Forget peppermint: McDonald's holiday drinks just went somewhere new

McDonald's has started the holidays early. Its new limited-time holiday drinks go on sale today, Nov. 3, at participating restaurants across the US.

There are five of them, built on two flavours: cranberry and cookie butter. And one of them comes with a shot of Red Bull.

"For some fans, the holidays begin when the calendar says so. For others, they start with traditions like the first festive playlist, the first holiday movie, or the first sip of a seasonal bev," the chain said when it announced the lineup.

The new lineup

Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite. McDonald's calls it "a crisp Sprite infused with bright orange and cranberry flavors", topped with cold foam and cranberry sprinkles. Sporked describes it as inspired by the dirty soda trend.

Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer. The same frosted cranberry flavour, cold foam and sprinkles, made with Red Bull. You can pick classic Red Bull or Red Bull Zero.

Cookie Butter Frappé, Latte and Iced Coffee. Three ways to get "a creamy blend of rich cookie butter flavor", each finished with caramel cookie crumbs and sweet vanilla whip.

McDonald's hasn't announced prices, which vary by restaurant, or a date when the drinks leave the menu.

The flavours are a small bet on changing tastes. Holiday drink menus are moving past peppermint and gingerbread, Restaurant Business reported, and customers want cranberry and cookie butter alongside pumpkin spice.

It's also part of a much bigger push. McDonald's has been growing its drinks menu all year across its nearly 14,000 US restaurants, launching refreshers, dirty sodas and energy drinks in May. Franchisees are even adding a beverage specialist to the crew so the drinks come out the same every time.

The $8 meal

If you want something to eat with your cranberry foam, McDonald's has a deal for that too. Since Monday, Nov. 2, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal, with medium fries and a drink, costs $8 at participating restaurants, according to Sporked.

And the festive season is only getting started. On Nov. 10, the Pokémon Happy Meal returns with 15 collectible toys and 15 trading cards, McDonald's says.

The drinks are here for a limited time only. Cranberry or cookie butter: the choice is yours.