Summer officially has a drive-thru home.
Sonic launched its 2026 summer menu on June 1 at participating locations nationwide, led by two brand-new tropical-inspired items and the return of one of the most visually striking drinks of the season. The lineup covers all the bases — a bold, sweet-and-spicy burger, a creamy slush, and a patriotic frozen float priced for all-summer ordering.
Here’s everything on the menu and what to know before you pull up.
The New Tropical Heat Sonic Smasher
The summer’s signature burger is the Tropical Heat Sonic Smasher — a smash-style burger built around the “swicy” sweet-and-spicy flavor profile that’s dominated fast food menus this year.
Two hand-smashed Angus beef patties are loaded with melty pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, fresh shredded lettuce, and creamy mayo, all topped with a sweet-and-spicy jalapeño pineapple glaze and served on a toasted soft potato bun. A triple-patty version is also available for an extra dollar.
“Summer is when our guests come together for fun, flavorful moments and we crafted a lineup that delivers on that,” said Barbara Williams, Sonic’s Vice President of Culinary Innovation & Category Management.
The jalapeño pineapple glaze is the distinguishing detail. The sweet heat combination of pineapple and jalapeño has become one of the defining flavor trends of 2026 — showing up everywhere from Aldi’s Hot Honey Brioche Buns to fast food sandwiches across multiple chains — and Sonic’s interpretation applies it to a smash burger format that’s built for summer cookout competition. Pricing starts at approximately $8.49, varying by market.
The New Tropical Cream Slush
A pineapple and coconut slush swirled with vanilla soft serve and real pineapple pieces — cool, creamy, and designed to pair with the heat of the Smasher. The combination of coconut and pineapple gives it a piña colada-adjacent flavor profile without leaning into the cocktail reference directly, keeping it family-friendly and genuinely refreshing.
Available in multiple sizes, with a 20-oz medium running approximately $6.09 depending on location.
The Returning Red, White & Blue Slush Float — $2.50 All Summer
Back by popular demand and now tied to America’s 250th anniversary, the Red, White & Blue Slush Float layers icy blue raspberry slush with creamy vanilla soft serve and real strawberries for a layered, patriotic frozen treat. At $2.50 for a 20-oz all summer long, it’s one of the best value frozen drinks at any drive-thru this season.
This year’s version comes in limited-edition cups featuring designs inspired by iconic U.S. landmarks — collectible for America’s birthday and a natural conversation starter at the order window.
The Rewards Angle: 250 Bonus Points on World Cup Match Days
Sonic is tying the Red, White & Blue Slush Float to the FIFA World Cup in a fun way: Sonic Rewards members earn 250 bonus points on qualifying float purchases made in the Sonic App on June 12, June 19, and June 25 — all three of which are days the U.S. national team plays in the tournament. It’s a nice pairing for soccer fans planning their watch-party orders.
The Bottom Line
Sonic’s summer 2026 menu — Tropical Heat Sonic Smasher, Tropical Cream Slush, and the returning Red, White & Blue Slush Float — is available now at participating locations nationwide for a limited time. The float is $2.50 all summer. Order through the Sonic App for Rewards points, or pull up to any participating drive-in.
