McDonald's Brews Up New McCafé Espresso Flavors, Bottled Frappe Drinks

OAK BROOK, IL — After an August launch of its pumpkin spice latte this year, it's clear McDonald's has Starbucks in its crosshairs. Just days after Starbucks finally unleashed its pumpkin spice latte for 2017, McDonald's announced a revamped McCafé menu that will feature freshly ground espresso drinks made with sustainably sourced beans and non-fat milk that's locally sourced. Well, locally sourced from the U.S.

The new selection will include Starbucks-esque flavors that have been teased at select locations earlier this year: caramel macchiato, cappuccino and americano. In a press release, the descriptions of these flavors reflect McDonald's new push to redefine its image beyond that of a fast food company that serves "two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun."

With the new McCafé flavors on the menu, customers can start the day with a caramel macchiato that consists of "Rich, dark-roast espresso served with whole or nonfat milk, mixed with sweet caramel syrup, and topped with ribbons of buttery caramel drizzle. Available hot or iced."

As part of the new flavor launch, customers can get small specialty McCafé drinks for $2 for a limited time at participating locations.

Though McDonald's has yet to set its sights on house-brewed frappuccinos and organic chai tea ala Starbucks, it plans to release bottled frappe flavors in 2018. Chef Dan Coudreau, the company's vice president of culinary innovation in the U.S., said in a statement, "Coffee traditions are part of our culture and our talented crew members have been trained to handcraft our beverages as we work to elevate our coffee experience."

2017 year has been a year of bold marketing shakeups at McDonald's, from futuristic new uniforms to McDelivery service and stylish Big Mac onesies. With the new McCafé flavors, McDonald's also plans to implement new, improved coffee makers at nearly every restaurant. Perhaps the next step will be to resolve an issue that customers have long demanded with desperation on social media: replacing those often temperamental ice cream machines.

>>Image courtesy of McDonald's