Top 20+ Fast Foods Chains With The Most Refreshing Drinks For The Summer

Let The Sip Trip Begin

There’s something magical about that first sip of a cold drink when the summer heat hits you like a brick wall. You pull into the drive-thru, not for a meal, but for the kind of drink that instantly makes you believe life’s going to be okay again. So, let’s take a look at 20 fast-food spots that are absolutely crushing the summer drink game. How many of these have you enjoyed this summer?

1. Starbucks (Pink Drink) 

Starbucks’ Pink Drink mixes coconut milk, strawberry açaí base, and freeze-dried strawberries into a chilled, lightly creamy refresher. It’s fruity with a caffeine kick—thanks to green coffee extract—and surprisingly easy on the stomach with its low acidity. 

2. Dunkin’ (Peach Passion Fruit Refresher)

When coffee feels too heavy, Dunkin’s Peach Passion Fruit Refresher steps in with a breezy, tropical twist. Blended with green tea, a flavored concentrate, and B vitamins, it’s a non-dairy, low-calorie option crafted for hydration. It is part of Dunkin’s summer-limited lineup.

3. Sonic Drive-In (Strawberry Real Fruit Slush)

Sonic’s Strawberry Real Fruit Slush blends real strawberries into their signature slow-melting crushed ice, creating a drink that’s more like a frosty treat. Made-to-order and endlessly customizable, it’s a bubbly-free alternative to soda with all the fruity fun. 

4. Chick-fil-A (Frosted Sunrise)

Combining soft serve with juice isn’t typical, but Chick-fil-A’s Frosted Sunrise makes it work effortlessly. This seasonal mix of Icedream soft serve and orange juice delivers a tangy flavor inspired by the classic creamsicle. It’s rich in vitamin C and calcium and returns each summer by popular demand.

5. Dutch Bros (Electric Berry Rebel Energy Drink)

Recognized for its vibrant blue hue and strong caffeine boost, this drink is customizable with added flavors and served iced or blended. As part of the popular Rebel series, it’s especially favored by younger energy drink fans during hot summer months.

6. Panera Bread (Strawberry Mint Charged Lemonade)

Built for energy without the fizz, Panera’s Strawberry Mint Charged Lemonade delivers a caffeine boost using guarana and green coffee extract. Real strawberry purée and mint essence add flavor, while caffeine levels rival energy drinks. 

7. Raising Cane’s (Sweet Tea)

Raising Cane’s Sweet Tea is brewed fresh each day using real tea leaves and pure cane sugar for an authentic Southern-style flavor. Served over pellet ice to keep it extra cold, it’s especially popular in hot regions. A cult favorite, it’s also sold by the gallon for easy sharing.

8. Jack In The Box (Pineapple Express Shake)

The Pineapple Express Shake combines pineapple flavor with creamy vanilla in a thick, chilled blend. Designed to cool quickly despite its density, it offers a dessert-like treat with a fruit-forward profile. Moreover, high demand ensures its frequent return during warmer months.

9. Tropical Smoothie Cafe (Watermelon Mojito Smoothie)

Crafted with fresh watermelon, mint, and lime, the Watermelon Mojito Smoothie delivers a tart, citrusy profile inspired by the classic cocktail. Free of dairy, it uses real juice for a hydrating finish. It is also rich in vitamin C and is a seasonal favorite that returns each summer.

10. Jamba (Electric Blueberry Lemonade Fizz)

Combining sparkling water, lemonade, and real blueberry purée, this drink’s bright blue color enhances visual appeal, especially on social platforms. Non-caffeinated and carbonated, it’s a limited seasonal drink developed for hot weather and high-refreshment demand.

11. Wendy’s (Sunburst Melon Refresher)

Built for warm-weather hydration, Wendy’s Sunburst Melon Refresher mixes watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberry essences into a sweet yet subtle mix. A hint of cucumber-like coolness adds depth, while its caffeine-free, low-sugar formula keeps it light. 

12. Carl’s Jr. (Hand-Scooped Strawberry Banana Shake)

Unlike machine-mixed alternatives, Carl’s Jr.’s Hand-Scooped Strawberry Banana Shake is made with real ice cream, banana purée, and strawberry syrup. The flavor is fruit-forward but not overly sweet, allowing the natural taste of banana to balance the strawberry syrup.

13. In-N-Out (Lemon-Up)

In-N-Out’s Lemon-Up, a well-known secret menu item, blends 7Up with pink lemonade to create a lightly carbonated, citrus-forward drink. Especially popular in dry heat, it remains a favorite among regulars despite never appearing on the official menu.

14. Taco Bell (Mountain Dew Baja Blast Freeze)

Exclusive to Taco Bell, this drink transforms the tropical lime flavor of Mountain Dew into a frozen slush created for the summer heat. Though occasionally released in cans, the frozen version remains a staple of the Taco Bell experience during warmer months.

15. Arby’s (Orange Cream Shake)

Made with real ice cream, this seasonal favorite blends tart orange with smooth vanilla to recreate the classic creamsicle flavor in shake form. Only available for a limited time, it draws fans every year looking for a creamy treat that balances nostalgic flavor with fast-food convenience.

16. Burger King (Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry)

More than just a frozen version of a fountain drink, this limited-time offering is designed to cool fast and deliver unmistakable flavor without overwhelming sweetness. Plus, its bright red color adds a visual punch, while the caffeine-free formula makes it an easy pick for all ages.

17. Culver’s (Root Beer Float)

Culver’s Root Beer Float combines their dense, creamy vanilla frozen custard with freshly poured root beer in a chilled mug. The result is a fizzy blend that’s richer than typical fast-food floats. With its nostalgic flavor, it’s enjoyed as a dessert-meets-drink summer staple.

18. Shake Shack (50/50 Tea & Lemonade: Strawberry Lychee)

This drink puts a twist on a summer classic by combining iced tea with house-made strawberry lychee lemonade. The result is a balanced drink with floral and fruity layers, crafted using real fruit purée. Available only during limited summer windows, it stands out as a fast-casual drink.

19. Popeyes (Hawaiian Punch)

Popeyes stands out by providing Hawaiian Punch as a fountain drink—a rarity among major fast food chains. Served chilled over crushed ice, it gives bold tropical fruit flavors with a nostalgic kick. Interestingly, its refreshing profile pairs well with Popeyes’ spicy fried chicken.

20. McDonald’s (Strawberry Banana Smoothie)

Unlike most fast food drinks, this smoothie mixes low-fat yogurt, banana purée, strawberry concentrate, and ice for a naturally sweet texture. It’s smoother than a slushie and contains vitamin C and calcium—nutrients rarely found in similar offerings.