IHOP Announces New Spring Menu and the Return of a Viral, Fan-Favorite Drink

Two years ago, IHOP and Pepsi joined forces to release a limited-edition maple syrup-flavored cola. Only 2,000 people were able to score a can of that ultra-exclusive beverage, and getting it required a complicated combination of hashtags and pancake-themed social media posts. But fortunately for pancake lovers — and people who say that Pepsi is absolutely OK — Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola is coming back, and this time everyone can try it. 

Starting on Monday, April 1, the Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola is available in participating IHOP restaurants throughout the United States and, despite the date on its release, this is not an April Fool’s joke. The soda, which is described as “a perfect blend of maple syrup-flavored indulgence with the crisp, refreshing caramel notes of Pepsi” can be ordered on its own or as a Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola and float, which is served with vanilla ice cream. 

“As the leader in breakfast, we are continually innovating and expanding our menu to ensure we are introducing menu items our guests want, including the introduction of fun and exciting new beverage options like Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola,” IHOP head chef and vice-president of culinary, Art Carl said in a statement. “We take pride in the ways we innovate across the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night categories that allow guests to enjoy IHOP when they want it, and how they want it.”

On top of that, a new calendar page means that IHOP has a new pancake of the month from now through Tuesday, April 30. IHOP’s April offering will be Cinnamon Apple Pecan Pancakes, which are piled high with — you guessed it — cinnamon-spiced apples, pecans, a decadent dulce de leche sauce, and finished with a whipped topping. 

IHOP has also added both a grilled and a crispy chicken sandwich to its menu; it is serving up French toast sticks for IHOP guests under 12 years old; it has a sweet seasonal Watermelon Splasher beverage that combines lemonade, lemon lime soda, blueberries, and watermelon syrup; and it also has two new milkshakes, Cinn-A-Stack and Cupcake House-Made Milkshakes. 

And finally, IHOP has teamed up with SEGA to celebrate everyone's favorite speedy, spiky mammal, Sonic the Hedgehog, with several Sonic-themed menu items. Sonic-loving guests can try the blueberry-topped Sonic’s Blue Blur Special pancakes; the crispy Knuckles’ Chicken Sandwich that is served with a side of “gold” onion rings; the Tails 2x2x2x2 meal that comes with a pair of pancakes, two strips of bacon, and two sausage links; Amy’s Sweet Strawberry Delight waffle topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and fresh strawberries; and Dr. Eggman’s Benedict that...well, yeah, is just eggs benedict. 

The only downside is that some of these items — including the Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola and this month’s special pancakes — are here for just a limited time. But at least you don’t have to leap through a million hoops to enjoy them.