Review: McDonald’s lets two cranberry-based drinks linger for the holidays

It’s been a momentous year for McDonald’s when it comes to beverages. When I was a kid, your options were Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite and root beer. (There was also milk. I’d rather not talk about the times I had to get milk with my fast food.) McDonald’s unleashed a lineup of dirty sodas and crafted beverages this spring, following those up with a second wave of dirty sodas and the fantastic Reduced Sugar Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer this summer.

The fast-food chain has two new seasonal options as we head toward the holidays: Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite and Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer.

“For some fans, the holidays begin when the calendar says so,” McDonald’s said in the announcement of these limited-edition drinks. “For others, they start with traditions like the first festive playlist, the first holiday movie, or the first sip of a seasonal bev.”

McDonald’s also introduced a trio of Cookie Butter Frappé, Latte and Iced Coffees, but we’re going to focus on the two soda-centric beverages in this edition of Snackology.

Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite and Reduced Sugar Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer. / Snackology

What they cost

The Reduced Sugar Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer only comes in one size, which was $4.79 at my McDonald’s. A large Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite was $3.39.

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My thoughts

Right off the bat, both of these drinks look incredibly seasonal. McDonald’s successfully pulled off the cranberry theme, nailing the rich red color.

Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite is the backbone of this duo. It’s Sprite with orange and cranberry flavors added. The drink is topped with cold foam and crunchy cranberry sprinkles.

I didn’t really taste the orange flavoring — it seems to be a common pairing with cranberry — but the cranberry flavor dominates Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite in the best way.

I really wish McDonald’s offered this one with Sprite Zero. The cold foam makes Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite very smooth, but each sip is a sugary reminder that the restaurant uses full-sugar Sprite.

Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite
Snack score: 4 out of 5

🍪 About the Snack Score

Reduced Sugar Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer

Let’s say you bought a Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite, loved it, but need a beverage with a bit more of a kick? Well, you’re in luck since Reduced Sugar Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer takes Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite and adds either classic Red Bull or Red Bull Zero.

Like with Reduced Sugar Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer over the summer, I’m thrilled that McDonald’s offers this beverage with a zero-sugar mix-in.

While Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite is smooth, Reduced Sugar Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer delivers that Red Bull tartness that comes with its standard flavors.

As I taste-tested these two seasonal McDonald’s drinks on my drive home, I found myself alternating between sips of the Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite and the Reduced Sugar Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer. You won’t be disappointed with either option — it’s just a question of whether or not you want (need?) the caffeine.

Reduced Sugar Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer
Snack score: 4 out of 5

🍪 About the Snack Score

Reduced Sugar Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer and Frosted Cranberry Splash with Sprite were provided to Snackology for this independent review.