If you like trying new drinks, Taco Bell just gave you an excellent excuse to stop by. Starting this week, the fast food giant is releasing an entirely new lineup of drinks called Refrescas, and they’re here to stay. If you’re craving something tropical, need a boost, or simply want to chill out with an icy dessert, there’s something new on the Taco Bell drink menu that could be just what you need.
Hello refrescas
Taco Bell’s new Refrescas hit shelves everywhere on June 26, and they’re causing a splash. They’re infused with classic Mexican aguas frescas with a twist. They contain green tea and actual freeze-dried fruit pieces, providing a refreshing taste and exciting texture.
You have three fruit options:
- Strawberry Passionfruit
- Dragonfruit Berry
- Mango Peach
Refrescas are available in 20-ounce sizes and will be priced at $3.99.
But Taco Bell didn’t stop there. They’ve also released two Rockstar Energy Refrescas, each with 200mg of caffeine per serving. They are available in Pineapple and Tropical Punch flavors and retail for $4.49 for a 20-ounce beverage.
And if frozen drinks are more your thing, you’ll want to try the Refresca Freeze—a slushy-style drink with freeze-dried fruit pieces and a sweet Strawberry Lime flavor. It’s $3.79 for 16 ounces and $3.99 for 20 ounces.
A bigger plan behind the drinks
It’s not a question of simply putting some hip new fun beverages on the menu—this is all part of Taco Bell’s grander plan: hitting $5 billion in beverages by 2030. To help make that a reality, the chain is opening up its Live Más Café concept, basically a small coffee and beverage stand in some Taco Bell restaurants.
Currently, it’s only in one place in California, at Chula Vista. But this fall, there will be 30 more Live Más Cafés open across Southern California and Texas. Some of them will be owned by the company’s largest franchisee, Diversified Restaurant Group.
Why now?
Younger adults are seeking drinks that are “refreshing, energizing, and fun,” says Taco Bell’s international chief food innovation officer, Liz Matthews. Fruit teas and energy drinks with caffeine are top drink orders in fast food today. The others, such as McDonald’s and Jollibee, will soon follow.
Live Más Café stores will boast more than 30 specialty drinks, ranging from Churro Chillers to more creative combinations like Dirty Mountain Dew Baja Blast Dream Sodas.
And yes—it’s paying off. Taco Bell saw a 40% sales increase during the first quarter of the year, and customers have been buying some 300 specialty drinks a day on average in test markets. That’s a very strong signal that people are thirsty for something other than soda.
So, if you’re looking for your next favorite drink, it might be time to swing by Taco Bell. Something new and refreshing might just be waiting for you.
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