When it comes to multi-course meals at high-end restaurants, one key takeaway is that the right drink should never be an afterthought. A perfectly paired beverage can transform a meal, whether it’s a rich steak paired with a glass of red wine or a juicy cheeseburger with an ice-cold beer. The same principle holds true even at fast-food joints—Coca-Cola just tastes different when it’s from McDonald’s, for example.
When you visit a fast-food drive-thru, you’ll find the usual suspects on the drink menu: Coke, Sprite, lemonade, chocolate milkshakes, and more. However, many fast-food chains also feature one or two standout beverages that have either become iconic over time or captured the public’s attention with viral moments or clever ad campaigns. These drinks have achieved a cult status, often becoming the subject of social media buzz or word-of-mouth recommendations. Here’s a list of some of these legendary fast-food drinks you’ll want to try the next time you swing by your favorite spot:
Black & White Shake at Shake Shack
Shake Shack
- Nutrition (Per Shake):
- Calories: 770
- Fat: 42g (Saturated Fat: 26g)
- Sodium: 460mg
- Carbs: 80g (Sugar: 76g)
- Protein: 19g
Why settle for just vanilla or chocolate when you can have both? Shake Shack’s Black & White Shake is one of its signature drinks. Made with house-made vanilla frozen custard and a rich chocolate fudge sauce, this shake offers the best of both worlds.
Cane Sweeeet Iced Tea at Popeyes
Popeyes
- Nutrition (Per Drink):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Carbs: 16g (Sugar: 45g)
- Protein: 0g
Popeyes’ Cane Sweeeet Iced Tea has garnered a following for its overwhelmingly sweet flavor, so much so that the extra e’s in the name seem entirely justified. This beloved beverage is a favorite among sweet tea enthusiasts, and there are even Reddit threads dedicated to recreating it at home.
Cherry Limeade Slush at Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In
- Nutrition (Per Medium Drink):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Carbs: 74g (Sugar: 72g)
- Protein: 0g
Sonic’s Cherry Limeade Slush is a fan favorite in the frozen drink category. This bright and refreshing beverage has become a symbol of summer, with countless copycat recipes online and loyal fans praising its tangy-sweet combination.
Draft Root Beer at Shake Shack
Shake Shack
- Nutrition (Per Large Drink):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Carbs: 69g (Sugar: 59g)
- Protein: 0g
Shake Shack’s draft root beer is a must-try for root beer lovers. Sweetened with real Louisiana cane sugar, this beverage offers a rich, authentic flavor. For those who can’t decide between a milkshake and soda, a root beer float is always a great choice.
Frosted Lemonade at Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A
- Nutrition (Per Drink):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 3.5g)
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbs: 65g (Sugar: 63g)
- Protein: 6g
Chick-fil-A’s Frosted Lemonade combines the chain’s tangy lemonade with creamy vanilla ice cream for a refreshing twist on the classic milkshake. This hand-spun drink offers a citrusy punch that makes it a perfect treat for warm days.
Frozen Coffee at Dunkin’
Dunkin’
- Nutrition (Per Medium Drink with Whole Milk):
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 4.5g (Saturated Fat: 2.5g)
- Sodium: 115mg
- Carbs: 88g (Sugar: 84g)
- Protein: 0g
For those looking to add some fun to their morning coffee run, Dunkin’s Frozen Coffee is the way to go. This icy treat is perfect for coffee lovers who want something more indulgent. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite flavor swirls, such as mocha, caramel, or French vanilla.