McDonald’s is shutting down CosMc’s stores, but its cosmic drinks are coming to regular menus. Here’s what fans can expect in the next phase.
In a surprising but strategic move, McDonald’s has confirmed the closure of all five of its CosMc’s locations—the bold beverage-focused spin-off that launched in 2023 to much fanfare. While fans might mourn the end of the experimental concept, there’s a silver lining: those “out-of-this-world” drinks may soon be available at a McDonald’s near you.
This announcement follows months of speculation after CEO Chris Kempczinski hinted during the company’s Q1 2025 Earnings Call that McDonald’s would be expanding its beverage offerings—a move that now seems directly tied to the learnings from CosMc’s.
The Rise (and Fast Fall) of CosMc’s
CosMc’s first opened in Illinois with the promise of delivering unique beverages that rivaled those from Starbucks and Dunkin’. From Churro Cold Brew Frappés to Popping Pear Slush, the drink menu was a bold new take on McCafé classics.
Despite chaotic launch scenes featuring long wait times and even reports of bribes to skip the line, excitement ran high. Named after a forgotten McDonaldland mascot, CosMc’s wasn’t just a quirky offshoot—it was a calculated testbed.
“Building on the insights gained from the pilot standalone locations,” the announcement reads. “CosMc’s-inspired flavors will be landing at McDonald’s as part of the upcoming US beverage test, seamlessly blending out of this world tastes into the McDonald’s experience.”
McDonald’s Shuts Doors but Expands Flavors
Beginning in late June, all five CosMc’s locations will be closed in phases. Along with store closures, McDonald’s also confirmed the CosMc’s app will be discontinued. But this isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a brand-wide beverage evolution.
CosMc’s was designed to serve as a “launchpad for learning”—a space to test vibrant, risk-taking drink concepts. And test it did.
Now, McDonald’s is preparing to integrate fan-favorite drinks into its existing locations. Whether or not these beverages will appear in their original form remains unclear, but the intent is to merge bold flavors with the classic McDonald’s experience.
What Could Land on McDonald’s Menus Next?
Imagine pairing a McCrispy Strip with an Iced French Toast Galaxy Latte, or grabbing a Popping Pear Slush on your next drive-thru run. With CosMc’s closing, McDonald’s is poised to roll out a wave of beverage innovation—one store at a time.
Fans may no longer need to visit a stand-alone store to enjoy CosMc’s creations. Instead, the Golden Arches is gearing up to offer them under its main brand, simplifying access while enhancing customer choice.
Stay Tuned for the Future of Flavor
As McDonald’s reshapes its menu and embraces innovation, one thing is certain: the beverage game just got a lot more exciting. Whether you’re a frappé fanatic or slushie seeker, the next chapter could be right around the corner.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on the latest food trends, brand moves, and everything in between. Your source for bite-sized, bold news.
