginseng-infused cola with nearly twice the amount of caffeine as other Pepsi products.

Subway, which launched its Fuze iced tea in U.S. restaurants in 2009, will introduce Fuze fresh-brewed raspberry iced tea in May. Fuze, a product of the Coca-Cola Co., contains natural antioxidants and provides 10 percent of recommended daily vitamins.

Those who may not care to get a few extra calories from their drinks will be open to try Sonic's Double Stuf Oreo blast or Arby's Jamocha Oreo Shake, both set for a May launch.

Also, Jack in the Box will put its blackberry shake back on the menu later this month. The shake debuted in 2007 and features real vanilla ice cream, pieces of real blackberries, creamy whipped topping and a maraschino cherry.

May will mark the debut of Dunkin' Donuts' Mountain Dew Coolatta, a frozen slushy drink.

Cold Stone Creamery will roll out its Cake 'n Shake, with cake batter ice cream, milk and yellow cake pieces, sometime in June.

Coffee-based beverages continue to remain hot in the QSR arena, and Tim Hortons is currently testing 20 espresso-based drinks, including iced lattes and iced latte supremes to cool things off.

Those who want something a little sooner can try an EVOS milkshake for free on Friday, in celebration of Earth Day. Every EVOS location in the Tampa Bay area will give away free organic milkshakes, including vanilla, chocolate or cappuccino flavors.

QSR beverage innovations have skyrocketed since McDonald's began testing its McCafe line in 2003. The concept has been a big success and has been credited for contributing to positive sales at the company within the past few years.