Starbucks is stepping into the world of viral entertainment with a new limited-edition drink created in collaboration with YouTube megastar MrBeast, tying directly into his high-profile reality competition series Beast Games: Strong vs. Smart. The partnership arrives just ahead of the show’s Season 2 premiere and adds a pop-culture twist to the coffee giant’s winter lineup.
The collaboration centers on the Cannon Ball Drink, a bold, iced-only beverage inspired by challenges featured in Beast Games. Although it has not officially launched in stores yet, the drink is already generating buzz across social media, fueled by its colorful appearance and its direct connection to the series. According to Starbucks, the drink was created on set and will appear in the “Cannon Ball Challenge” during Episode 204, a crossover episode with Survivor set to debut in early January.
Season 2 of Beast Games raises the stakes by bringing together 200 competitors—100 of the world’s strongest athletes and 100 of its sharpest minds—who face intense physical and mental challenges. Throughout filming, contestants reportedly had 24/7 access to Starbucks food and beverages, reinforcing the brand’s presence as both fuel and comfort during the demanding competition.
“The collaboration between Beast Games and Starbucks brings together two iconic communities loved worldwide,” said Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks’ global chief brand officer. She added that contestants described seeing Starbucks on set as “feeling like home,” a sentiment the brand aimed to extend to fans through the Cannon Ball Drink.
The beverage itself is a “beastified” take on Starbucks Refreshers. It combines the company’s tart lemonade with Strawberry Açaí and Mango Dragonfruit flavors, finished with fruit inclusions for added texture and visual flair. Designed to be refreshing and energizing, the Cannon Ball Drink reflects the intensity and spectacle of the show it celebrates. Prices may vary by location.
Beau Avril, senior vice president of global media and partnerships at Beast Industries, said Starbucks played a key role in keeping contestants energized. He noted that fans will now be able to “taste a little bit of the action” through the new drink.
Blending entertainment, social media culture, and fast-moving food trends, the Starbucks–MrBeast partnership highlights how major brands are increasingly turning viral storytelling into immersive, limited-time experiences for consumers.
