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16 Best Drinks on McDonald’s Coffee Menu to Order

Cup With Hot Coffee On The Tray In McCafe

Savor a delicious voyage into the fragrant world of McDonald’s coffee selections, where every sip narrates a tale of robust tastes and unmatched enjoyment. In this piece, we explore the tempting Golden Arches coffee menu to present the top selections that are sure to improve your caffeine experience. Learn how McDonald’s turns the ordinary into the remarkable with every brewed cup, from the robust allure of a regular McCafé to the enticing twists of seasonal specials. Whether you’re an avid coffee drinker or just a casual enthusiast, this guide will walk you through the must-try combinations so your next trip to McDonald’s is a tantalizing voyage for your palate.


Iced Caramel Latte

Iced Caramel Latte
Source: Instagram

It should be no surprise that anything caramel would be at the top of a list for best McDonald’s coffee! The caramel definitely takes center stage in this one, so it won’t be overpowering for those less inclined towards the true flavor of the coffee. However, the regular coffee drinker will enjoy the hint of espresso around the edges. This one is among the sweeter drinks on the menu. Order an iced caramel latte when you need a pep from the sugar and caffeine. The McDonald’s Iced Caramel Latte combines creamy milk and smoky caramel with Rainforest Alliance Certified espresso. There are also iced coffee drinks on the menu, but iced latte drinks use espresso and are mixed with a creamy flavor blend.


Iced Mocha

Iced Mocha
Source: Instagram

You can’t go wrong with coffee and chocolate, a classic pair. The Iced Mocha is one of the original McCafé menu items that combine chocolate syrup with whole milk and a shot of espresso. Order a small for 2 shots with an additional shot every time you size up. The freshly brewed espresso is cooled with ice, milk, water, and chocolate syrup, then topped with light whip cream and even more chocolate syrup. On my list of the best McDonald’s coffee, this is my go-to McDonald’s breakfast order along with a sausage biscuit. Cool off with this iced version of the traditional drink any time of day and any season of the year!


Caramel Latte

Caramel Latte
Source: Instagram

There’s something so satisfying about a hot Caramel Latte from McDonald’s. A latte traditionally starts with a shot of espresso and is topped with milk steamed until it’s hot and frothy. This sweet pick-me-up takes things to the next level by melting in buttery caramel syrup. Enjoy the classic pairing of espresso and frothy milk with sweet notes of caramel. This is one of the best McDonald’s coffee drinks. Pair it with one of their Baked Apple Pies for the ultimate sugary treat. Pro-tip, take them up on their offer to warm up the pie for you! It’s a game-changer.

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Caramel Macchiato (Iced or Hot)

Caramel Macchiato (Iced or Hot)
Source: Instagram

So, the Macchiato that Starbucks and McDonald’s fans know and love isn’t the original macchiato. The traditional macchiato starts with espresso topped with a small amount of steamed milk, leaving it too bitter for most of us. The Caramel Macchiato is a marketing masterpiece. It provides the flavor of espresso balanced with milk and caramel. Try McCafé’s Caramel Macchiato hot or poured over iced. Both start with fresh espresso, caramel syrup, steamed milk, and even more caramel syrup drizzled on top. Enjoy the iced drink with milk at the bottom for a fun presentation. I find it satisfying to shake it up and see everything blend together! Get it hot and enjoy how the hot coffee intensifies the flavor of the syrup.


Iced French Vanilla Coffee

Iced French Vanilla Coffee
Source: Instagram

An unassuming, elegant classic, one of the best McDonald’s coffee drinks is the Iced French Vanilla Coffee. With iced coffee all the rage these days, you might want to switch things up. Try this McCafé drink which spotlights McDonald’s medium roast coffee. Coffee is poured over ice and combined with whole milk and creamy French vanilla syrup. Don’t be confused by plain vanilla syrup. French vanilla tells you that the sweet flavors of the syrup have a richness and depth that plain vanilla doesn’t. Combine that with chilled brewed coffee for the right amount of bitterness. Finally, milk balances everything.


Caramel Cappuccino

Caramel Cappuccino
Source: Instagram

If you like your espresso with lots of light, airy foam, go with a Caramel Cappuccino. The whole milk that is used in all of McDonald’s coffee provides a wonderful fluffiness to the cappuccino. Some locations provide options for nonfat or dairy-free milk and sugar-free syrups. However, I say that if you’re going to relish in the best McDonald’s coffee drinks, enjoy the calories! Savor the flavors of the Caramel Cappuccino and enjoy the frothy foam laced with caramel and dark coffee notes. Drink in creamy milk swirling with syrup and espresso. It’s certainly a treat. I like to pair it with a sweet and salty McGriddle and a classic hash brown.


Caramel Frappe

Caramel Frappe
Source: Instagram

Next on my list of the best McDonald’s coffee is one that has almost a cult following. The Caramel Frappe is so popular that they created a bottled version that you can buy in stores. While it’s not exactly a breakfast beverage, no one is telling you that you can’t have it in the morning! Try this creamy blended coffee drink in place of a milkshake the next time you’re at McDonald’s. What makes it so thick and creamy is the Caramel Coffee Frappe Base that’s blended with ice. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and caramel drizzle, it feels like dessert. The coffee flavor is mild enough for those who don’t like bitter coffee notes, but it’s enough to give you a caffeine fix.

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Iced Coffee

Iced Coffee
Source: Instagram

Enjoy the sounds of ice swirling around in your coffee with a classic McCafé Iced Coffee. On my list of best McDonald’s coffee, this is my go-to. It’s great in the summer or winter. Start with McDonald’s 100% Arabica Premium Roast Coffee, adding ice, liquid sugar, and light cream. You can add their flavored syrups, including sugar-free syrup. I usually order mine without liquid sugar. The combination of coffee, ice, and milk goes well with any regular McDonald’s menu item. Order the Iced Coffee plain and enjoy it by itself, or build onto the coffee and cream foundation with whatever flavors you like best.


Iced French Vanilla Latte

Iced French Vanilla Latte
Source: Instagram

Another popular McCafé drink is the Iced French Vanilla Latte. While the iced coffee drinks come standard with light cream, the cappuccino- and latte-type drinks contain whole milk. This one is no different. It allows for a light, creamy backdrop for French vanilla flavor to shine. McDonald’s espresso is chilled with ice while French Vanilla syrup, water, and whole milk are poured over the top. Allow this rich drink to cool you off on a hot day. It’s a great balance to a meal of salty and savory Chicken McNuggets and French fries.


Mocha Frappe

Mocha Frappe
Source: Instagram

If you like sugary chocolate with a hint of coffee, this is the drink for you. The Mocha Frappe is a top seller because it’s a rich treat. The creamy, sweet Mocha Coffee Frappe Base blends with ice to an ice cream-like consistency with a whisper of coffee flavor. Topped with a swirl of whipped cream and dark, chocolatey syrup slivers, don’t think this is a child’s drink. There’s about 100gm of caffeine in a small Mocha Frappe, which is a little more than a cup of coffee. But don’t worry, this drink won’t make your eyes cross with the strong state of coffee. I get this one on days that I want just a little coffee flavor with my milk and sugar!


Mocha 

Mocha 
Source: Instagram

Everyone knows that mocha isn’t just another coffee. McDonald’s Mocha is no exception. It ranks up there with something out of the ordinary. When you order a hot mocha, you know you’re going to be drinking a hug in a cup. Give yourself the gift of serotonin-releasing qualities of chocolate and sugar combined with the complex flavors of espresso. Mochas are traditionally lattes with a sort of chocolate base. One of the best McDonald’s coffee drinks, they melt their delicious chocolate syrup into steamed milk and espresso. It’s a simple but timeless drink available to you anytime you need something special.


French Vanilla Cappuccino

French Vanilla Cappuccino
Source: Pinterest

Order a French Vanilla Cappuccino and enjoy the way hot expresso enhances the qualities of rich, complex French vanilla syrup. With lots of fluffy, milky foam, this cappuccino is one of the best McDonald’s coffee drinks on my list. This drink stirs together espresso, steamed milk, McCafé’s French Vanilla syrup, and water. Order it with my favorite secret menu breakfast— a hash brown McMuffin. Ask them to put the hash brown on the McMuffin or do it yourself, but this hack feels like a holiday meal. What better way to enjoy it than with a French Vanilla Cappuccino?

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Iced Caramel Coffee

Iced Caramel Coffee
Source: Pinterest

An Iced Caramel Coffee was one of the original drinks on the menu. The pairing of sweet caramel syrup, light cream, premium-roast coffee, and ice just makes sense. It feels natural at this point, which is why it makes my list of the best McDonald’s coffee. Relax on a hot summer day with this sweet coffee drink. If you’re a fan of this one, you know it’s just as good in the dead of winter. What’s great about McDonald’s iced coffees is that you can commit to a classic or mix things up by adding flavors. Do what I do and request hazelnut syrup be added to this one, just to mix things up!


French Vanilla Latte

French Vanilla Latte
Source: Instagram

Cappuccinos are equal parts steamed milk and foam added to espresso. Lattes are weightier, with all steamed milk added to espresso. Order a creamy French Vanilla Latte and enjoy the way the buttery vanilla flavor enhances the steamed milk. It complements the espresso as much as the espresso complements the vanilla. All McCafé drinks come in small, medium, and large. I don’t recommend going any larger than a medium with their espresso-based drinks because you’ll be vibrating in a few hours. Another shot is added every time you size up, so be aware of that.


Iced Latte

Iced Latte
Source: Instagram

When I’m craving something with a robust coffee flavor, I’ll order a plain Iced Latte. It’s great during the afternoon slump. Different from a McCafé Iced Coffee, Iced Latte starts with espresso and contains water, milk, and ice, holding the liquid sugar. This is the drink for people who drink coffee because they like the flavor. This drink makes my list of best McDonald’s coffee because of its potential. Enjoy it plain or jazz it up. For a decadent treat, play up the espresso flavor by asking them to add chocolate and hazelnut syrup. Did I just make a Nutella iced latte?


Coffee 

Coffee
Source: Instagram

On my list of the best McDonald’s coffee, this one was a must! McDonald’s is brewing up their Premium Roast Coffee every half-hour, so you know you’re always getting a fresh cup of joe. Made with 100% Arabica beans in a medium roast, I love the high quality and deep roasted flavor you get. Get it black or request it with whole or nonfat milk. You can also get my way, with light cream. Add your favorite syrups or ask for sugar-free French vanilla syrup. Get coffee how you like it, any time of day through McCafé.

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Written by Maggie Kelly

Maggie is a New Brunswick local and Rutgers University student who has made checking out local eateries one of her hobbies the past three years. She grew up in Frenchtown New Jersey and is often seen exploring the greater New York City area.