Taco Bell is officially going all in on drinks. As part of a sweeping summer rollout, the fast-food giant has launched six new non-alcoholic mocktails, dubbed Refrescas, and confirmed that three of them will become permanent menu items nationwide. The move marks a major milestone in Taco Bell’s long-term strategy to transform its beverage offerings and reach $5 billion in drink sales by 2030.
What’s on the Menu
The new Refrescas lineup is split into three categories: Agua Refrescas, Rockstar Energy Refrescas, and the icy Refresca Freeze. Each drink is crafted to deliver a unique experience—whether you’re craving a fruity refresher, a caffeine boost, or a frozen treat.
- Agua Refrescas: These are Taco Bell’s twist on the traditional Mexican aguas frescas, blended with real freeze-dried fruit pieces and green tea for a gentle caffeine kick (52 mg per 20 oz). Flavors include Strawberry Passionfruit, Dragonfruit Berry, and Mango Peach—and these three are the ones joining the menu permanently.
- Rockstar Energy Refrescas: Developed in collaboration with Rockstar Energy, these drinks pack a punch with 200 mg of caffeine per serving. Available in Pineapple Lime and Tropical Punch, they’re designed for those who want their Taco Bell with a side of adrenaline.
- Refresca Freeze: This frozen mocktail features Strawberry Lime flavor and is loaded with freeze-dried fruit bits. It’s caffeine-free and available in two sizes: 16 oz. and 20 oz.
Prices range from $3.79 to $4.49, depending on the drink and size.
Inspired by Tradition, Designed for Today
While the term “mocktail” might evoke trendy bar menus, Taco Bell’s Refrescas are rooted in the centuries-old tradition of aguas frescas—refreshing blends of fruit, water, and sometimes herbs that date back to the Aztec Empire. Taco Bell’s version modernizes the concept with freeze-dried fruit, green tea, and bold flavor combinations tailored to Gen Z’s evolving tastes.
Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer, explained the strategy: “We’re seeing today that people, especially younger consumers, are reaching for refreshing drinks as part of their lifestyle, whether it’s for energy or a sweet treat throughout the day”.
The Rise of the Live Más Café
To support its beverage expansion, Taco Bell is also scaling up its Live Más Café concept—specialty drink stations within existing restaurants. Thirty new cafés are set to open across Southern California and Texas by the end of 2025, offering over 30 drink options including Churro Chillers, Dirty Baja Blast Dream Sodas, and of course, the full Refrescas lineup.
These cafés are staffed by “Bellristas,” Taco Bell’s answer to baristas, trained to craft drinks with the same creativity and flair as the brand’s food.
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