From Nation's Restaurant News · · 1m 40s
Sonic Drive-In, the original beverage trend-setter
Sonic Drive-In leads beverage innovation with customizable drinks and cultural-themed flavors.
In brief
Sonic Drive-In leads beverage innovation with customizable drinks and cultural-themed flavors. Sonic Drive-In offers nearly infinite beverage options including custom drinks and cultural-themed flavors like the Blackout Slush Float for the 2024 solar eclipse. Originally reported by Nation's Restaurant News.
Sonic's beverage innovation
Sonic Drive-In offers nearly infinite beverage options including custom drinks and cultural-themed flavors.
Custom drink options
Customers can create drinks with syrups, fruit purées, sweet cream, boba, and Nerds candy.
Pebble ice popularity
Sonic sold almost 78 million pounds of pebble ice in the past 12 months.
Beverage innovation timeline
Sonic introduced dirty sodas in March 2024 and green-tea-based refreshers in March 2026.
Cultural-themed drinks
Sonic created the Blackout Slush Float for the 2024 solar eclipse and Red, White & Blue Slush Float for the US 250th anniversary.
Beverage category management
Ashlee Gustin, director of category management, emphasizes guest customization and cultural relevance.
Operational integration
Sonic works with operations to ensure new drinks are feasible in the back of house.
Beverage trends
Sonic leads beverage innovation with custom drinks and cultural-themed flavors.
Pebble ice sales
Sonic sells pebble ice by the 10-pound bag for 59 cents.
Beverage customization
Sonic offers drinks with syrups, fruit purées, sweet cream, boba, and Nerds candy.
Cultural moments
Sonic creates drinks tied to cultural events like the 2024 solar eclipse.
Beverage innovation
Sonic leads with guest preferences and current trends for unique drink experiences.
Beverage trends
Sonic's drinks include the Twisted Flamingo and Shark Bite for curated options.
What it means
Sonic Drive-In offers nearly infinite beverage options including custom drinks and cultural-themed flavors like the Blackout Slush Float for the 2024 solar eclipse.
