McDonald’s unveils 3 new espresso drinks; more coffee beverages coming

McDonald’s announced today it has unveiled three new espresso beverages and is gearing up to offer three new frappe flavors as part of a renewed focus on its McCafé coffee offerings.

McDonald's officials said in a release today that their new offerings are made with freshly-brewed espresso and U.S.-sourced whole or nonfat milk. Through the end of the year, McDonald's is offering any small McCafé specialty beverage, including the new espresso offerings, for $2.

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Here’s how the fast-food chain described each new espresso beverage:

Caramel Macchiato: "Rich, dark-roast espresso served with whole or nonfat milk, mixed with sweet caramel syrup, and topped with ribbons of buttery caramel drizzle. Available hot or iced."

Cappuccino: "A warm, comforting coffee drink made with whole or nonfat steamed milk, bold espresso made from sustainably sourced beans, fluffy foam, and the choice of French Vanilla, caramel or hazelnut flavor."

Americano: "Freshly brewed with dark, rich espresso for a strong, bold flavor."

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McDonald's is clearly betting on coffee to help boost its sales — and there's evidence it's working, according to Jonathan Maze, writing this week in the On the Margin blog on the trade publication web site NRN.com (Nation's Restaurant News).

“Beverages have arguably fueled McDonald’s sales strength so far in 2017,” Maze wrote. “The chain in the winter started selling coffee for $1 and McCafe drinks for $2. When the weather warmed it made soft drinks available for $1. McDonald’s U.S. same-store sales increased 3.9 percent in the quarter ended June 30, at least in part because of those beverage bargains.”

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In early 2018, McCafé plans to introduce a line of ready-to-drink McCafé Frappé beverages in three flavors: Caramel, Vanilla, and Mocha. The bottled drinks will join the line of whole bean, ground and single-serve coffee currently available nationally in retail stores.

"This is just the start of our McCafé commitment," Chris Kempczinski, president, McDonald's USA, said in a release. "We understand how important the coffee culture is for consumers, and we are committed to meeting that demand at the taste, convenience and value only McDonald's can offer. This is a central part of our growth strategy and we can't wait to share what's next."

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