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0:00It's April 28th, welcome in. This is Durham News Today, where local news meets AI. McDonald's is jumping into the fancy drink game, launching six crafted beverages across its U.S. spots, starting May 6th. Think three-year freshers like Mangle Pineapple with strawberry boba and blackberry passion fruit topped with freeze-dried dragonfruit plus thresotis, including a dirty Dr. Pepper swirled with vanilla and cold foam. It's all about those bright colors and fun toppings to pull in customers craving more than basic soda. This move puts McDonald's right alongside chains like KFC, Wendy's, and Taco Bell, all chasing folks who hit up Starbucks or Dutch Bros for premium, Sips. These drinks pack higher profits too. A small sparkling energy at Wendy's runs about $3.29, beating the usual $1. Less for a freestyle soda. These are hooked on beverages as self-expression, and McDonald's sees drinks becoming the main draw, not just aside to your burger.

1:02To make it happen, they're rolling out beverage specialist roles at 14,000 U.S. locations, giving top crew members dedicated spots to craft. These treats, they tested wild drinks at spin-off spots called Cosmax last year, but closed those eight after finding them too tricky, now simplifying for regular. Meanwhile, KFCs expanding its quench shakes and boba at thousands of spots overseas. Taco Bell's bell ristas are blending churro chillers at 30. U.S. kiosks and Wendy's and Burger King keep dropping cold foams and frozen flavors. Fast foods betting big on this $100 billion beverage boom, with better margins and afternoon traffic to grab watch these chains shake, up your next craving stop.