SONIC is getting into the holiday spirit with a new seasonal menu arriving nationwide on November 2, 2026. The lineup brings together festive drinks, a dessert-inspired Slush Float, a new smoked gouda and bacon burger, and an updated value meal. From the cherry-and-vanilla Santa Slush Float to the savory Smoked Gouda and Bacon SONIC Smasher, there are several new options for customers to explore. Here’s a closer look at everything joining the menu and what makes each addition worth trying.
The Santa Slush Float Combines Cherry, Vanilla, and Creamy Soft Serve
SONIC is giving its classic Slush a festive makeover with the arrival of the Santa Slush Float, a limited-time dessert drink designed around two familiar flavors. The new offering combines merry cherry and sweet vanilla in an icy Slush, creating a fruity base that is layered with SONIC’s creamy vanilla soft serve. A cherry on top completes the drink, while a special Santa-themed holiday cup gives it a seasonal appearance. The combination brings together the refreshing texture of a traditional Slush and the richer consistency of a frozen dessert. Rather than introducing an entirely unfamiliar flavor, SONIC is building on a combination that works particularly well during the colder holiday season. The Santa Slush Float is intended for customers looking for something sweeter than an ordinary fountain drink, whether they are taking a break from holiday shopping or enjoying a seasonal treat. It is available for a limited time while supplies last, making it one of the main attractions of the chain’s new winter lineup.
The Smoked Gouda and Bacon SONIC Smasher Introduces a Richer Burger Option
Burger lovers have something new to look forward to as SONIC adds the Smoked Gouda and Bacon SONIC Smasher to its seasonal menu. This new variation takes the chain’s familiar SONIC Smasher and gives it a richer combination of savory ingredients. It features hand-smashed Angus beef patties topped with melted smoked gouda, crispy bacon, and black pepper aioli. The smoked gouda brings a distinctive flavor that is richer and more pronounced than standard American cheese, while the bacon adds a crisp texture and smoky character. Black pepper aioli provides another layer of flavor, bringing a mild peppery kick to the combination. Customers can choose between double and triple versions, depending on how substantial they want their burger to be. The patties are made to order, giving the burger its signature freshly prepared quality. The combination makes this one of the more substantial additions to SONIC’s holiday menu, particularly for customers who prefer savory food over seasonal desserts and specialty drinks.
SONIC Refreshes Its $7 Big Deal Meal With Chicken Bites
Getting a complete meal without spending too much is particularly appealing during the holiday season, when everyday expenses can quickly add up. SONIC is addressing that demand by refreshing its $7 Big Deal Meal with a combination that includes several familiar menu favorites. The updated deal features a SONIC Cheeseburger, a choice of medium Tots or Fries, a small serving of Premium Chicken Bites, and a medium drink. Customers can choose between a soft drink and iced tea, giving them some flexibility with their beverage. One notable change is the inclusion of Premium Chicken Bites alongside the cheeseburger, adding another protein option to the combination. The meal offers a mixture of textures and flavors, from the savory cheeseburger to the crispy sides and bite-sized chicken pieces. At $7, the promotion is positioned as an affordable way to enjoy several items in one order rather than purchasing them separately. It also gives customers a convenient option for lunch or dinner without having to choose between a burger and chicken. Availability and pricing may vary by participating location.
Merry Berry Fizz and Holiday Creamy Vanilla Bring Seasonal Twists to SONIC Drinks
SONIC is extending its holiday creativity beyond frozen desserts with two specialty beverages inspired by Coca-Cola’s seasonal drink releases. The first is Merry Berry Fizz, which combines Sprite or Sprite Zero with cranberry syrup. The result is a fruity variation of the familiar lemon-lime soda, with cranberry adding a seasonal flavor that gives the drink a festive twist. Customers who prefer a zero-sugar soda can choose Sprite Zero as their base. The second addition, Holiday Creamy Vanilla, takes a different approach by combining Coca-Cola or Coca-Cola Zero with vanilla syrup and sweet cream. This creates a richer, creamier version of the traditional cola, adding sweetness and a smooth vanilla finish. Both drinks give customers an alternative to ordinary fountain beverages without requiring them to choose a frozen treat. They also complement the Santa Slush Float, which already combines cherry and vanilla flavors. Together, the new beverages give SONIC’s winter menu a broader selection of seasonal options, ranging from fruity and refreshing to creamy and sweet. The drinks are part of the limited-time holiday lineup arriving at participating locations nationwide.
