Copycat McDonald’s Sprite Lunar Splash Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the sharp, fizzy magic of McDonald’s Sprite with a dreamy citrus-vanilla twist, the new Sprite Lunar Splash might already be on your radar. This copycat brings that sweet-citrus galaxy right to your kitchen, no drive-thru, no seasonal limits, just a refreshing burst of lemon-lime lifted with mellow vanilla and a shimmer of tart sparkle in every sip.

Originally launched at McDonald’s CosMc’s and now being tested in select markets, Sprite Lunar Splash is like summer moonlight in a glass. Bright. Chill. Slightly mysterious. This homemade version channels that cosmic vibe with pantry-friendly ingredients and a 5-minute prep.

Make it extra zesty, toss in blueberry pearls like the original Moonsplash, or spike it for a grown-up twist. However you mix it, the Lunar Splash is here to refresh your afternoon orbit.

How to make McDonald’s Sprite Lunar Splash

Start by whisking vanilla and lemon syrups with a pinch of citric acid or lemon juice for that tangy base. Pour it over pebble or crushed ice, then top slowly with cold Sprite so the bubbles mix naturally. Optional add-ins like freeze-dried blueberries or a lemon wheel give that “crafted soda” look and flavor without any fuss. Stir gently to swirl. Sip fast before it fizzes out.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)

Calories: 160
Total Sugar: 41 g
Sodium: 80 mg
Fat: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g

Ingredients (1 serving, 16 oz)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 12 oz chilled Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)
• ½ oz vanilla syrup
• ½ oz lemon syrup (or fresh lemon juice with sugar)
• ⅛ tsp food-grade citric acid (or 1 tsp lemon juice for extra tang)
• 1 Tbsp freeze-dried blueberries (optional)
• 1 lemon wheel (optional, for garnish)
• 1 cup crushed or pebble ice

Tools you’ll need

• 16 oz clear glass
• Spoon or cocktail stirrer
• Measuring spoons & jigger
• Citrus zester (optional, for garnish)
• Small whisk or jar for mixing syrups

Instructions

Make the syrup base
In a small cup or jar, whisk together vanilla syrup, lemon syrup, and citric acid until fully dissolved. (30 sec)

Layer with ice
Fill a tall clear glass with crushed or pebble ice to the top. (15 sec)

Add your syrup
Pour the syrup mixture over the ice, letting it coat the cubes for a layered look. (10 sec)

Top with Sprite
Slowly pour the cold Sprite into the glass, watching the bubbles rise and swirl through the syrup. (15 sec)

Garnish & swirl
Top with a lemon wheel and sprinkle in the blueberries if using. Stir gently once to create a “galactic” swirl. (30 sec)

Optional twist

Muddle a few blueberries or add a splash of blue lemonade for a pastel-purple hue that matches the original CosMc’s vibe.

Tips

• Chill all ingredients beforehand, warm Sprite = weak fizz
• Use pebble ice if you can find it (or crush regular cubes in a clean towel)
• Don’t skip the citric acid if you want that restaurant-style tang
• Serve immediately, carbonation is the magic
• Garnish for the ‘lunar’ aesthetic even if it’s just for fun

What to serve with

Fresh and fizzy

• Fruit skewers with melon, kiwi, and pineapple – A fresh, juicy pairing that highlights the tropical notes of the drink.
• Light cucumber salad – Refreshing and cool, it mirrors the zing of the citrus without overpowering.
• Rice paper veggie rolls – Crisp, bright, and easy to dip while sipping something bubbly.

Comforting snacks

• Buttery lemon bars – Echoes the citrus theme with richness and crumbly goodness.
• Shortbread cookies – Mild vanilla flavor brings out the syrupy smoothness of the drink.
• Blueberry muffins – Nods to the Moonsplash roots and adds a soft, fruity partner for your soda.

Savory balance

• Crispy fries with lemon-pepper seasoning – Salty with a citrus kick, these make the drink taste even more refreshing.
• Chicken sliders with honey glaze – That mix of savory and sweet just works beautifully.
• Mini cheese flatbreads – Lightly tangy cheese like goat or feta balances the sweet and fizzy pop.

Variations

Sparkling Galaxy Punch
Use half Sprite, half club soda, and tint the syrup with blueberry juice for a deep purple hue.

Blueberry Cream Soda
Add a splash of cream or half & half before pouring Sprite for a creamy float-style drink.

Kid-Friendly Lunar Mocktail
Swap in cotton candy syrup instead of vanilla for a fun, extra-sweet twist.

Adult-Only Orbit
Add a shot of lemon vodka or citrus gin. Stir gently and serve over extra ice.

Low-Sugar Splash
Use Sprite Zero or Zevia Lemon Lime and homemade lemon-vanilla syrup with stevia or monk fruit.

Ingredient substitutes

Sprite
Original: Regular McDonald’s Sprite
Substitutes: Sprite Zero, Sierra Mist, 7UP, lemon-lime sparkling water with a touch of sugar

Vanilla Syrup
Original: Barista-style vanilla syrup
Substitutes: ½ tsp vanilla extract + 1 Tbsp simple syrup, or sugar-free vanilla coffee syrup

Lemon Syrup
Original: Bright lemon bar-style syrup
Substitutes: 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice + 1 Tbsp sugar, or lemon cordial

Citric Acid
Original: Food-grade citric acid
Substitutes: 1 tsp lemon juice or ½ tsp tartaric acid, or omit for milder taste

Blueberries
Original: Freeze-dried or dried blueberries
Substitutes: Fresh blueberries, blueberry popping pearls, or skip for a smoother drink

Lemon Wheel
Original: Thin lemon slice
Substitutes: Lime wheel, orange twist, candied lemon peel, or no garnish

Ice
Original: Crushed or pebble ice
Substitutes: Cubed ice, shaved ice, or homemade crushed ice using blender or rolling pin