Your Guide to McDonald's Cold Drink Options
For many, a trip to McDonald's is incomplete without a sweet, frosty beverage. While the chain's iconic 'shakes' are a popular choice, they are far from the only cool treat available. For those looking for something a little different—whether it's a coffee kick, a fruitier flavor, or a non-blended dessert—McDonald's has a surprising number of milkshake alternatives. This guide will walk you through the various options, helping you find your next favorite cool drink.
Exploring the McCafé Menu for Creamy Alternatives
The McCafé line offers some of the most robust alternatives to a traditional shake, blending coffeehouse-style beverages with the classic McDonald's convenience. These drinks are often richer and more complex in flavor, providing a different kind of sweet indulgence.
McCafé Frappes
Frappes are a popular choice for those who enjoy a richer, coffee-based frozen treat. Unlike a standard shake that comes pre-mixed from a machine, frappes are blended with ice to order, giving them a slightly different texture and mouthfeel. They are essentially a coffee milkshake, combining espresso, cream, and flavored syrup into a thick, sippable dessert.
- Flavors often include: Mocha, Caramel, and sometimes limited-time offerings like the seasonal Pumpkin Spice Frappe.
- Customization: You can often request extra syrup for more sweetness or ask for whipped cream and a drizzle topping.
McCafé Iced Coffee
If you prefer a lighter, less dessert-like option with a caffeine boost, the McCafé Iced Coffee is a fantastic choice. Made with 100% Arabica beans and customizable with various syrups, it offers a refreshing alternative that isn't as thick or heavy as a shake.
- Flavor options: Common choices include Caramel, French Vanilla, and sometimes Sugar-Free French Vanilla.
- Customization: You can control the level of cream and sugar, or even ask for it black, which is a great option for a low-calorie drink.
Fruit Smoothies and Other Frozen Treats
Beyond the McCafé range, McDonald's also offers alternatives that focus on fruit flavors or a different kind of frozen dairy dessert.
Real Fruit Smoothies
McDonald's offers fruit smoothies that provide a refreshing, fruity counterpoint to the more decadent shakes. They are typically made with fruit purées, low-fat yogurt, and ice, resulting in a slightly lighter, tangy flavor.
- Common flavors: Strawberry Banana and Mango Pineapple are menu staples in many regions.
- Ingredients: While they contain low-fat yogurt, those with dietary restrictions should note that they are often produced on shared equipment with milk products.
Sundaes and McFlurry Desserts
For those who enjoy the creamy vanilla soft serve but want a different presentation, the classic sundaes or the mixed-in McFlurry are great choices. The soft serve base is the same as the one used in the shakes, but the delivery is different, offering a satisfying spoon-based treat.
- Sundaes: Vanilla soft serve with a topping like hot fudge or hot caramel.
- McFlurry: Vanilla soft serve blended with a choice of mix-ins like Oreo cookies or M&M's candies.
Comparing McDonald's Cold Drink Alternatives
To help you decide on your next cool treat, here is a comparison table of the main milkshake alternatives based on ingredients, texture, and flavor profile.
| Feature | Shake (Classic) | McCafé Frappe | Real Fruit Smoothie | Iced Coffee | McFlurry/Sundae |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Reduced-fat soft serve | Espresso + Cream + Ice | Fruit Purée + Low-fat Yogurt | 100% Arabica Coffee | Reduced-fat soft serve |
| Texture | Thick, smooth, and pre-blended | Thick, blended with ice, coffee-infused | Smooth, slushy, and icy | Liquid, refreshingly cold | Creamy soft serve with toppings |
| Flavor | Classic flavors (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry) | Rich, sweet coffee flavors | Fruity and tangy | Coffee-forward, customizable | Vanilla soft serve with mixed-in toppings |
| Caffeine? | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Primary Appeal | Nostalgic frozen dessert | Coffee & dessert hybrid | Fruity and lighter dessert | Customizable cold brew | Spoonable dessert with mix-ins |
Dietary Considerations and Customization
It's important to remember that most of the creamy and frozen options at McDonald's, including the soft serve that forms the base of the shakes, frappes, and sundaes, contain dairy. As a result, entirely dairy-free alternatives are limited. As one McDonald's FAQ notes, they currently do not offer dairy-free alternatives to their milk products. However, customization can help you find suitable options.
Here's a list of potential dairy-free choices (at most locations):
- Fountain Drinks: Classic sodas like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta are always available.
- Juice: Minute Maid® Premium Orange Juice or Honest Kids® Appley Ever After® are often on the menu.
- Brewed Iced Tea: Unsweetened or Sweet Iced Tea are dairy-free options.
- Customization: For McCafé beverages, a customer can request no cream in their Iced Coffee or ask about available alternatives, though a truly dairy-free coffee drink may not be possible depending on shared equipment and availability.
Conclusion
While the classic McDonald's shake holds a special place, a world of other options awaits for those willing to explore the menu. From the rich and creamy frappes of the McCafé line to the refreshing burst of a real fruit smoothie, there is a cool treat for nearly every preference. You can find a sweet, satisfying alternative by considering your desire for caffeine, fruitiness, or a different texture. Next time the ice cream machine isn't cooperating or you simply want to try something new, remember these milkshake alternatives. For more on why the name changed, check out this great article from Allrecipes.
