Applebee’s New Summer Drinks: An Honest Food Editor’s Review and Ranking
Explore Applebee’s new summer drink lineup with expert tasting notes, mocktail options, and honest rankings for your next refreshing sip.
Applebee’s Summer Drink Lineup: A Food Editor’s Honest Review and Ranking
Summer is the time to feast outdoors and indulge in cool, refreshing beverages. In keeping with the season, Applebee’s revamped its menu once again, offering three brand-new, limited-edition drinks specifically made for summer. A food editor set out to taste, analyze, and rank these drinks, ensuring you’ll know exactly what’s worth ordering—boozy or not—next time you visit the neighborhood grill.
Quick Overview: What’s New?
- Three new summer drinks launched at Applebee’s: two vibrant, alcohol-free mocktails and one spirited margarita.
- The menu is designed to bring something for everyone: from guests seeking a refreshing nonalcoholic option to those craving traditional summer cocktails.
- The drinks boast seasonal flavors like juicy watermelon and vibrant strawberry lemonade.
Why Try Applebee’s Summer Drinks?
Alongside classics like the much-loved 2 for $25 menu—where guests score an appetizer and two entrees for just $25—Applebee’s summer drink refresh makes it even easier to elevate a meal or date night. Whether you’re celebrating, beating the heat, or just indulging in a little treat, these drinks promise to deliver a seasonal punch.
Seasonal Philosophy
- Menu launches and innovation are centered on bright, nostalgic flavors reminiscent of classic summer treats and beverages.
- Two of the three drinks are mocktails, ensuring inclusivity for guests of all ages and preferences.
The Drinks: In-Depth Reviews
Here are detailed tasting notes for all three of Applebee’s 2024 summer drinks. Each review includes the editor’s analysis, highlighting strengths, overall flavor, presentation, and recommendations for who might enjoy each the most.
3. Perfect Watermelon Margarita
The Perfect Watermelon Margarita is a bright ruby red cocktail built for summer sipping. Served in Applebee’s signature glassware, it starts with the chain’s classic Perfect Margarita base, then receives a sweet-tart twist thanks to a blend of watermelon liqueur and fresh lime. Here are the tasting notes and review:
- Flavor Profile: Sweet at first sip, with the familiar flavor of watermelon candy that lingers through the finish. The lime adds balancing acidity, but the overall impression is juicy, not aggressively tart.
- Alcohol Presence: The margarita’s booze is fairly gentle, making it approachable for happy hour veterans and light drinkers alike. However, the sugar content is front and center—this is not a subtle sipper.
- Presentation: Glistening, garnished with a lime wheel. Its vibrant red hue screams ‘summer,’ drawing attention at the table.
Editor’s Impression:
- If you’re nostalgic for watermelon hard candy and like a sweet, mellow cocktail, this is for you.
- However, those who prefer a tart, bracing margarita may find the flavor profile a bit one-note.
Summary Table: Watermelon Margarita
| Aspect | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | 4 |
| Alcohol Balance | 3 |
| Summer Vibes | 5 |
| Overall Impression | 3 |
2. Strawberry Lemonade Mocktail
A nonalcoholic creation designed for all ages, the Strawberry Lemonade Mocktail instantly earns points for its stunning, sunny pink color. One sip reveals a flavor reminiscent of fairground lemonade—sweet, tangy, and utterly crushable.
- Flavor Profile: The first impression is of just-picked strawberries, followed by a mouth-puckering wave of lemon. Sugar is present, but not overwhelming—this drink toes the line between satisfying and refreshing.
- Texture: A slight effervescence (depending on mix) keeps it lively on the palate. When served with ice, the dilution helps manage the sweetness over time.
- Presentation: Garnished with a lemon wheel and a plump maraschino cherry, it’s as photogenic as it is inviting.
Editor’s Impression:
- This drink is pure nostalgia—think of childhood lemonade stands, only more grown-up.
- Ideal for designated drivers, young guests, or anyone skipping alcohol but wanting a festive drink experience.
Summary Table: Strawberry Lemonade Mocktail
| Aspect | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | 3 |
| Tartness | 4 |
| All-Ages Appeal | 5 |
| Overall Impression | 4 |
1. Lemonade Mocktail
Taking top honors in the food editor’s summer sips ranking, the Lemonade Mocktail wins with simplicity and execution. Clean, zesty lemon flavor is supported by enough sweetness to balance but not overshadow the drink’s refreshing quality.
- Flavor Profile: Vibrant lemon immediately hits the palate, followed by a sprightly, juicy finish. Compared with the strawberry mocktail, the sweetness is more subdued, which lets the citrus shine.
- Refreshment Factor: Served over ample ice, it quenches thirst without becoming syrupy as you drink.
- Presentation: Finished with a bright lemon slice, it looks like summer in a glass—and matches the flavor inside.
Editor’s Impression:
- This mocktail is supremely versatile. It stands up both as a fun treat for kids and a nonalcoholic option that adults will genuinely enjoy.
- The drink’s simplicity puts it ahead: sometimes less is more, and classic, tart lemonade is a perennial winner.
Summary Table: Lemonade Mocktail
| Aspect | Score (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | 2 |
| Citrus Punch | 5 |
| All-Ages Appeal | 5 |
| Overall Impression | 5 |
How Do Applebee’s Summer Drinks Compare?
| Drink Name | Alcohol? | Flavor Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Watermelon Margarita | Yes | Sweet watermelon, mild lime | Cocktail fans, classic margarita lovers |
| Strawberry Lemonade Mocktail | No | Fresh strawberry, tart lemon | Mocktail fans, all ages |
| Lemonade Mocktail | No | Punchy lemon, crisp finish | Anyone seeking refreshment |
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Visit
- Pairing Suggestions: The Lemonade Mocktail is a fantastic partner to spicy apps and fried food. Try it with boneless wings or mozzarella sticks.
- The Watermelon Margarita pairs well with summery mains like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Always ask your server about seasonal specials—Applebee’s rotates drink offers and happy hour deals throughout summer.
- All drinks can be ordered alongside Applebee’s 2 for $25 special for extra value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Applebee’s summer drinks available at every location?
Most Applebee’s locations participate in national menu releases, but seasonal drink availability may vary by region or franchise. Check with your local restaurant for current options.
Do the mocktails contain any alcohol?
No. The Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade Mocktails are strictly nonalcoholic, suitable for all ages and designated drivers.
Can the Perfect Watermelon Margarita be made as a mocktail?
While there may not be an exact nonalcoholic version on the menu, you can request a custom watermelon lemonade or ask staff to modify existing options for a similar experience without alcohol.
Are the drinks refillable?
Cocktails and mocktails from the specialty drink menu are typically served a la carte and are not eligible for free refills, unlike standard fountain sodas or iced teas.
Are these drinks available for takeout or delivery?
Mocktails may be available with takeout orders. Alcoholic drinks, like the margarita, may be restricted by state or local regulations—check your options when ordering online or via delivery services.
How do prices for these drinks compare?
Prices vary by location but are generally competitive for chain restaurants. Expect to pay a modest upgrade for premium cocktails, with nonalcoholic options slightly less expensive.
Should You Try Applebee’s New Summer Drinks?
The verdict? If you’re craving summer in a glass, Applebee’s seasonal drinks are worth a try. The Lemonade Mocktail stands out for drinkers of all ages, the Strawberry Lemonade delights with nostalgic flavor, and the Perfect Watermelon Margarita is a sweet, feel-good treat for traditional cocktail lovers. The lineup is inclusive, fun, and thoughtfully crafted to suit the spirit of summer.
Final Editor’s Ranking
- Lemonade Mocktail – Top Pick
- Strawberry Lemonade Mocktail
- Perfect Watermelon Margarita
Whichever you choose, these drinks are a reason to linger a little longer at Applebee’s this season, soaking up the summer vibes one sip at a time.
References
- https://www.purewow.com/food/applebees-dirty-fountain-soda-review
- https://www.purewow.com/food/influencers-try-hendricks-gin-spritz
- https://www.purewow.com/food/applebees-summer-drink-review
- https://www.purewow.com/food/tgi-fridays-power-pours-cocktail-ranking
- https://www.purewow.com/food/new-restaurant-menu-items
