Despite not having a reputation of being the most coffee-savvy and sophisticated of fast-food chains, McDonald’s has long been a go-to spot for those in need of a caffeine fix. But what exactly does that mean? What coffee drinks does McDonald’s have? Though not an exhaustive list, this article will cover some of the more common drinks found at McDonald’s.
Espresso-Based Drinks
For those who need a truly powerful pick-me-up, McDonald’s offers several espresso-based drinks. These include lattes (both standard and flavored), mochas (both standard and flavored), McCafe cappuccinos, and Caramel Macchiatos.
All of these beverages are made with either 2 or 3 shots of espresso, depending on size. The espresso shots are prepared with a small, traditional Italian espresso machine, which McDonald’s has had since the mid-1980s.
Brewed Drinks
There are a number of brewed drinks on offer at McDonald’s, all of which are made using a high-end brewing system. These drinks are designed to be quick and consistent, so customers can expect the same quality of coffee each and every time. Some of these drinks include regular brewed coffee, iced coffee, French Vanilla cappuccinos, Frappes, and hot chocolate.
The coffee that McDonald’s uses for its brewed drinks is a special blend from – you guessed it – McDonald’s. This blend is made up of coffee from three different regions across the world: Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa. The blend is said to be a balanced combination of flavors, combining the nutty and fruity flavors of African coffee with the milder and slightly more acidic flavors of the other blends.
Cold Brew
In recent years, McDonald’s has jumped on the trend of cold-brewed coffee. This method of brewing coffee is much slower than the typical hot-brewed method, but results in a much smoother, richer taste. It is also much less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, making it easier on the stomach and easier to drink.
McDonald’s cold-brewed coffee is prepared using a special cold-brewing technique and a special blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The result is a light, smooth, and mellow drink that is great for hot summer days.
Latte Macchiatos
If you’re looking for a latte with a bit of extra sweetness and richness, McDonald’s Latte Macchiatos are for you. These drinks are made with a blend of espresso and steamed milk, with a tasty caramel, hazelnut, or mocha flavor added in.
The Latte Macchiatos are served in a tall glass, topped with a dollop of frothed milk and either a caramel or hazelnut drizzle, depending on the flavor. The drinks can be enjoyed as-is or alternatively paired with a muffin, donut, or cookie for a sweet and decadent treat.
Iced Americano
If the taste of espresso is what you’re after, but in the form of an iced drink, the Iced Americano is your best bet. It’s made with two shots of espresso, added to a cup of cold water. The end result is a light, refreshing, and powerfully caffeinated drink that packs a punch.
The Iced Americano can be enjoyed as-is, or you can opt to add flavor to it with a squirt of syrup. The syrups available at McDonald’s are Caramel, Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Mocha, and can be added to any espresso-based drink for an extra burst of sweetness.
Nitro Cold Brew
In recent years, McDonald’s has been rolling out its line of Nitro Cold Brews. These drinks are made using the same slow-brewing process as regular cold brews, but with the addition of nitrogen gas. This creates a “nitro foam” on top of the drink and an extremely smooth, creamy taste.
The Nitro Cold Brews from McDonald’s are served in a tall glass, and come in a variety of flavors, including Caramel Cream, Vanilla Cream, and Mocha Cream. All of these drinks can be enjoyed as-is or with a splash of skimmed milk or dairy alternative.
Instants
For those looking for a quick cup of coffee on the go, McDonald’s has a range of instant coffees. These single-serve pots of coffee come in a variety of flavors, including Caramel, Hazelnut, and Mocha, and are perfect for when you’re in a rush. Simply add hot water and you’re ready to go.
McDonald’s also has a range of freeze-dried extra-strong coffees for those in need of a particularly powerful pick-me-up. These coffees come in a range of flavors, including Colombian, French Roast, and Sumatra, and can be served either hot or cold.
Christmas Drinks
Each year, McDonald’s releases a special line of seasonal drinks, available for a limited time only, around the Christmas and New Year period. These Christmas drinks feature a range of festive flavors and special ingredients, including spices, chocolate, and cream. Some of these drinks include hot chocolates, lattes, and hot apple pies.
No matter what your taste in coffee is, McDonald’s has something for you. With a wide range of espresso-based drinks, brewed drinks, cold brews, instant coffees, and even seasonal Christmas drinks, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot. So the next time you’re in need of a caffeine hit, why not drop into McDonald’s and give one of their drinks a try?
Flavored Options
McDonald’s offers a range of flavored coffee drinks, from flavored lattes and mochas to flavored Frappes and iced coffees. These drinks can take your basic espresso, brewed, or cold brew coffee drinks to the next level, by adding an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
The flavored options are all made with syrups, made from natural ingredients and with no added sugar. These syrups come in a range of flavors, including Caramel, Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Mocha, and can be added to any espresso-based or brewed drink.
Frappes
For those looking for an extra special way to cool down on a hot summer’s day, McDonald’s Frappes might just be the answer. These iced coffee drinks are made with espresso and milk, blended with ice and topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and other flavors.
McDonald’s Frappes are available in a range of flavors, such as vanilla, caramel, chocolate and mocha. All of these drinks are served in a large glass and can be enjoyed as-is or paired with a biscuit, donut, or muffin for a sweet, refreshing treat.
Iced Teas
For those not looking for a coffee in particular, McDonald’s also has a range of iced tea drinks. These drinks are all made from freshly brewed tea and are flavored with either natural fruit or herbal flavors. These drinks include Peach Pineapple Green Tea, Pomegranate Green Tea, and Mango Pineapple Black Tea.
Each of these drinks is served in a tall glass and can be enjoyed as-is or with a splash of skimmed milk or dairy alternative. These drinks are the perfect way to cool down on a hot day and get a refreshing boost of energy.
