(NEXSTAR) — For a short time, McDonald’s fans were able to visit the chain’s handful of spinoff restaurants inspired by a part-alien, part-vehicle character that made its debut in the 1980s. In May, however, McDonald’s announced it would shutter its CosMc’s locations — in total, eight had opened, one in Chicago and seven in Texas.
Despite the short-lived presence of CosMc’s, some of the creations launched at the locations are making a comeback of sorts.
McDonald’s confirmed in May that it would test some of the beverages inspired by CosMc’s at select U.S. locations but didn’t provide any details. That changed Thursday.
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As part of “the next chapter of our beverage journey,” McDonald’s has unveiled some of the “bold” drinks it plans to test at more than 500 restaurants later this summer.
While McDonald’s didn’t share its entire drink lineup, the options it did share include:
Toasted Vanilla Frappé
Strawberry Watermelon Refresher
Sprite Lunar Splash
Popping Tropic Refresher
Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew
CosMc’s menu online shows a Sprite Moonsplash that appears similar to the Sprite Lunar Splash that will soon be available. A Vanilla Cold Brew and the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher were also available at CosMc’s.
Several other chains, including Starbucks and Taco Bell, have expanded into the world of “refresher” drinks. These frequently include fruit (or fruit flavors), lemonade, and caffeine. McDonald’s didn’t share the specific ingredients of its refreshers, but listed them under a category featuring “soda-based picks to energy-boosting sips.”
“We’re seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people – especially our Gen Z fans – turning to cold, flavorful drinks as a go-to treat,” Alyssa Buetikofer, chief customer experience and marketing officer for McDonald’s USA said in a press release. “It’s a great opportunity for us to meet our US customers’ evolving tastes and show up in new moments, like afternoon refreshment or snack breaks.”
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According to McDonald’s, the beverage testing will happen at more than 500 select restaurants across Wisconsin, Colorado, “and the surrounding areas” starting on September 2.
McDonald’s has added a slew of new and returning items to its menus nationwide in recent weeks.
That includes the return of the Snack Wrap, a spicy twist on its breakfast sandwiches, a new flavor of its hot pies, and a new burger.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.