Over the years, we’ve seen fast food chains try to come up with the next big drink. Some of them turned out good and some of them turned out bad. While some of them turned legendary. These are the drinks that stood the test of time. These are drinks that, despite being a limited item, managed to stay in our collective consciousness and developed a dedicated fanbase.
Whether it’s because of a signature blend or a viral marketing campaign, these 12 fast food drinks we’re about to show you are bonafide cult favorites. Hope you’re feeling thirsty cause things are about to get refreshing.
12. Grimace Shake – McDonald’s
McDonald’s has had their own fair share of menu items that have their own cult following. The most famous one is probably the McRib. But back in 2023, they created a drink that resulted in one of the most viral and unhinged trends in social media. This drink is the Grimace Shake. Created for the character’s 52nd birthday, Grimace is a weird purple “embodiment” of a milkshake despite looking more like a giant gumdrop. It became popular when people started making videos of them drinking the shake and then finding themselves in ominous, often creepy or disturbing situations. It’s all played for laughs and it resulted in another hit for McDonald’s.
11. Pink Drink – Starbucks
Think pink. Starbucks is no stranger to having cult-favorite drinks. After all, it’s one of the biggest fast-food coffee chains in the world. Starbucks’ Pink Drink actually started out on their secret menu, but due to its popularity, it eventually made it into their permanent list of offerings. This pretty beverage contains coconut milk, Strawberry Acai Refreshers, and a scoop of strawberries. It’s both caffeine-free and dairy-free, which makes it a pretty popular choice for people looking for refreshing drinks.
10. Black & White Shake – Shake Shack
Shake Shack makes shakes that are considered to be some of the best in the industry. And we agree. Shake Shack really does create shakes that defy expectations. While this isn’t their best shake, the Black & White Shake is pretty darn iconic, with most people saying that it is their go-to at Shake Shack. It’s essentially a frozen vanilla custard shake, but its flavor is enhanced thanks to the chocolate fudge sauce.
9. Neapolitan Milkshake – In-n-Out
In-n-Out may be famous for their burgers but they’re also famous for their not-so-secret menu. In fact, we can fill a whole list just talking about their secret menu items that have cult followings. But for this list, we’re gonna go with their Neapolitan Milkshake. Like neapolitan ice cream, this milkshake has three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It’s a really simple milkshake but that doesn’t mean it’s not delicious.
8. Frosted Lemonade – Chick-fil-A
Looking for something cool and fresh? Check out Chick-fil-A’s Frosted Lemonade. It’s essentially Chick-fil-A’s lemonade mixed with their vanilla ice cream. It’s a fruity and refreshing drink perfect on hot summer days to beat the heat. I mean Chick-fil-A’s Lemonade is already kind of a cult favorite on its own and is one of the best drinks in all of fast food. But adding a bit of vanilla ice cream can make a world of difference.
7. Nitro Cold Brew with Cascara Foam – Starbucks
Starbucks makes another appearance on this list with their Nitro Cold Brew with Cascara Foam. If you’re looking for an elevated cold brew experience, this is the best fast food drink you could get. Fans went crazy when Starbucks first introduced cold foam back in 2018 and that success led to the creation of this drink. This is a chocolate-y, creamy coffee that doesn’t contain any actual chocolate or cream in it.
6. Shamrock Shake – McDonald’s
Ah, the Shamrock Shake. Every year during March, we get to enjoy this mint-flavored drink in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a drink that a lot of people look forward to. It’s been around since the 1970s, so you bet that the Shamrock Shake has some staying power. It’s definitely one of the best drinks that you can get at McDonald’s.
5. Legendary Iced Tea – Bojangles
With a name like that, you bet that this drink has a reputation to live up to. A reputation that I think is well deserved. Bojangles’ Legendary Iced Tea is unlike any other iced tea you’ll ever have. For starters, this iced tea is actually brewed fresh everyday and uses real sugar cane as sweeteners. It may look and sound simple, but the Legendary Iced Tea got its followers thanks to its perfect balance of freshness, flavor, and tradition.
4. Mountain Dew Baja Blast – Taco Bell
We can’t have a list about drinks with cult followings and not mention Taco Bell’s Mountain Dew Baja Blast. At this point, this lemon-lime drink is more than just a soda. It’s a representation of Taco Bell’s commitment to give their customers nothing but the best. And the Mountain Dew Baja Blast just hits different right after eating any of Taco Bell’s signature meals. After all, this was specifically created for the Mexican fast food chain. For over a decade, this drink was a Taco Bell exclusive which only cemented its status as a cult favorite. Thankfully, they agreed to release it to the public and you can now purchase the Mountain Dew Baja Blast at stores across the country.
3. Cherry Limeade – Sonic Drive-in
Sonic’s Cherry Limeade is, hands down, their most popular drink. It has a pretty strong following not just because it tastes good but because the Cherry Limeade is very versatile. The tropical citrus flavors make it a great combination for other meals or for mixing with other drinks, making great beverages. At face value, it looks like there’s nothing special about it. It’s just lime, cherries, Sprite, and ice. But once you get a sip, you’ll understand why people love the Cherry Limeade.
2. Root Beer Float – A&W Restaurants
A&W is a restaurant chain that started in 1919. Before they sold burgers and other all American meals, they were a root beer stand. Now more than a hundred years later, their Root Beer is still considered the best. It’s a formula that has been around for generations and it stood the test of time thanks to its unique flavor profile and the dedicated fans who completely swear by this iconic drink.
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte – Starbucks
Of course, the number one spot on this list belongs to Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte. Sure all the drinks here are pretty good. But have any of them started an ENTIRE industry? That’s right, Starbucks and their Pumpkin Spice Latte started the whole pumpkin spice craze that spawned copycat drinks and inspired a ton of products made from pumpkin spice. It’s an iconic drink for sure and one of the highest-selling drinks of all time.