So I dragged myself to McDonald's yesterday (my third time this week, not that I'm counting) to try their supposedly "delightful" new Frozen Cherry Lemonade. Let's just say... my taste buds weren't prepared for what happened next.
The fast-food behemoth rolled out its menu revamp on Wednesday, bringing back some old favorites while introducing this cherry concoction that's replaced the beloved Strawberry Frozen Lemonade. And holy moly, are people mad about it.
The Cherry Bomb That Divided a Nation
Priced at £2.99 (which feels steep for colored ice, but whatever), McDonald's describes their new drink as "tangy frozen lemonade blended with a delightfully sweet cherry-flavoured swirl." Marketing speak at its finest, folks.
I watched the teenager behind teh counter make mine with surprising care, considering it was during lunch rush. The swirls looked pretty, I'll give them that.
But the reaction online? Absolute carnage.
What the Hell Did I Just Drink?
"I had it yesterday and it was vile," one particularly upset customer wrote on Facebook. "It reminded me of medicine. I loved the strawberry one though, bring that back."
Another devastated fan didn't mince words: "No thanks, gutted the strawberry lemonade was taken off."
My colleague Jane (who spends more time at McDonald's than she'd ever admit publicly) texted me after trying it: "Tastes like cherry-flavored disappointment. Might switch to Burger King." Harsh.
Not Everyone's Gagging
Listen. There are actually people defending this drink.
"Best thing for the summer this drink is," wrote one enthusiast, channeling their inner Yoda.
Another customer with questionable taste buds added: "Had one yesterday, it reminded of a sherbet sweet but it was nice. Would be lovely and refreshing on a hot day."
I'm sorry, but "reminds me of sherbet" isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for a lemonade. Back in 2018, they tried that weird bubblegum McFlurry that gave my nephew nightmares. This feels similar.
The Rest of the Menu Shake-up (Some Actually Good News)
While everyone's fighting about cherry-flavored cough syrup, McDonald's quietly brought back some bangers. The Biscoff McFlurry has returned (£2.29 for regular, £1.69 for small) alongside the Biscoff Frappe at £3.09.
I spent $4K on UberEats last year, and approximately 30% was Biscoff McFlurries. No regrets.
For those who prefer actual food with their meals, they've reintroduced the McSpicy x Frank's RedHot burger and the Steakhouse Stack. Both will set you back £5.99.
The McSpicy thing combines chicken with jalapeños, cheese, and that Frank's RedHot Mayo that made my brother-in-law sweat profusely at last year's BBQ. Poor Mark.
The Cycle of Fast Food Grief
This isn't McDonald's first rodeo with menu drama. They regularly shuffle items across their 1,300 UK locations, breaking hearts and creating new obsessions every few months.
And just because something disappears doesn't mean it's gone forever. (Still waiting for that McRib to make its triumphant return... it's been 84 years.)
My editor bet me £20 I couldn't write this entire article without ordering another Biscoff McFlurry. I failed spectacularly.
Finding Your Local Golden Arches
If you're somehow not already intimately familiar with every McDonald's location within a 10-mile radius of your home (who are you?), they have a restaurant locator on their website.
It tells you opening times too, which is crucial if you're chasing breakfast. Miss that 11am cutoff and you'll be crying into your regular menu items instead.
God. Remember when they finally made breakfast an all-day thing in the US but not here? Still bitter about that.
Anyway, check mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/restaurant-locator.html if you need directions to your cherry lemonade disappointment. Or salvation. Your call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
What is a budget deficit?
A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.
What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?
Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
Statistics
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
External Links
How To
How To Start Investing for Beginners
Starting to invest can be daunting, but it is a crucial step towards building wealth. Begin by setting clear financial goals, such as saving for retirement or a major purchase. Educate yourself on different investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. Consider starting with a brokerage account that offers user-friendly platforms and educational resources. Diversify your investments to reduce risk, and consider low-cost index funds or robo-advisors if you prefer a hands-off approach. Make regular contributions, and resist the temptation to react to market fluctuations. Over time, compound interest will help your investments grow significantly.
PoliticsRoyaltySoap OperaGamingMoneyPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
