Flickr: Mike Mozart

9 Sonic Secret Menu Items that Blow Your Go-tos Out of the Water

America's favorite drive-in fast-food restaurant, Sonic, has a lot to offer. With its convenience, retro vibe and fun menu items, there's no doubt you'll be taken back to another time.

Sonic is more than just a beloved fast-food restaurant. With its creative menu items and old-school vibe, going to Sonic is as much an experience as it is a meal. Nothing is more unique than being served your meal by a waiter on wheels, and few menus can come close to the sheer amount of options when it comes to drinks. 

Some Sonic lovers hit up this fast food chain for their fruity and sweet slushes, while others prefer the snackable tots and onion rings. Still others might come for the novelty of rollerskating servers and half-priced drinks. No matter what drives your affinity for this classic chain, Sonic's secret menu is many customers' favorite perk.

The restaurant's secret menu brings its regular menu up a few notches with its innovative combos and attention-grabbing names. If you're ready to switch it up from your tried-and-true menu items, the secret menu is the perfect way to do it, allowing for more creativity and versatility than the regular menu offers. As secret menus go, Sonic's is pretty out there with its wild flavor combos, making it especially fun to order from. From make-your-own burgers to deep-fried pickles, once you try the secret menu you won't go back to a classic burger and fries.

If you're in the know, it's definitely worth it to try some of these items out! Keep in mind, that some locations may not carry all of these secret menu items, but if you ask nicely and describe the menu items, many employees will make them for you.

9 Sonic Secret Menu Items

1. Frito Pie

Frito Pie on Sonic's secret menu is a generous serving of Frito chips covered with chili and nacho cheese. It's essentially a walking taco, but you're at the Sonic drive-thru rather than the game. For a tasty comfort-food meal with the perfect balance of crunchy and cheesy, this secret menu item is a yummy option. Keep in mind that not all Sonic locations serve this menu item, but it doesn't hurt to ask just in case.

2. Purple Sprite

Remember way back when Sprite came out with a bunch of fun flavors? I'm brought back to those days by Sonic's secret drink option called Purple Sprite. It's a sugary-sweet mix of Sprite, Powerade, lemonade and cranberry juice and totally refreshing. 

Sonic specializes in wild drink combos that sound questionable until you give them a try, and this is the perfect example. You may be wary of the tang of cranberry juice, the citrus flavor of lemonade and the fizzy sweetness of Sprite and Powerade all mixed into one, but don't knock it 'til you try it.

3. Sonic Sunrise

The Sonic Sunrise is a simple concoction made with orange juice and Cherry Limeade, giving it that colorful 'sunrise' look to it. It's almost like a Tequila Sunrise but without the addition of tequila. If you're feeling something on the fruity side, the Sonic Sunrise is the way to go.

If the person behind the counter doesn't know what a Sonic Sunrise is, ask for a mix of equal parts Orange Juice and Cherry Limeade. This is a simpler option if you prefer to keep your flavor combos to the minimum, and its fruity flavors will transport you right to the poolside! Plus, your thirst will be quenched and you'll definitely be back for another.

4. Grilled Ham & Cheese

Grilled cheese sandwiches are magical, but when you add ham into the mix, that changes everything. Sonic serves Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, which is a twist on a classic. Filled with melted cheese and ham, there's no going back to a plain ol' grilled cheese sandwich.

5. Dr. Pepper Orgasm

Okay, not the most family-friendly named drink out there, but at least you'll know you're ordering something delicious from Sonic Drive-in! The Dr. Pepper Orgasm is a mix of Dr. Pepper, lemonade and Powerade and is available on Sonic's secret menu.

This iconic refreshment may earn you some shocked looks when you order it, but its combo of flavors make any awkwardness more than worth it. The lemonade adds a splash of sweet citrus to your classic Dr. Pepper, while the powerade brings an extra sweetness to the mixture. For a sweet, citrusy cousin of the Dr. Pepper you know and love, the Dr. Pepper Orgasm is your solution. If the employee doesn't know what it is, ask for a Dr. Pepper with a little lemonade and Powerade mixed in.

6. Made-to-Order Burgers

Sonic loves to make their customers happy, so if you have a custom burger in mind that's not on the regular menu, Sonic can do it as long as they have all the ingredients and condiments on hand. See what kind of burger you can come up with next time you're at a Sonic location.

If you need a little inspiration, try the Hickory Burger, a burger smothered in hickory-smoked sauce and topped with an onion ring. We all know that Sonic makes the best onion rings, so why not enjoy one on a burger?

7. Sunshine Smoothie

Some Sonic employees might remember this drink since it used to be on the regular menu. This tasty smoothie is made with strawberry, banana, orange juice and either ice cream or frozen yogurt, making for a fruity, creamy mixture that tastes like summer. If you're in the mood for a fruity, refreshing drink, it's worth a shot asking a Sonic employee if they wouldn't mind blending up a Sunshine Smoothie for you.

8. Pickle-O's

Deep-fried pickles deserve a round of applause. They're tangy, crunchy, and deep-fried. What could be better? Sonic knows what they're doing with this secret menu item. The pickle slices are dipped in their tasty batter mix and fried until golden brown, making for a snackable side to go with your burger.

9. Extreme Tots

Sure, you can order chili cheese tots with all the added toppings, but make it easy on yourself and order Sonic's Extreme Tots. This tasty dish consists of tots, chili, cheese, onions, jalapeños, and ranch dressing. It's a little heavy but more than worth the food coma!