Applebee’s Kicks Off 2026 With $6 Cocktails And A New Cheese-Dipped Burger

Applebee’s is starting the year with a one-two punch of indulgence, bringing back its fan-favorite $6 Mucho cocktails while also rolling out a brand-new, cheese-forward burger designed to turn heads — and melt hearts.

On the drinks front, the neighborhood grill franchise is reintroducing its popular Mucho Smoocho Sips for a limited time, just in time for date nights, Galentine’s celebrations and casual winter hangouts.

The lineup includes the returning Tipsy Cupid: a bright, candy-colored cocktail that blends vodka, orange liqueur, strawberry flavors and lemon sour for a sweet-tart sip that feels tailor-made for sharing. Joining it is newcomer Prickly Ever After Rita, a margarita that leans into contrast by mixing tequila, citrus, and prickly pear for a balance of sweet and tangy, per a press release.

Both cocktails arrive garnished with playful gummy lips and are available for just $6. Guests can also add a premium spirit upgrade for an extra kick. For those skipping alcohol, Applebee’s is debuting the Prickly Melon Rush Mocktail, an energizing mix of watermelon-flavored Red Bull, prickly pear, citrus and lemon-lime soda.

“It’s easy to find something (or someone) to fall in love with at Applebee’s,” Nate Grover, Applebee’s executive director of bar and beverage, said in a statement, noting that the seasonal sips are meant to elevate nights out with friends or loved ones.

But the new year refresh doesn’t stop at the bar. Applebee’s is also leaning into comfort food with the launch of its O-M-Cheese Burger, a sizzling skillet entrée that puts melted cheese front and center. The all-beef burger is topped with American cheese, Applewood-smoked bacon and a drizzle of spicy honey mustard, then served over warm queso and a blend of melted Cheddar cheeses. The result is a dish built for dipping, dragging and unapologetic indulgence.

“Packed with flavor and (nearly) overflowing with sizzling melted cheese, there’s no burger experience like it!” Applebee’s chief marketing officer Michelle Chin said, adding that it “doesn’t get any cheesier” for anyone craving a bold burger experience.

For a limited time, the O-M-Cheese Burger can also be ordered as part of Applebee’s 2 for $25 menu, which includes two entrées — such as Fiesta Lime Chicken or Oriental Chicken Salad — paired with an appetizer or side salads, making it easier to sample both new bites and returning favorites.

Between flirty cocktails and a skillet full of molten cheese, Applebee’s latest offerings make a strong case for kicking off the year with comfort, color and a little extra fun.