Prices are approximate and vary by restaurant. Last updated October 2026.
The drink is the most overlooked part of a McDonald’s order and, pound for pound, one of the most variable. The difference between a small and a large fizzy drink can be 40p for nearly double the volume — while the difference between a good and bad milkshake choice is the difference between happiness and regret. Whether you are team Coca-Cola Classic or team milkshake, it pays to know the menu.
This independent guide covers every cold drink on the UK menu in 2026: the fizzy drinks, the milkshakes, the iced coffees and smoothies, the bottled options, what they cost in each size, and the honest answer on free refills.
Fizzy Drinks: Sizes and Prices
The core fizzy range comes in three sizes — small, medium and large — and the price steps between them are small enough that sizing up is usually worth it.
| Drink | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola Classic | Around £0.97 | Around £1.10 | Around £1.40 |
| Diet Coke | Around £0.89 | Around £0.99 | Around £1.29 |
| Coca-Cola Zero Sugar | Around £0.89 | Around £0.99 | Around £1.29 |
| Sprite (No Sugar) | Around £0.89 | Around £0.99 | Around £1.29 |
| Fanta Orange | Around £0.89 | Around £0.99 | Around £1.29 |
| Oasis | Around £0.89 | Around £0.99 | Around £1.29 |
Coca-Cola Classic carries a small premium over the zero-sugar options — a quirk of the range worth knowing if you are choosing on price alone. Note that UK fizzy drinks at McDonald’s are predominantly zero-sugar varieties (Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Sprite No Sugar), reflecting the UK’s soft drinks levy.
Milkshakes
The milkshake menu is short and sweet — four flavours, and all of them good:
- Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla and Banana — the permanent four.
| Size | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Medium milkshake | Around £1.60–£1.70 |
| Large milkshake | Around £1.90 |
Milkshakes typically come in medium and large rather than the three fizzy-drink sizes. At under £2 for a large, they remain one of the better-value treats on the menu — thick, cold, and reliably consistent across restaurants.
Iced Coffees, Frappés and Smoothies
The McCafé iced range sits above the fizzy drinks on price but delivers considerably more theatre:
| Drink | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Iced Latte | Around £2.10–£2.50 |
| Caramel / Mocha Iced Frappé | Around £2.30–£2.60 |
| Mango & Pineapple / Berry Smoothies | Around £2.00–£2.30 |
| Frozen Lemonade (seasonal) | Around £2.10–£3.10 |
The frappés — blended iced coffee topped with cream — are the indulgent end of the range. Smoothies (mango & pineapple and berry varieties) are the lighter option. Frozen lemonades appear as limited editions through the warmer months; flavours and prices rotate, so treat them as seasonal rather than permanent.
Bottled and Still Drinks
| Drink | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Buxton Natural Mineral Water | Around £1.30–£1.40 |
| Tropicana Orange Juice | Around £1.30–£1.40 |
| Robinsons Fruit Shoot | Around £0.99 |
| Organic Semi-Skimmed Milk | Around £0.79 |
The Fruit Shoot and milk are the children’s-menu staples, but there is no rule against adults ordering them — the Fruit Shoot at 99p is quietly one of the cheapest drinks on the menu.
Free Refills: The Honest Answer
Let’s settle this: McDonald’s UK does not offer free refills. Unlike some American restaurants with self-serve soda fountains, UK McDonald’s serves drinks at the counter, and there is no refill system — free or otherwise. Don’t plan your visit around one.
The practical takeaway: if you are thirsty, order the large. The jump from small to large on a fizzy drink is typically around 40p for substantially more drink — far better value than buying a second small later.
Best Value Picks
- Best cheap cold drink: Fruit Shoot at around 99p, or a small zero-sugar fizzy at around 89p.
- Best treat value: a large milkshake at around £1.90 — a lot of indulgence per pound.
- Best size-up: fizzy drinks — the small-to-large step is only about 40p.
- Rewards angle: a regular cold soft drink can be redeemed through MyMcDonald’s Rewards points, and drinks periodically feature in app offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Coca-Cola at McDonald’s UK?
Coca-Cola Classic costs around £0.97 (small), £1.10 (medium) or £1.40 (large). Zero-sugar options (Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite No Sugar, Fanta, Oasis) are slightly cheaper at around £0.89/£0.99/£1.29.
Does McDonald’s UK do free refills?
No. There is no free-refill policy at McDonald’s UK — drinks are served at the counter and refills are not offered. Order a large if you want more.
What milkshake flavours does McDonald’s UK have?
Four permanent flavours: chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and banana. They come in medium (around £1.60–£1.70) and large (around £1.90).
What iced drinks does McDonald’s UK have?
Iced lattes (around £2.10–£2.50), caramel and mocha iced frappés (around £2.30–£2.60), fruit smoothies (around £2.00–£2.30), and seasonal frozen lemonades.
What is the cheapest drink at McDonald’s UK?
Organic milk at around 79p and Robinsons Fruit Shoot at around 99p are the cheapest, followed by small zero-sugar fizzy drinks at around 89p.
Conclusion
The cold drinks menu rewards two simple rules: size up the fizzy drinks, and don’t expect refills. Beyond that, it is a solid range — the milkshakes are a genuine bargain, the iced coffees hold their own against high-street coffee shops, and the humble 89p Diet Coke remains one of the great British values. Drink up.
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