Sonic Route 44: Your Guide to the Biggest Drink on the Menu

Sonic Drive-In is known for its extensive drink menu that allows customers to customize their beverages exactly to their liking. One of the most popular options is the Route 44 drink size, which contains a whopping 44 ounces of your favorite Sonic beverage. Route 44 drinks have become a cult favorite among Sonic fans, who enjoy the novelty of the extra-large cup and see it as a fun challenge to finish such a massive serving.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Sonic’s famous Route 44 drinks. You’ll learn about the history of Route 44, what sets it apart from other sizes, the many drink options available, how to order your Route 44 customized just right, tips for drinking it before it gets watered down, price and nutrition information, creative hacks that Sonic fans have come up with, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Whether you’re new to Route 44 or consider yourself an expert, this guide will give you insider tips and tricks to get the most out of Sonic’s signature extra-large drink size. Let’s dive in!

History of Route 44 Drinks

Sonic first introduced Route 44 drinks in the 1990s as part of a promotion where the chain was giving away collectible NBA basketball trading cards with purchases. The Route 44 size was named after the famous Route 66 highway and meant to evoke ideas of the “road trip” that was part of Sonic’s signature drive-in concept.

The massive 44 oz serving size was a way for Sonic to differentiate itself from competitors and create a unique, over-the-top drink option for customers. While the trading card promotion ended, the Route 44 size remained popular and has become a signature menu item that many customers associate with the Sonic brand. It provides great value given its low price point compared to other extra large fast food and convenience store drink options.

What is a Route 44 Drink?

A Route 44 drink is simply any beverage from Sonic’s menu served in the signature extra large 44 oz cup. This includes all of Sonic’s fountain drink options like sodas, slushes, lemonades, teas, limeades, and other specialty drinks.

The term “Route 44” refers specifically to the 44 oz serving size rather than any specific drink flavor. At three quarters of a gallon, it contains more than double the amount of a typical large fast food soda.

Some key facts about Route 44 drinks:

Contain 44 fluid ounces (1.3 liters)
More than double the size of a regular “large” fast food drink
Towering cup stands over 2 feet tall
Features Sonic’s signature spinning ice that gradually chills the drink
Available for dine-in or drive-thru customers
Can be refilled at a discounted price for dine-in customers

Available Route 44 Drink Options

One of the great things about Route 44 drinks is the wide variety available. Customers can get their favorite Sonic beverage in the 44-ounce size, including:

Sodas:

Coca-Cola
Diet Coke
Sprite
Dr Pepper
Root beer
Hi-C Flashin’ Lemonade
And other rotating options

Slushes and Icees:

Cherry
Coke
Blue Coconut
Limeade
Strawberry
Grape

Lemonades and Limeades:

Classic Lemonade
Strawberry Lemonade
Cherry Limeade
Original Limeade
Strawberry Limeade

Iced and Hot Teas:

Sweet Tea
Unsweet Tea
Green Tea
Black Tea

Juices:

Orange Juice
Cranberry Juice
Apple Juice

Coffee Drinks:

Hot Coffee
Iced Coffee

Smoothies:

Strawberry Banana
Mango Pineapple
Strawberry
Peach

Milkshakes:

Chocolate
Vanilla
Strawberry
Oreo

With all of these options, there’s a Route 44 drink for every taste and craving!

Choosing Your Route 44 Drink

With such a wide selection of Route 44 drink choices available, it’s important to consider a few factors when deciding which one to order:

Flavor – This is down to personal taste. Choose your go-to soda flavor, a fruity slushy on a hot day, or a milkshake as a treat. Part of the fun is mixing it up and trying new Route 44 creations.

Caffeine Content – Some drinks like colas and teas contain caffeine while juices, slushes, and lemonades don’t. Keep this in mind depending on the time of day.

Special Dietary Needs – Route 44 diet sodas, slushes, teas, and lemonades are available for calorie-conscious customers. Smoothies and juices cater to health-focused lifestyles.

Price – While all Route 44 drinks are affordably priced, some specialty options cost slightly more. Factor this in when choosing.

Customization – Many drinks like slushes and lemonades can be customized with flavor shots. Consider how you want to make the drink your own.

No matter what Route 44 drink you select, you’ll get that signature Sonic flavor and a ton of refreshment!

Ordering Your Route 44 Drink

Ordering your ideal Route 44 drink is easy and allows for lots of customization. Here are some tips:

Choose your base drink – Select from the many Route 44 options like soda, slush, lemonade, tea, smoothie, etc.
Pick your flavors – Most drinks come in a variety of flavors. For example, Coke vs Sprite soda or strawberry vs grape slush.
Add flavor shots – Many Route 44 drinks can be customized with extra flavor shots, like adding cherry or vanilla to a slush.
Specify ice and blending. Slushes can be ordered lightly or fully blended. Drinks are served with Sonic’s spinning ice, but you can request light or no ice.
Pick up or drive-thru – Order at the drive-thru speaker or in person at the walk-up counter.
Say “Route 44” – Make sure to emphasize that you want the 44 oz size. Some customers say “Root 44” and others say “Rowt 44.” Either way works!
Repeat your order – Since Route 44 drinks have lots of custom options, it helps to repeat your full order at the window to ensure accuracy.

With so many choices available, part of the fun is ordering a unique Route 44 drink tailored precisely to your preferences!

Drinking and Refilling Your Route 44

Route 44 drinks contain over three times as much liquid as a regular large soda, so it’s an undertaking to drink 44 oz before it gets watered down. Here are some tips:

Drink it steadily rather than letting it sit.
Use a straw to minimize ice melt diluting the drink.
Get a flavor like Cherry or Vanilla Coke which will maintain taste even when diluted.
Order light ice or no ice if you want to drink at a leisurely pace.
Split it with a friend for a more manageable serving size.
Only fill your cup halfway if you don’t plan to drink it all quickly.

For dine-in customers, Sonic allows free Route 44 drink refills at a discounted price. Taking advantage of refills allows you to keep that Sonic flavor going all day. Refill policies vary by location but are generally:

First refill is $1.49 for any drink
Second refill is $0.99
Third and subsequent refills are $0.49

Check with your local Sonic for exact refill prices. And remember to pace yourself – even Sonic veterans rarely go past 2 or 3 refills of a massive 44 oz drink!

Price and Nutrition Information

One big appeal of Route 44 drinks is the value compared to other extra large beverage options. Here’s how the price and size stacks up:

Route 44 (44 oz): $2.99
Movie Theater Large (32 oz): $5.99
Super Big Gulp (44 oz): $2.19
Gas Station Super Jug (64 oz): $4.99

As you can see, Route 44 gives you the most liquid for the price alongside convenience store options. Keep in mind that different drink flavors, add-ins like flavor shots, and location will affect the exact price.

In terms of nutrition, Route 44 drinks vary widely:

44 oz regular cola: 440 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, 108g sugar
44 oz diet cola: 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, 0g sugar
44 oz lemonade: 440 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, 108g sugar
44 oz fruit slush: 330 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, 83g sugar

When ordering a calorie-dense option like regular soda, keep portion size in mind. Diet drinks, slushes, teas, and juices are lower calorie alternatives.

Route 44 Drink Hacks and Variations

One fun aspect of Route 44 drinks is finding inventive ways to customize them and make each experience unique. Sonic fans have come up with these creative hacks:

Add extra flavor shots beyond the usual limit – like up to 10 shots!
Blend a slush with ice cream for a Route 44 float.
Mix flavors like strawberry and lime slushes or lemonade with tea.
Ask for a “Suicide” with every soda flavor mixed together.
Order a “Nerds Slush” with candy Nerds stirred in.

Some popular pre-mixed Route 44 specialty drinks include:

Ocean Water: Sprite, coconut, and blue slush.
Grapevine: Grape slush with lemonade.
Bahama Mama: Strawberry, pineapple, and coconut slushes.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the cup and invent your own personalized Route 44 creations!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Sonic’s Route 44 drinks:

How many refills can you get on a Route 44 drink?

Most Sonic locations allow unlimited refills, with each successive refill available at a lower price. Refill availability and pricing vary.

Can you get a Route 44 drink in the morning?

Yes, Route 44 drinks are available all day from Sonic’s opening through close. Feel free to order a large iced coffee, juice, or soda on your morning commute!

What’s the largest drink size Sonic offers?

The Route 44, at 44 ounces, is the largest drink size on Sonic’s menu. No larger sizes are offered.

Do Route 44 drinks come with free refills?

Free refills are only offered to dine-in customers, not at the drive-thru. Drive-thru Route 44 drinks do not come with free refills.

Can you get a Route 44 drink without ice?

Yes, you can request a Route 44 with light, no, or extra ice. Keep in mind drinks with no ice will be room temperature.

How long does it take to finish a Route 44 drink?

Drink time varies by person. Most take 30-60 minutes to steadily finish a 44 oz drink. Slow sippers may take over 2 hours.

Let us know if you have any other Route 44 questions!

Conclusion

As you can see, Sonic’s Route 44 drinks offer great value, customization, and fun compared to other extra large beverage options. With so many flavors available in the 44 oz size, there’s an endless combination of drinks to try. Route 44s are hugely popular with Sonic fans for good reason – they let you go big on refreshment!

Next time you visit Sonic, be bold and order a Route 44. Try mixing flavors, adding shots, and combining it with ice cream. Part of the experience is finding your perfect customized giant drink. Use the tips in this guide to get the most out of Sonic’s signature Route 44 offering. Drink sizes don’t get much bigger than this!