You may soon be able to order a fancy latte with your Egg McMuffin, depending on the results of a test period in Michigan McDonald’s. Next week, the company will debut the McCafé, a line of cappuccinos, lattes and mochas, in over 500 Michigan stores.
The drinks, already in many metro Detroit stores, include plain, vanilla and caramel cappuccinos, hot and iced mochas, and hot and iced lattes in plain, vanilla or caramel flavors. Most are offered in small, medium and large (12-, 16- and 20-ounce) sizes. What the company learns from its statewide test will help it fine-tune everything about the product from the types of milk it offers to its advertising strategies.
McBaristas are able to produce a drink made to the customer’s specifications in 40 to 45 seconds because of the highly automated equipment. The machine measures out the correct amount of coffee beans for each individual drink and then grinds and brews them under pressure with 2% or skim milk. It creates a foamy milk top for the drinks — or not — and can add extra espresso if the customer wants a stronger flavor. Syrups are optional.