The holidays are coming early to the drive-thru. McDonald's has announced its new holiday menu items for 2026, a lineup of five festive drinks arriving next week, and the McRib is already back in select cities.
Searches for "McDonald's new holiday menu items" jumped after the Oct. 27 announcement. Here's everything coming to the menu and when you can try it.
McDonald's Holiday Drinks 2026
The five limited-time drinks arrive on Monday, November 3, at participating restaurants across the U.S.
Cookie Butter Drinks
Three McCafé drinks feature cookie butter flavor, topped with sweet vanilla whipped cream and caramel cookie crumbs:
- Cookie Butter Latte
- Cookie Butter Iced Coffee
- Cookie Butter Frappé
According to Allrecipes, the cookie butter lineup takes the place of last season's Caramel Apple Pie drinks.
Frosted Cranberry Drinks
Two cranberry drinks round out the menu:
- Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite: Sprite blended with orange and cranberry flavors, topped with cold foam and cranberry sprinkles.
- Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer: Cranberry flavor with Red Bull, cold foam and sprinkles. Customers can choose classic Red Bull or Red Bull Zero.
McDonald's describes the Red Bull drink as "made for packed holiday schedules and festive adventures." It follows the Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer, which launched in August.
The drinks are available only for the holiday season, and availability can vary by restaurant. McDonald's has not announced national pricing.
The McRib Is Back
The McRib returned on October 27 at select locations, including restaurants in:
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Miami
- Atlanta
- Philadelphia
- Dallas
The cult-favorite sandwich features boneless pork in barbecue sauce, topped with onions and pickles on a bun. It left the permanent menu in 2012 and has returned as a limited-time item in many years since, often in late fall. Because the rollout is limited to certain markets, fans should check the McDonald's app to see whether the McRib is available at a restaurant nearby before making the trip.
How McDonald's Compares to Other Holiday Menus
McDonald's isn't the only chain rolling out seasonal items:
- Sonic: Its winter menu, including a Santa Slush Float, arrives November 2, with early access for app users.
- Starbucks: Its holiday menu launches November 5, with a new Tiramisu Velvet Latte alongside returning favorites such as the Peppermint Mocha.
- Arby's: The Deep Fried Turkey Gobbler returned on October 26.
Tips for Trying the New Menu
- Use the app: McDonald's often runs app-only deals when new items launch.
- Go early: Limited-time drinks can sell out at busy locations.
- Check participation: Not every restaurant carries every item.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the McDonald's holiday menu come out?
The five new holiday drinks launch November 3, 2026, at participating U.S. restaurants.
What are the new McDonald's holiday drinks?
A Cookie Butter Latte, Cookie Butter Iced Coffee, Cookie Butter Frappé, Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite and Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer.
Is the McRib back in 2026?
Yes, at select locations starting October 27.