We all love McDonald’s for the ease of getting an inexpensive burger and some fries, but sometimes you need a drink to wash it all down. While nothing hits quite like a fountain Sprite, the new McDonald’s lemonade might just become a go-to bev at the fast food chain.
McDonald’s is no stranger to new product launches, from the return of the Snack Wrap, discounted value meals, themed Happy Meals, and more, but in recent months, the company has dialed in on its drink choices. Now, McDonald’s is releasing a new lemonade recipe nationwide, just in time for summer.
What’s so special about the new McDonald’s lemonade?
This new lemonade is especially unique because it features real lemon juice, lemon pulp, and cane sugar. In this era of everything being chemical, McDonald’s has hopped on the bandwagon in terms of lemonade au naturel.
Other fast food chains like Chick-Fil-A, In-N-Out, and Wendy’s have been offering fresh citrus ades for years, and it’s nice to see McDonald’s raising the bar — or should we say the Golden Arches?
Does McDonald’s still sell Minute Maid Lemonade?
Prior to this launch, many McDonald’s stores around the world featured the fan-favorite Minute Maid lemonade, but it appears these two companies have parted ways regarding this lemony summer drink. Don’t worry. If you’re like me and have a nostalgic sweet spot for anything Minute Maid, McDonald’s is still serving Minute Maid orange juice in the chain’s fountain machines.
What do customers think of the new McDonald’s lemonade?
On the McDonaldsEmployees subreddit, customers are already asking the most important question: “What is the difference between premium lemonade and regular lemonade?” Reddit user @bigboi2001 notes “Every McDonald’s I’ve been to has already changed over to the new lemonade, it’s way better than the minute made. I’m obsessed.”
User @WanderWomble chimed in, commenting that (unlike Minute Maid), “I think the premium one has pulp and is trying to be ‘freshly squeezed.’” Though I haven’t tried the new McDonald’s lemonade yet, I can imagine that the real lemon pulp adds that extra touch that makes it feel more authentic and less like a sugary drink from concentrate.
In a video review, TikTok user @kristenalk also describes McDonald’s new lemonade as tasting homemade before giving it a “10/10” review.
She also notes that her video is not sponsored by McD’s, and the lemonade is “actually just that good.”
How do I try the new McDonald’s lemonade?
The new McDonald’s lemonade has been available over the past two years in select restaurants, but as of April 8, it is officially available at McD’s locations across the country. If you’re looking for a new drink to cool down with as we enter the summer season, McDonald’s new lemonade is a must-try. It’s sweet, its zesty, and it’s made with real ingredients – what more could you ask for?
The new McDonald’s lemonade can be purchased in Small, Medium, and Large sizes, starting at $3.79 for a small size. As of yesterday, it can be purchased nationwide as part of the permanent menu, so head to your local McDonald’s to give the chain’s newest beverage a try.
Whether you’re pairing it with a Big Mac or the Minecraft Movie Happy Meal, or just enjoying it on its own, this lemonade is the summer sip you didn’t know you needed.