Core Insights - McDonald's is planning to test new beverage options, including coffee drinks, refreshers, and flavored sodas, at over 500 locations to attract younger consumers [1][2] - The test will focus on understanding customer preferences and optimizing the drink lineup for restaurants and franchisees [3] - The initiative follows the closure of the standalone CosMc's brand, which aimed at customizable drinks but was discontinued after 18 months [4] Beverage Market Context - The expansion of McDonald's beverage offerings aims to enhance competition against rapidly growing beverage chains like Dutch Bros., 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, and Swig [5] - Recent sales figures indicate a decline in McDonald's U.S. same-store sales by 3.6% in the first quarter, highlighting the need for new offerings to drive customer traffic [6] - Competitors in the fast-food industry are also diversifying their drink options, with Taco Bell, Wendy's, and KFC introducing new beverage lines to attract customers [7]