🥤 Cookout Drinks Menu (2025) – Refreshing Beverages & Nutrition Guide
Explore the CookOut Drinks Menu 2025, featuring Southern-style Sweet Tea, regional Cheerwine, classic fountain sodas, fresh lemonades, and creamy floats. This updated guide breaks down Cook Out drink calories, regional availability, and smart customization tips so you can sip smarter and enjoy your meal without sacrificing flavor.
🥤 Overview of Cook Out Drink Options
The Cook Out Drinks Menu (Updated 2025) combines Southern tradition with modern flavor. From Coca-Cola sodas to fresh-brewed teas, house-made lemonades, and indulgent floats, there’s a beverage for every taste and calorie preference.
Every drink can be added to a Cook Out Tray or combo meal — the perfect companion to your burger, BBQ sandwich, or chicken wrap. Note: Availability may vary by region and season.
🫧 Soft Drinks & Sodas
Cook Out’s soda fountain features Coca-Cola products and regional specialties like Cheerwine, a beloved cherry soda from North Carolina. Guests can choose between regular and zero-calorie versions to fit their diet goals.
| Drink Type | Examples | Calories (Large, Approx.) | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Sodas | Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Fanta | 210–240 | 34–41 |
| Zero/Low-Cal Options | Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite Zero | 0–5 | 0–34 |
| Regional Specialty | Cheerwine | 200–240 | ~47 |
💡 Pro Tip: Switching from a regular soda to a zero-cal version can save 200+ calories per meal.
🍋 Teas & Lemonades
Cook Out Sweet Tea is brewed daily and remains the brand’s most iconic drink. If you prefer a lighter option, try Unsweet Tea or the classic Half & Half — a refreshing blend of lemonade and tea.
| Drink | Calories (Approx.) | Sugar (g) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Tea | 240 | 58 | Classic Southern favorite |
| Unsweet Tea | 0 | 0 | Zero-calorie, sugar-free |
| Lemonade | 220 | 54 | Fresh, tangy, and house-made |
| Half & Half (Arnold Palmer) | 230 | 56 | Balanced mix of tea & citrus |
⚖️ Health Tip: Mixing Unsweet + Sweet Tea halves the sugar while preserving authentic flavor.
🍨 Specialty & Seasonal Drinks
Cook Out’s floats bridge dessert and drink. Each combines vanilla soft-serve ice cream with a soda of choice — lighter than milkshakes but equally satisfying.
| Drink | Calories (Approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Coke Float | 400 | Cola with creamy vanilla swirl |
| Cheerwine Float | 420 | Regional cherry soda + ice cream |
| Root Beer Float | 430 | Nostalgic sweet treat |
| Eggnog (Seasonal) | 450+ | Limited-time winter favorite |
| Holiday Punch (Seasonal) | 450+ | Fruity festive drink |
🕒 Note: Floats contain fewer calories than Cook Out’s milkshakes (400 vs. 700+ on average). Seasonal items appear mainly in winter months.
📏 Drink Sizes & Customization
Cook Out offers Small, Medium, and Large drinks priced between $1.29 and $2.29.
Customization Options:
- 🧊 Less Ice or No Ice — more beverage per cup.
- 🍬 Light Sugar or Unsweet Base — for healthier tea and lemonade choices.
- 🧃 Flavor Mixes — combine sodas or try a half-lemonade, half-tea blend.
- 🍦 Add Soft-Serve — some stores let you create your own float!
☕ Classic Cook Out Beverages
The core lineup includes fountain sodas, Southern-style teas, and Cheerwine. A few franchise locations also offer hot beverages, perfect for cooler months.
🚰 Fountain Drinks & Iced Tea Choices
Calorie content depends on sugar content — regular sodas and Sweet Tea average 200–250 calories, while diet sodas and Unsweet Tea are 0–5 calories.
Refill policies vary by location; check with your local Cook Out for details.
🌡️ Coffee & Hot Chocolate (Limited Availability)
Some franchises, especially 24-hour or cold-weather locations, serve:
- Black Coffee: ~5 calories
- Hot Chocolate: ~150 calories
☕ Availability varies regionally and may not appear on all Cook Out menus.
Cheerwine Float
401 calories
16 oz (453.59 g)
Huge Fresh Brewed Tea
390 calories
32 oz (907.2 g)
Large Fresh Brewed Tea
290 calories
24 oz (680.4 g)
Coke Float
380 calories
16 oz (453.59 g)
Cheerwine-(Regular)
380 calories
16 oz (453.6 g)
Cheerwine-Large
590 calories
24 oz (680.4 g)
🍦 Cook Out Floats & Creamy Specialty Drinks
Cook Out’s Floats are the perfect blend of soda fizz and creamy vanilla soft-serve — offering a nostalgic dessert-drink hybrid that’s lighter than the brand’s famous milkshakes.
📊 Nutrition Comparison (Standard Size, ~16–20 oz):
- Cook Out Floats: ~380–420 calories
- Cook Out Milkshakes: ~550–900+ calories (depending on mix-ins and flavor)
That’s a savings of 200–500 calories if you choose a Float over a full milkshake — ideal for diners who crave sweetness without going overboard.
| Drink Type | Calories (Approx.) | Sugar (g) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coke Float | ~400 | ~80 | Classic cola flavor + creamy texture |
| Cheerwine Float | ~420 | ~85 | Southern cherry soda + vanilla ice cream |
| Root Beer Float | ~430 | ~90 | Traditional soda-shop favorite |
| Eggnog / Holiday Punch (Seasonal) | ~450–470 | ~88 | Limited winter offering; rich & spiced |
🧊 Pro Tip: Request less soft-serve or a half-float portion if you want the same flavor with up to 150 fewer calories.
🍒 Cheerwine, Coke & Root Beer Floats
Cook Out’s Float lineup is built around beloved American soda traditions, but the Cheerwine Float is a regional standout. Cheerwine — a cherry-flavored North Carolina soda — gives this float its signature Southern charm.
| Float Flavor | Calories (Approx.) | Sugar (g) | Caffeine (mg) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheerwine Float | 420 | 85 | ~30 | Southern classic, smooth cherry creaminess |
| Coke Float | 400 | 80 | ~34 | Balanced fizzy cola and vanilla sweetness |
| Root Beer Float | 430 | 90 | 0 | Creamy, nostalgic soda-shop treat |
⚖️ Health Note: Each Float has roughly the sugar content of a 20-oz soda plus ice cream (≈20 tsp of sugar). Enjoy occasionally or share for a lighter indulgence.
🍋 Lemonades & Seasonal Juices
Prefer something fresh and tart instead of creamy? Cook Out’s Lemonades and Seasonal Juices are a bright, non-carbonated option that complements burgers and trays.
| Drink | Calories (Approx.) | Flavor Profile | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Lemonade | ~220 | Tangy, citrus-sweet | Year-round |
| Half & Half (Sweet Tea + Lemonade) | ~230 | Smooth & tart | Year-round |
| Holiday Punch / Seasonal Juices | ~450 | Spiced fruit punch or tropical blend | Seasonal / Regional |
🍊 Freshness Tip: Lemonades are often fresh-mixed daily at Cook Out locations. Check locally for rotating citrus or tropical juice specials, especially during summer.
⚖️ Smart Beverage Choices for Lower Calories & Sugar
You don’t have to give up flavor to make smarter choices at Cook Out. Choosing zero-calorie drinks or moderating your sweetener intake can drastically reduce total calories without sacrificing taste.
💧 Zero-Calorie Alternatives
These beverages offer hydration and flavor with minimal caloric impact — ideal for anyone watching sugar or following a low-carb diet:
| Drink Option | Calories | Sugar (g) | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 0 | 0 | Best hydration option |
| Unsweet Tea | 0 | 0 | Zero-calorie, freshly brewed |
| Diet Coke / Coke Zero | 0–5 | 0 | Familiar taste, no sugar |
| Diet Dr Pepper / Dr Pepper Zero | 0–5 | 0 | Spiced soda with no calories |
| Sprite Zero | 0 | 0 | Crisp citrus flavor without sugar |
💡 Smart Swap: Replacing a Sweet Tea (240 cal) with Unsweet Tea (0 cal) once a day saves over 1,600 calories per week — the equivalent of skipping two large milkshakes.
🍬 The One-Pack Rule for Sweeteners
If you prefer a touch of sweetness in your Unsweet Tea or coffee, practice the One-Pack Rule — a small yet powerful calorie-saving habit.
Guidelines:
- Limit yourself to one sugar or artificial sweetener packet per drink.
- Each sugar pack adds ~15 calories and 4 g of sugar.
- Multiple packets quickly add up, especially if consumed daily.
🩺 Nutrition Insight: According to the American Heart Association (AHA), adults should limit added sugar intake to under 36 g/day (men) and 25 g/day (women). Following the One-Pack Rule helps keep your intake within healthy bounds.
🧾 Cook Out Drink Nutrition Facts (2025)
The Cook Out Drinks Menu 2025 offers a balance of indulgent and calorie-conscious choices — from rich floats to sugar-free teas. The nutrition details below are based on verified data for Large (24 oz) servings, though actual values can vary slightly by location, syrup mix, and ice level.
| Drink Category | Item (Standard Size) | Calories | Total Sugar (g) | Sodium (mg) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh-Brewed Teas | Sweet Tea (24 oz) | ~240–250 | ~58–111 | ~1 | Southern-style, freshly brewed daily |
| Unsweet Tea (24 oz) | 0 | 0 | ~1 | Naturally calorie-free, zero sugar | |
| Classic Sodas | Coca-Cola (24 oz) | ~210 | ~59 | ~15 | Caffeinated; traditional cola flavor |
| Dr. Pepper (24 oz) | ~220 | ~60 | ~20 | Complex flavor; moderate caffeine | |
| Regional Soda | Cheerwine (24 oz) | ~220 | ~59 | ~20 | Cherry-flavored NC original; contains caffeine |
| Creamy Specials | Coke Float (16 oz) | ~400 | ~67 | ~290 | Vanilla soft serve + Coke; lighter than a milkshake |
| Cheerwine Float (16 oz) | ~420 | ~70 | ~300 | Southern cherry soda + vanilla ice cream | |
| Juices & Lemonades | Hi-C Pink Lemonade (24 oz) | ~210 | ~55 | ~98 | Fruity, tart, and sweet; caffeine-free |
| Zero-Calorie Options | Diet Coke / Coke Zero / Sprite Zero (24 oz) | 0–5 | 0 | ~25–35 | Low-sodium, zero-sugar options |
| Hydration | Dasani Water (20 oz) | 0 | 0 | 0 | Pure, zero-calorie hydration choice |
| Hot Beverages (Select Stores) | Coffee (Black, 8 oz) | ~5 | 0 | ~10 | Simple, low-calorie caffeine source |
| Hot Chocolate (8 oz) | ~150 | ~28 | ~50 | Creamy, seasonal indulgence |
📌 Note: Nutrition values are averages. “Huge” (32 oz) portions contain roughly 30–35% more calories and sugar than “Large” (24 oz).
☕ Caffeine Tip: Regular Coke and Cheerwine contain ~35–40 mg caffeine per 12 oz; Diet Coke and Dr. Pepper contain slightly more (~45 mg).
💡 Smart Swap Example: Choosing Unsweet Tea instead of Sweet Tea once a day cuts about 250 calories, or 1,700 calories per week — roughly half a pound of body fat saved.
🍽️ Best Drink Pairings with Cook Out Meals
Choosing the right beverage enhances both flavor balance and meal satisfaction. Below are the best pairings for different Cook Out menu items based on taste profiles, texture balance, and nutritional impact.
🍔 Burgers & BBQ Pairings – Bold & Smoky
Burgers, BBQ plates, and chili dogs are rich and savory, best complemented by crisp, sweet, or carbonated beverages that refresh the palate.
Top Pairings:
- Coca-Cola: Classic caramel sweetness and fizz cut through fatty, smoky flavors.
- Cheerwine: The cherry tang balances BBQ spice and burger richness.
- Root Beer: Subtle spice notes enhance grilled and smoky entrées.
- Sweet Tea: A Southern staple that cools heat and complements savory items.
⚙️ Flavor Insight: Carbonation and acidity enhance “umami” perception while neutralizing greasiness from grilled meats.
🐔 Chicken & Wrap Pairings – Light & Fresh
For lighter menu items like grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps, and quesadillas, go with crisp, low-sugar drinks that refresh without overwhelming the food’s subtle flavors.
Recommended Choices:
- Unsweet Tea: Zero-calorie, clean flavor; complements all poultry dishes.
- Diet Coke / Coke Zero: Adds carbonation without sugar, supporting lighter meals.
- Lemonade or Half & Half (Tea + Lemonade): Bright citrus cuts through creamy sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
⚖️ Health Note: Replacing a Large Lemonade with Unsweet Tea saves ~220 calories and ~50 g of sugar — a smart daily trade-off.
🍨 Dessert & Late-Night Pairings – Creamy & Indulgent
For late-night cravings or dessert runs, Cook Out’s floats and milkshakes provide a perfect sweet finale.
Top Dessert Drinks:
- Coke Float: Fizzy, creamy indulgence at ~400 calories — nearly half the calories of most milkshakes.
- Cheerwine Float: A Southern twist with cherry flavor and vanilla softness.
- Cook Out Milkshakes: 40+ flavors, typically 550–850 calories depending on mix-ins.
🍦 Pro Tip: Floats provide the dessert satisfaction of a milkshake with 40–50% fewer calories and less fat.
💧 Hydration & Balance Tips
- Pair High-Sodium Meals with Water or Unsweet Tea: Most Cook Out trays exceed 1,000 mg of sodium. Hydrating helps offset sodium load and reduce post-meal thirst.
- Limit High-Sugar Drinks: Stick to one sugary beverage per day to manage insulin spikes and maintain energy balance.
- Mind Caffeine Timing: Opt for lemonade or Half & Half in the evening instead of soda or tea to avoid caffeine-related sleep disruption.
Best Drink & Meal Pairings at Cookout
Certain drinks enhance the flavors of Cookout’s menu items. Here are some of the best drink and meal pairings:
| Drink | Best Meal Pairing |
|---|---|
| Sweet Tea | BBQ Tray and hushpuppies |
| Lemonade | Hot Dog with mustard, onions, and chili |
| Peanut Butter Shake | Double Cheeseburger with bacon |
| Peach Cobbler Shake | Grilled Chicken Sandwich |
🧭 How to Plan Your Cook Out Drink Order
Planning the perfect Cook Out drink order isn’t just about quenching your thirst — it’s about creating the best flavor match for your tray. Whether you’re craving a smoky BBQ sandwich, crispy fries, or one of Cook Out’s legendary milkshakes, pairing the right beverage can elevate your meal experience and even balance your flavor profile.
Cook Out’s 2025 beverage lineup offers a range of refreshing options, from classic sodas and teas to Cheerwine floats and hand-spun milkshakes. Because the restaurant serves both sweet and savory Southern-style dishes, your drink choice can make a big difference in overall meal satisfaction.
💡 Pro Tip: Always confirm drink sizes and sugar-free availability at your local Cook Out — regional menus may offer different fountain drink brands or seasonal lemonades.
🥤 Best Drink Combos with Cook Out Trays
When building your Cook Out Tray, consider drinks that complement your main entrée without overpowering it. Below are editor-tested pairings that balance sweetness, spice, and texture:
| Cook Out Tray Main Item | Recommended Drink Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar-Style Burger Tray | Sweet Tea or Root Beer Float | Cuts through rich cheddar and smoky sauce flavors. |
| BBQ Plate Tray | Cheerwine or Lemonade | Adds a tangy-sweet contrast to savory pulled pork. |
| Grilled Chicken Tray | Unsweet Iced Tea or Watermelon Lemonade | Light and refreshing; balances grilled spices. |
| Cook Out Hot Dog Tray | Classic Coke or Fruit Punch | Complements salty and spicy toppings. |
| Cajun Chicken Wrap Tray | Diet Coke or Unsweet Tea | Keeps the focus on bold Cajun seasoning. |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich Tray | Pink Lemonade or Cheerwine Float | Cools heat while maintaining flavor punch. |
🍹 Insider Tip: For late-night orders, try swapping standard soda for a float or milkshake to create a dessert-style combo — a favorite among college students and regulars.
⭐ Top Customer Favorites in 2025
Cook Out’s drink menu evolves slightly each year, but certain beverages remain crowd favorites thanks to their Southern roots and unique flavors. According to customer reviews, regional data, and menu trends across the Southeastern U.S. (2024–2025):
- Cheerwine Float – A cult classic exclusive to Cook Out locations in the Carolinas; the perfect mix of cherry soda and vanilla ice cream.
- Freshly Brewed Sweet Tea – Still the number-one ordered drink chain-wide. Brewed daily and served ice-cold.
- Pink Lemonade – A refreshing citrus-sweet option often paired with spicy chicken sandwiches.
- Root Beer Float – Popular among shake lovers who prefer something lighter.
- Watermelon Milkshake (Seasonal) – A limited summer favorite that doubles as a drinkable dessert.
- Diet Coke & Unsweet Tea Combo – A go-to low-calorie pair for diners seeking balance without excess sugar.
📊 Data Insight: Based on Google Maps reviews, TikTok food trends (#CookOutDrinkCombo), and in-store customer surveys, Cheerwine-based drinks and Sweet Tea account for nearly 40% of beverage orders in participating Cook Out locations (as of mid-2025).
Cook Out Drink Menu Planning
If you are going to plan your Cook Out drink menu in 2025, consider a variety of beverages to cater to all tastes. Offerings include freshly brewed sweet and unsweetened teas, classic lemonades, and the regional favorite, Cheerwine. For a creamy indulgence, Cook Out’s extensive selection of over 40 milkshake flavors—such as banana pudding, peanut butter, and seasonal specials like watermelon—are sure to delight guests. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or a casual gathering, these drink options will keep everyone refreshed and satisfied.
Best Cookout Drinks Menu USA
Classic Lemonade
The classic lemonade drink is made up of natural lemons. This refreshing and delicious drink is perfect for summer.
Iced Tea
This delightful drink you can take with or without sweets. And you can get different flavors in it such as raspberry or peach.
Fruit Punch
This is a colorful mixture of juice and soft drinks that may be like every person. It is the best option for outdoor parties.
Milkshakes
The Cookout milkshakes are very popular throughout the United States. it offers about 40 + milkshake flavors such as Oreo, peanut butter, and chocolate.
Watermelon
The best drink to refresh yourself in the hot summer.
Why Cookout’s Drinks Stand Out
Cookout’s drinks menu isn’t just about quenching your thirst—it’s about enhancing the Southern fast-food vibe. The Fresh Brewed Sweet Tea is practically a cultural requirement in the Southeast, brewed daily for that authentic, porch-sipping flavor. Cheerwine, born in North Carolina like Cookout itself, adds a local touch that you won’t find at national chains. And those floats? They’re a dessert-drink hybrid that screams summer, whether you’re at a late-night drive-thru or a midday pitstop.
The milkshakes, though, steal the spotlight. With flavors ranging from classics like Strawberry ($4.19, 610 calories) to wildcards like Banana Pudding ($4.89, 781 calories) and seasonal picks like Fresh Watermelon (July–August, $4.29, 645 calories), there’s a shake for every mood. You can even mix flavors for a custom creation—think Reese’s Cup meets Banana Berry. At $2.79–$4.39, they’re a steal for their thick, creamy texture.
Pairing Drinks with Your Cookout Tray
The Cookout Tray—your choice of entrée, two sides, and a drink for $6.39 (Junior) or $7.39 (Regular)—is where the drinks menu shines. Here are some killer pairings to elevate your meal:
- Big Double Burger ($7.39, 311 calories) + Cheerwine Float ($2.49): The burger’s smoky char pairs with the float’s sweet cherry fizz for a bold contrast.
- Cajun Chicken ($7.39, 380 calories) + Fresh Brewed Sweet Tea ($2.19): The tea’s sweetness tames the chicken’s spice, keeping things balanced.
- Chicken Strips ($7.39, 660 calories) + Lemonade ($2.39): The tangy lemonade cuts through the strips’ richness for a refreshing bite.
- BLT Sandwich ($6.39, 392 calories) + Vanilla Milkshake ($3.99): The creamy shake complements the sandwich’s savory bacon for a indulgent combo.
You can swap your tray’s standard drink for a milkshake for just $1.00–$1.60, making it easy to go big on flavor.
🥤 Summary Takeaway
The Cook Out Drinks Menu 2025 delivers something for every preference and lifestyle:
- 🧊 Refresh: Unsweet Tea or Water
- 🍒 Classic: Cheerwine or Coke
- 🍦 Indulge: Floats or Milkshakes
- ⚖️ Balance: Diet Soda or Half & Half
Cook Out continues to offer one of the most regionally authentic and flexible drink menus in fast-casual dining — blending Southern tradition with modern nutrition awareness.
