This summer, SONIC® Drive-In is turning up the seasonal joy by introducing a refreshing and whimsical new beverage lineup—Sweet Topped Lemonades—designed to pair perfectly with your favorite beach read, poolside escape, or cozy hammock retreat. As part of this flavorful launch, SONIC is also joining forces with three of today’s most beloved and bestselling authors—Christina Lauren, Abby Jimenez, and Ashley Poston—to create a summer experience that’s not only delicious but deeply meaningful. Together, they’re working to promote literacy and education by donating books to schools in need, all while offering fans a delightful way to support their communities with every sip.
The Ultimate Summer Drink: Sweet Topped Lemonades
The new Sweet Topped Lemonades collection features a creative twist on a summer classic. Each drink blends SONIC’s signature all-natural lemonade with a smooth, velvety cold foam topping, creating a layered and craveable beverage experience that’s both refreshingly tart and indulgently creamy. Available in three flavor varieties—Classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, and Blueberry Lavender Lemonade—these sips offer something for every palate.
The Classic Lemonade delivers the perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet foam, while the Strawberry Lemonade infuses the drink with a burst of fruity flavor that complements warm weather days. The standout, however, may be the Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, which introduces a unique floral and fruity combination that feels both sophisticated and joyfully unexpected.
Whether you’re lounging under the sun, catching up on your favorite romance novels, or hosting a book club with friends, SONIC’s Sweet Topped Lemonades offer a flavorful companion to elevate your summer reading rituals.
A Literary Collaboration With Heart
To bring even more narrative magic to this seasonal campaign, SONIC is collaborating with literary sensations Christina Lauren, Abby Jimenez, and Ashley Poston. Known for their heartwarming, humorous, and emotionally resonant storytelling, these authors have become fixtures on bestseller lists and beloved voices in contemporary romance and women’s fiction.
Ashley Poston, author of Sounds Like Love, expressed her excitement about the partnership, noting how books and beverages have always gone hand-in-hand during summer breaks. “Summer has always been synonymous with books in my head—required reading, midnight releases, and audiobooks on long road trips. To me, there is nothing more quintessentially summer than a Sweet Topped Classic Lemonade and a steamy read,” Poston shared. “Now excuse me while I go kick back in my hammock and sink into a romance to quench my thirst for refreshing meet-cutes and sugar-sweet Happily Ever Afters.”
Abby Jimenez, whose bestsellers like Say You’ll Remember Me have captivated readers worldwide, connected the experience of enjoying a refreshing lemonade to the joy of her storytelling. “I write stories that make you laugh, cry, and maybe believe in love again—Sweet Topped Lemonades may make you feel that way too,” Jimenez said. “Blueberry Lavender is sweet, a bit unexpected, and completely swoon-worthy. Whether you’re reading on the beach or just need a little moment of joy in your day, this flavor is the perfect escape.”
The writing duo Christina Lauren, whose most recent hit The Paradise Problem continues to charm readers, shared their enthusiasm for the cause and the collaboration. “As lifelong book lovers, we’ll always jump at the opportunity to foster a love of reading! Some of our best memories are from hot summer days spent getting lost in a book,” they said. “What better way to spend the summer this year than reading with a Sweet Topped Strawberry Lemonade and supporting public education all at the same time?”
Supporting Education One Sip at a Time
Beyond the refreshing drinks and literary fun, this initiative has a powerful mission at its core: supporting public education and promoting literacy in under-resourced communities. SONIC is teaming up with First Book, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers to education for children in low-income areas, to distribute 100,000 books across the communities SONIC serves.
First Book’s extensive network includes more than 600,000 educators and professionals who work with students in need throughout the United States. By providing affordable, high-quality educational materials to classrooms and programs, First Book plays a critical role in ensuring that all children—regardless of background—have access to the tools they need to succeed.
“This partnership isn’t just about the ultimate summer sip; it’s about fueling a lifelong love of reading,” said Stuart Brown, Executive Director of the Inspire Brands Foundation, which oversees SONIC’s philanthropic efforts. “SONIC donates a portion of every drink purchase back to support local schools, and each Sweet Topped Lemonade helps get local students the resources they need through the SONIC Foundation’s Limeades for Learning® initiative. Together with these celebrated authors, we’re making it easier for students across the country to turn the page toward a brighter future.”
Limeades for Learning®: A Legacy of Giving
This initiative is part of SONIC’s long-running Limeades for Learning® program, which is powered by the SONIC Foundation, a division of the Inspire Brands Foundation. Since its inception in 2009, SONIC has donated over $30 million to public education through this program, helping to fund thousands of classroom projects and provide essential resources to educators and students across the nation.
Limeades for Learning® makes it simple for guests to contribute to meaningful change. Every time a customer purchases a SONIC Drink, Slush, Blast, or Shake, a portion of that purchase is funneled back into the community to support local schools through trusted partners like DonorsChoose.
Launch Details and Availability
For fans eager to try the new Sweet Topped Lemonades, early access is available through the SONIC App beginning May 27, with the drinks launching at SONIC locations nationwide starting June 2. This limited-time offering is expected to be a hit among guests who want to enjoy a refreshing treat while making a positive impact on public education.
Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm, a passionate advocate for schools, or simply someone who loves a cold, delicious drink on a hot day, SONIC’s Sweet Topped Lemonades and their partnership with authors and educators offer the perfect opportunity to sip with purpose this summer.
For more information about the SONIC Foundation and its education-focused programs
