Crafted soda

What is a crafted soda? (and McDonald's crafted sodas, explained)

A crafted soda is soda plus syrup plus cream. Here's the short answer, what McDonald's actually launched, whether it's permanent, and how to make one in 3 minutes.

By the Craft Sodas team · Updated · 5 sources

Crafted soda vs dirty soda

Same build, different name. "Dirty soda" comes from Utah soda shops, where a classic is cola with coconut syrup and lime or cream. Big chains tend to say "crafted soda". Both mean a fountain soda dressed up with syrup and a creamy finish.

The McDonald's crafted soda lineup

McDonald's USA announced six specialty drinks on April 28, 2026, which reached restaurants nationwide on May 6: three Refreshers (lemonade-based, caffeinated) and three crafted sodas. As described by McDonald's:

  • Sprite Berry Blast: Sprite with sweet blue raspberry syrup, topped with cold foam
  • Orange Dream: Hi-C Orange Lavaburst with a hint of vanilla flavor and cold foam
  • Dirty Dr Pepper: Dr Pepper with vanilla flavor and a cloud of cold foam

Are they permanent?

McDonald's said "these drinks are here to stay", and Beverage Industry and Quartz reported them as part of the permanent menu. Like anything on a chain menu, they can change later, and they're sold at participating restaurants, so check the app for your location.

How to make a crafted soda at home

The ratio that works for nearly every build: 12 oz soda over pebble ice, 1 oz flavored syrup, then 0.5 to 1 oz cream or cold foam on top. Stir the syrup in before the cream so it layers.

Make one at home

People also ask

What is a crafted soda at McDonald's?

McDonald's USA launched three crafted sodas nationwide on May 6, 2026: Sprite Berry Blast (Sprite with blue raspberry syrup and cold foam), Orange Dream (Hi-C Orange Lavaburst with vanilla flavor and cold foam) and Dirty Dr Pepper (Dr Pepper with vanilla flavor and cold foam).

Are McDonald's crafted sodas permanent?

Yes, as launched. In its April 28, 2026 announcement McDonald's said the new drinks "are here to stay", and trade coverage reported them as permanent menu additions. Availability can still vary by participating restaurant.

What is the best craft soda brand?

There's no official ranking; it comes down to taste. Widely loved small-batch makers include Boylan, Sprecher, Jones Soda, Fentimans, Virgil's and Reed's. For dirty-style crafted sodas, the "brand" is really the build: soda + syrup + cream.

Do McDonald's crafted sodas have caffeine?

McDonald's flagged its Refreshers as caffeinated. Among the crafted sodas, Dirty Dr Pepper uses Dr Pepper, which contains caffeine; Sprite and Hi-C Orange are generally caffeine-free. Check McDonald's nutrition info for exact numbers.

Is a crafted soda the same as a refresher?

No. A refresher is a fruit-flavored, usually lemonade- or juice-based drink. A crafted soda starts with soda and adds syrup and cream.

What's in cold foam?

Cold foam is cream or milk frothed cold until thick, often sweetened with vanilla. At home: 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla syrup, froth 20 seconds.

Keep going

Sources

  1. McDonald's USA press release, Apr 28, 2026
  2. Beverage Industry: McDonald's unveils Refreshers, Crafted Sodas
  3. Quartz: McDonald's launches refreshers and crafted sodas nationwide
  4. AP News: McDonald's bets on boba refreshers and a dirty Dr Pepper
  5. NBC Chicago: 6 new drinks come to McDonald's menus nationwide

Independent site; not affiliated with McDonald's or any soda brand. Brand names are used only to report news and describe drinks.