McDonald’s is known for its iconic menu items like the Big Mac, fries, and milkshakes. But over the years, the fast-food giant has experimented with some truly bizarre beverages, many of which were only available in select countries or for a limited time. From questionable flavor combinations to regionally inspired concoctions, here are some of the strangest McDonald’s drinks ever released.
1. McFizz Green Apple (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore)
A vivid green, fizzy beverage, the McFizz Green Apple was a tangy and sweet carbonated drink available in several Southeast Asian countries. Its bright color made it visually striking, but some customers found the artificial apple taste overwhelming.
2. McCola Float (Japan, Philippines, Thailand, India)
While a Coke float isn’t that unusual, McDonald’s in various Asian countries made it a regular menu item, often serving it with soft-serve ice cream on top. Variations included Fanta Grape Floats and even Calpis (a Japanese yogurt drink) floats.
3. Bubblegum Squash McFizz (Australia, New Zealand)
This blue-colored, soda-like beverage combined the flavors of bubblegum and tropical fruits. Despite its playful name and appearance, many people found the artificial taste off-putting.
4. Chicha Purple Corn Drink (Peru)
Inspired by Peru’s traditional chicha morada, this drink was made from purple corn, cinnamon, and cloves. While popular among locals who enjoyed the traditional beverage, tourists found it an unusual McDonald’s offering.
5. Sweet Corn McFloat (Philippines)
A bizarre combination of corn-flavored soda with vanilla ice cream, the Sweet Corn McFloat was a hit among adventurous eaters in the Philippines. However, many people outside of Southeast Asia found the idea of corn-flavored soda strange.
6. Black Lemonade (China)
Served as a Halloween special in China, this eerie-looking drink was made with black-colored lemonade. Though the color came from food-grade charcoal, it didn’t alter the flavor, making it a regular lemonade in disguise.
7. Matcha Latte (Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan)
McDonald’s took advantage of Asia’s love for green tea by introducing matcha lattes. Unlike the sugary drinks typically found in McCafés worldwide, this one had a slightly bitter taste due to the authentic matcha powder.
8. McCola & Coffee Mix (Vietnam)
A truly weird combination, this drink mixed Coca-Cola with black coffee. While some coffee lovers enjoyed the bitter and sweet contrast, others found it too confusing for their taste buds.
9. Cheese McShake (Japan)
A drink that puzzled even the most daring foodies, the Cheese McShake was a milkshake with a distinct cheese flavor. While Japan is known for unique dairy-infused snacks, this one didn’t last long.
10. McBeer (Germany, France, Austria, Italy, South Korea)
Yes, McDonald’s serves beer in certain countries! European locations often have local lagers or pilsners on the menu, while McDonald’s South Korea briefly offered a McBeer combo.
11. Grapefruit McFizz (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan)
A refreshing, slightly bitter carbonated drink, the Grapefruit McFizz was popular in warm climates. However, its sharp citrusy taste wasn’t for everyone.
12. Durian McFlurry Drink (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand)
Durian, known for its strong smell, made its way into McDonald’s beverages in Southeast Asia. The Durian McFlurry Drink blended the infamous fruit with vanilla soft serve, resulting in a polarizing experience.
13. Charcoal Coffee (Indonesia, Thailand)
A dark, smoky-flavored coffee infused with activated charcoal, this drink was marketed as a detoxifying option. While some customers enjoyed its bold taste, others found it too earthy.
14. Sakura McFloat (Japan)
Released during Japan’s cherry blossom season, this pink-hued float had a floral, slightly fruity flavor. Its delicate taste was either loved or dismissed as overly perfumey.
15. Plum & Ginger McFizz (China)
This drink combined the sweet and sour flavor of plums with a spicy ginger kick. Though it sounded refreshing, some found the taste too intense for a casual fast-food drink.
16. Salted Caramel Coffee Float (Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia)
Blending the flavors of sweet caramel and salty notes, this coffee float was a seasonal hit in Southeast Asia. While the balance of sweet and salty worked for many, some found it overly rich.
17. Winter Melon Tea (Taiwan, Hong Kong, China)
A sweet, herbal tea made from winter melon, this drink was a departure from McDonald’s usual sugary offerings. While common in traditional Chinese tea shops, it was an unexpected sight on a McCafé menu.
18. Taro Pie Shake (China, Taiwan, Philippines)
Taro, a root vegetable with a mild, nutty flavor, is popular in Asian desserts. McDonald’s turned its Taro Pie into a milkshake-like beverage, which intrigued taro lovers but confused others.
19. Coca-Cola Raspberry (New Zealand, Australia)
McDonald’s New Zealand and Australia launched a limited-edition Coca-Cola flavor with a raspberry twist. While some enjoyed the berry addition, others felt it was an unnecessary tweak to a classic soda.
20. Pumpkin Spice Latte (USA, Canada, UK)
Though not as weird as some of the other drinks, McDonald’s attempt at a Pumpkin Spice Latte was a seasonal effort to rival Starbucks. Some customers felt it was too artificial, while others embraced it as a fall favorite.
McDonald’s has a history of experimenting with regional flavors, sometimes leading to strange but memorable drinks. While some of these beverages gained a cult following, others disappeared quickly due to their unusual tastes. Would you try any of these unique McDonald’s drinks?
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