McDonald’s Tests 'Dirty Sodas' in Wisconsin, Colorado Following CosMc’s Closure

McDonald’s plans to test a new line of beverages, including “dirty sodas” infused with syrups and dried fruits, at select U.S. locations starting in September. The trial, primarily in Wisconsin and Colorado, follows the company’s decision to discontinue its experimental CosMc’s stores, which had focused on premium coffee and unique drinks. The initiative aims to evaluate consumer reception of the beverages before potential nationwide expansion. The test will include a mix of coffees and custom-flavored sodas, with adjustments based on customer feedback [1].

The beverage test marks a continuation of McDonald’s strategy to innovate in the drinks category, which has become a critical growth area as the fast-food giant seeks to offset slower sales in core menu items. The company previously used its short-lived CosMc’s locations—opened to serve as a “Learning Lab”—to experiment with bold flavors and service innovations without disrupting its standard operations. While eight CosMc’s locations were initially successful, the concept was shuttered after less than two years due to limited scalability. McDonald’s emphasized at the time that the CosMc’s closure allowed the company to retain popular offerings while streamlining its broader menu [1].

The upcoming test reflects a more integrated approach, embedding new beverages directly into regular McDonald’s locations. This shift could reduce operational complexity compared to the standalone CosMc’s model. By testing in existing stores, McDonald’s can gauge customer preferences without dedicating specialized staff or infrastructure. The company’s statement highlighted the value of such experiments, noting that previous CosMc’s innovations, like signature drinks, were later incorporated into standard menus. This approach allows McDonald’s to balance risk and creativity, ensuring new products align with its broader operational goals [1].

The “dirty sodas” being tested, which combine carbonated drinks with added flavors and ingredients, cater to evolving consumer preferences for customizable and artisanal beverages. While McDonald’s has not disclosed specific product details, the inclusion of syrups and dried fruits aligns with trends seen in coffee shops and specialty drink chains. The trial will focus on how these items perform in high-traffic McDonald’s locations, where efficiency and speed remain priorities. Analysts suggest that the company’s ability to integrate new drinks without slowing drive-thru or in-store service will be a key factor in the test’s success [1].

McDonald’s has historically used limited-time menu trials to identify winning products, such as its McCafé coffee line, which has become a global revenue driver. The upcoming test for dirty sodas and other drinks follows a similar playbook, leveraging localized data to inform national rollout decisions. If the beverages resonate with customers, they could become permanent menu additions, further diversifying McDonald’s beverage portfolio. The company’s focus on drinks also aligns with broader industry trends, as quick-service restaurants increasingly compete with third-wave coffee shops and premium soda brands for a share of the $500 billion U.S. coffee market [1].

Source: [1] [McDonald’s plans to test ‘dirty sodas’ and other drinks starting this fall] [https://fortune.com/2025/07/24/mcdonalds-dirty-sodas-test-september/]