Close
Credit:
Sonic
Sonic is the undisputed fast food champion of soft drink customizations. The drive-in has an endless menu of syrups, toppings, and several ways to make drinks “dirty,” not to mention its wide array of frozen beverages, from over-the-top slushes to celebrity-loved milkshakes. And then there are the infamous mix-ins—who else remembers the pickle Dr Pepper?
But there's another drink customization that Sonic superfans know to do every time they order. And it has nothing to do with ingredients.
What Is a Route 44 at Sonic?
Go big or go home, and Sonic’s not going anywhere. While other fast food chains max out their drink sizes at 32 ounces, Sonic offers a semi-secret drink upgrade: the Route 44. Larger than the discontinued, super-sized large at McDonald’s and even bigger than the 7-Eleven Big Gulp, the Sonic Route 44 is true to its name at a whopping 44 ounces. Though for years, it’s been the subject of some controversy, as fans have shared videos on social media of the so-called 44-ounce drink pouring perfectly into a 40-ounce Stanley cup.
Sonic
According to Sonic, it really is 44 ounces in size. "The Route 44 size was created to give guests a larger drink to enjoy while they’re on the go," a Sonic spokesperson told Allrecipes. "The name is a nod to the drink’s 44-ounce size and Sonic's drive-in heritage."
A Route 44 is the ultimate summer road trip flex, as it’s perfect for sharing, so you can leave that other console cup holder empty for snacks. Or, as Instagrammer @jeanlaurap shared, the huge drink lid makes a great tray for on-demand M&M’s.
When we asked Sonic what the most popular drink that fans upgrade to Route 44 is, we weren’t surprised by the answer. “Cherry Limeade remains a classic favorite,” said the spokesperson. “But fans also love customizing their Route 44 with drinks like Ocean Water, slushes, and creative soda combinations like Dirty Dr Pepper.”
You can make just about any soft drink on Sonic’s menu a Route 44, from sodas to iced tea to those signature limeades. You can even upgrade a Sonic Recharger with Red Bull or Sonic Cold Brew Iced Coffee to a Route 44, though with that much caffeine, maybe—definitely—do not. Any Sonic slush can also be upgraded to a Route 44 size. The upgrade fee varies from drink type to franchise location, but it’s typically 40 cents extra for limeades, lemonades, iced tea, and soda, 50 cents for slushes and cold brew, and $1.50 for Recharger drinks.
Not all of these treats warrant a larger size, but if you're trying to hit those daily water goals, any of Sonic's flavored waters can be upgraded to Route 44, too. That includes Sonic's proprietary and beloved Ocean Water flavor, which tastes like a combination of lemon, lime, and coconut.
And there’s one drink we’ll always take more of: free water. You can ask for a Route 44 of water and even a Route 44 of Sonic’s iconic ice (which is the perfect hack for summer pool days). However, there’s a small catch for this mega freebie—technically, it’s not free. According to the Sonic app, you’ll pay 69 cents for the cup if you order a Route 44 of water or ice. Though in our experience, it varies by franchise location, and if you’re already ordering other food and drinks, they’ll likely waive the fee.
With all the unique drink offerings and customization combinations available at Sonic, there's sure to be the perfect Route 44 for everyone in your car. Though, be forewarned: the giant cup may not fit in your cupholder.
"While some cup holders can accommodate a Route 44, others may find it a bit tight," said the Sonic spokesperson. "Many dedicated fans have figured out how to make it work—it’s a manageable trade-off for the extra refreshment."
Explore more:
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!
Other
Submit
