It may come as a bit of a surprise that McDonald’s hasn’t traditionally sold lemonade, but that changed, at least partly, earlier this month when the Golden Arches introduced the drink in select markets.
The beverage, which the quick service chain said is made with lemon juice, bits of lemon pulp, and cane sugar, is being introduced in participating markets, including Seattle, Chicago, New York City, and Dallas, for a limited time while supplies last.
Lemonade already appears in some form — classic, flavored, spiked, as the name of a flavor in cakes and other treats, etc. — on 62.3% of menus in the United States, according to menu and consumer research firm Datassential.
It is becoming increasingly popular in beer, where it is mentioned 252% more now than four years ago, and in other drinks such as cider and seltzer, where mentions are up by 58% in the past year alone.
Chain restaurants have added a number of lemonades in recent months, generally flavored with other fruit, resulting in colorful photogenic drinks that, although mostly sweetened water, enjoy a reputation for being more healthful than many other drinks, and their bright tanginess has growing appeal, especially among younger customers. Take a look at some of the new offerings.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
