McDonald's is known for its burgers and fries, but in some countries, you can also buy beer at this fast-food chain. In fact, beer is available at McDonald's locations in several countries, including Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, South Korea, Greece, Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Portugal. Each country's McDonald's menu offers unique local specialties alongside classic McDonald's items, and the same is true for the beer selection. Popular beer options at these McDonald's locations include local brands such as Heineken, Mahou, McBeer, Pilsner Urquell, and Sagres.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Countries where McDonald's sells beer | Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, France, Spain, Belgium, South Korea, Greece, Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Portugal |
Beer brands sold at McDonald's | Heineken, Mahou, McBeer, Pilsner Urquell, Sagres, Pripps Bl Lättöl, Norrlands Guld Ljus, Budweiser, Corona, Miller, Coors, Kronenbourg 1664, Stella Artois, Jupiler, Švyturys, Amstel, Ottakringer Brewery |
Reasons for not selling beer in the U.K. | Family-friendly focus, lack of customer demand |
Countries where beer is available at McDonald's airports | Greece |
What You'll Learn
McDonald's in Europe serve beer
McDonald's in Europe does serve beer, but it depends on the country. McDonald's restaurants in several European countries, including Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Greece, Austria, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, serve alcohol. However, McDonald's in the UK does not serve beer, citing a "family-friendly" focus and a lack of customer demand.
Each country's McDonald's menu offers unique local specialties alongside classic McDonald's items. Popular beer options at these McDonald's locations include local brands such as Heineken, Mahou, McBeer, Pilsner Urquell, and Sagres.
For example, in Paris, France, you can pair your Croque McDo with a Kronenbourg 1664. In Greece, ordering a beer will get you a Heineken, the perfect accompaniment to a Greek Mac (a Big Mac with tzatziki on pita). In Germany, you can enjoy a Hamburger Royal TS with a German Mekkes, and in the Czech Republic, you can try the local favourite Pilsner Urquell with the McCountry sandwich.
In Belgium, you can sip on a Jupiler lager alongside a Belgo Burger or a Croque McDo. Spanish McDonald's offers local lagers like Mahou, which pairs well with their tapas-style dishes like Patatas Deluxe and McIberico.
While McDonald's in Europe serves beer, it is important to note that not all locations within a country may offer alcohol. For example, in Switzerland, only certain McDonald's locations serve alcoholic beverages, and in Germany, the availability of beer may vary by location.
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McDonald's in the US don't serve beer
McDonald's in the US doesn't serve beer, and this is mainly due to the fact that many of its restaurants offer drive-through services. If a customer ordered a beer and drank it in their car, it would be a liability for the company. The US also has a culture of suing for anything, and McDonald's US probably doesn't want to risk it.
In contrast, many European countries serve beer at McDonald's, including Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy, and Greece. German Mekkes, for example, has been serving beer since 1971, 18 years before the fall of the Berlin Wall. This is probably due to Germany's strong beer culture.
In the US, McDonald's is focused on being family-friendly, and there isn't huge customer demand for beer. However, competitors like Taco Bell and Burger King have started offering alcoholic drinks, so it's possible that McDonald's US could change its mind in the future.
Until then, Americans will have to travel to one of the many countries that do serve beer at McDonald's to enjoy a McBeer with their Big Mac.
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Beer is served at McDonald's in Greece, Germany, Belgium, and more
McDonald's in Greece, Germany, Belgium, and several other countries serve beer alongside their burgers and fries. In fact, German Mekkes (McDonald's) have been serving beer since 1971—18 years before the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Each country's McDonald's menu offers unique local specialties alongside classic McDonald's items. Popular beer options at these McDonald's locations include local brands such as Heineken, Mahou, McBeer, Pilsner Urquell, and Sagres.
In Greece, you can wash down your Greek Mac (a Big Mac with tzatziki on pita) with a Heineken. In Belgium, you can pair your Belgo Burger (a duet of beef and bacon combined with Belgian Maredsous cheese and topped with roasted onions and cocktail sauce) with a Jupiler lager.
Other countries where you can buy beer in McDonald's include Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, France, Spain, South Korea, Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Portugal.
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McDonald's UK doesn't serve beer due to its family-friendly focus
McDonald's UK has decided against selling beer in its restaurants due to its family-friendly focus. While several European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, serve beer in their restaurants, the UK branches have chosen to prioritise creating a family-friendly environment. This decision is also influenced by the lack of significant customer demand for alcoholic beverages in the UK.
McDonald's is known for adapting its menus to cater to local preferences and demands. The absence of beer on the UK menu reflects the company's commitment to tailoring its offerings to align with the values and needs of its British customers. This strategy allows McDonald's to cultivate a brand image that resonates with its target audience in each market.
The decision to forgo beer sales in the UK highlights McDonald's understanding of the cultural nuances and preferences of its British clientele. By opting for a family-friendly approach, the company reinforces its commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for all customers, regardless of age. This strategy can foster brand loyalty and establish McDonald's as a trusted destination for families seeking convenient dining options.
While some may argue that offering beer could enhance the appeal for adult customers, McDonald's UK recognises the importance of maintaining a family-oriented environment. This choice demonstrates the company's awareness of its customer base and its commitment to providing a comfortable dining experience for families.
The absence of beer on the UK menu also underscores the influence of cultural norms and regulations on McDonald's operations. The decision takes into account the potential legal and social implications of serving alcohol, particularly in a family-friendly setting. By abstaining from beer sales, McDonald's aligns with UK cultural expectations for establishments that cater to families.
In summary, McDonald's UK's decision to refrain from selling beer underscores its dedication to creating a family-friendly environment that aligns with the values and preferences of its British customers. This strategic choice allows the company to cultivate a brand image that resonates with its target audience and fosters a sense of trust and loyalty among families.
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Customers can buy beer at McDonald's drive-thrus in some countries
McDonald's is known for its family-friendly image, but surprisingly, the fast-food chain serves beer in several countries. While the UK McDonald's doesn't sell beer due to its family-oriented focus and lack of customer demand, some European countries and others around the world have it on their menus. This includes Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, South Korea, Greece, Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Portugal.
Each country's McDonald's menu offers unique local specialties alongside classic McDonald's items. For example, in Germany, you can sip on a German Mekkes with your burger, while in France, you can pair a Croque McDo with a Kronenbourg 1664. In Spain, customers can enjoy a local lager, Mahou, with their Grand McExtreme Bacon Burger.
The availability of beer at McDonald's drive-thrus varies by country and even by location. For instance, in the United States, McDonald's does not offer beer at its drive-thrus due to concerns about customers drinking and driving, and the potential liability that could arise. However, in countries like the Czech Republic and Spain, customers can reportedly purchase beer through the drive-thru.
While the legal drinking age and open container laws differ across these countries, it is important to note that drinking and driving is illegal in most places. The responsibility for drinking and driving falls solely on the customer, and McDonald's generally expects customers to consume alcohol off-premises.
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Frequently asked questions
No, McDonald's in the US does not serve beer. This is due to the presence of drive-thrus at most locations, which would make the restaurant liable if customers drank and drove.
Yes, several countries in Europe, including Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Greece, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, serve beer at McDonald's.
McDonald's locations tailor their menus to customer demand and local preferences. For example, McDonald's in the UK does not sell beer due to its family-friendly focus and lack of customer demand.
The beer selection varies by location, but popular options include local brands such as Heineken, Mahou, McBeer, Pilsner Urquell, and Sagres.
No, currently, McDonald's does not serve any liquor-based beverages, only beer.