Similar to the first flowers’ blooms, springtime food is a celebration of color. The newest limited time beverages to join the menu are both vibrant in color and flavor. Ready for that first taste of Pineapple Dragonfruit Beverages?
The most iconic food and beverage pairing in the quick service world is the Chick-fil-A sandwich and its lemonade. The combination of the sweet, tart drink with the juicy, Southern style chicken sandwich is always a pleasurable eating experience.
Over the years, Chick-fil-A has transformed both its sandwich and lemonade. From adding spice to the chicken to combining other fruits with its lemonade, the blend of familiar and new has made people hungry for another order.
To kick off Spring 2025, Chick-fil-A is adding Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages. They are: Pineapple Dragonfruit Frosted Lemonade, Pineapple Dragonfruit Lemonade, Pineapple Dragonfruit Iced Tea, and Pineapple Dragonfruit Sunjoy.
The first thing that people will notice is the color. Dragonfruit often provides a vibrant fuchsia color to any beverage. Even before taking the first sip, it brings a sense of happy, joy, or just plain fun.
Combining pineapple and dragonfruit is a curious combination. Both are tropical flavors, but they pair well together. With the classic lemonade offering some tartness, the other two fruits add the burst of sweetness. While this offering will be towards the sweeter side, it is a smart choice with the Spring food launch, Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich.
The most exciting of the beverage combination is the iced tea. While there are various fruit infused teas, this idea takes Chick-fil-A in a new direction. Embracing not only the tropical fruit aspect but also it puts the food and beverage complimentary flavors front and center. In a way, it helps to take the classic quick service restaurant into the future.
Additionally, it is nice to see Chick-fil-A venturing into new flavors. Balancing returning favorites with innovative ideas keeps guests engaged. In a world where consumers are more conscious with their spending dollars, new items need to be exciting and deliver on their promise.
Looking at the other beverages, all of them should be successful. From the Frosted Lemonade to the Sunjoy, people will be clamoring for that first taste. The biggest question will not be if they order, rather will they pair the new beverages with the returning Smokehouse BBQ Sandwich.
According to Allison Duncan, director of menu and packaging at Chick-fil-A, "As warmer weather approaches, our Guests are craving flavors that are reminiscent of longer, brighter days and time spent outside with family and friends. We’re thrilled to bring back the Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich, with an expanded lineup of options for our Guests, alongside our new Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages which offer a deliciously sweet and refreshing balance to the smoky BBQ flavors.”
Adding a smoky, BBQ sandwich for spring is a bold choice. BBQ is usually a summer item, but this sandwich was extremely popular when it launched. The combination of the sweet, peppery bacon with the chicken felt more like a pub sandwich.
With this year’s launch, the Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich can be enjoyed with original chicken, spicy, or grilled. The spicy option is a great addition. Given that swicy is everywhere and the bacon is sugary, it might be the best way to enjoy the sandwich.
The Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages and Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich will hit restaurants on March 17. Check with each location for availability and pricing. The food and beverage options are available for a limited time.