McDonald’s has dropped 'Friends' mugs — here's how to get one

McDonald’s has tapped straight into peak nostalgia with its latest collab, teaming up with iconic 90s sitcom Friends for a limited-edition launch that’s already sending fans into a spin. If you grew up quoting “We were on a break!” or secretly wanted to hang out at Central Perk, this one’s for you.

We already told you about their brand-new Friends Meal, which is now in branches across the UK...

It's inspired by the beloved show and complete with exclusive collectibles, and customers can order a Big Mac, McPlant or a 9-piece Chicken McNuggets meal, each served with fries, a drink and a special Monica-inspired marinara sauce.

But the real draw isn’t just what’s on the menu.

All of the FRIENDS gang are available to collect. Credit: McDonald's

Each meal comes with one of six mini figurines featuring Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey or Phoebe. The catch? You won’t get to choose. The characters are distributed at random, which means superfans hoping to complete the full set may find themselves making more than one trip to the Golden Arches.

And then there are the mugs.

McDonald’s has also released four limited-edition Friends mugs featuring some of the show’s most recognisable imagery, including the famous orange couch, the yellow peephole frame from Monica’s door and the Central Perk logo. Unsurprisingly, they’ve become the item everyone actually wants.

However, you can’t simply buy one with your meal. The mugs aren’t available over the counter and they’re not being sold online either. Instead, they’re part of a nationwide prize draw, with just 4,000 available in total. That means getting your hands on one isn’t about being first in the queue – it’s about being lucky.

Introducing the 'Friends' mug in collab with McDonald's (Credit: McDonald's)

To be in with a chance, customers need to purchase a Friends Meal through the McDonald’s app and be signed up to MyMcDonald’s Rewards. After buying the meal, entrants receive a link via email to enter the draw. The promotion runs for a limited time, and winners will be contacted after the closing date.

In other words, this isn’t your average fast food freebie. It’s more like a sitcom-themed lottery.

For die-hard Friends fans, the nostalgia factor alone might be worth it. But if you were hoping to casually pick up a mug to sip your morning coffee from while rewatching Season three, you might need a bit of good fortune on your side.

Could this be any more competitive?

Featured image: McDonald's