Captain D’s Drinks Menu – Full List, Flavors, Calories, and Best Combos

What Drinks Are Available at Captain D’s?

Captain D’s drink section covers all the basics you’d expect from a fast-casual seafood spot. Most locations serve fountain sodas, gallon jugs of iced tea, bottled water, and sometimes milkshakes. When I ate inside, I liked that drinks were self-serve, which made refills easy without having to ask. For takeout, they seal the cup and pack it tightly, so no spills on the ride home.

Customers often pick soda or tea with their fish plates. I’ve seen parents order lemonade or water for their kids, while regulars often stick with the gallon sweet tea if they’re buying family meals. And yes, if you’re cutting sugar or calories, there are some better drink options too.

Soft Drink

Small (20 oz.):
$2.79

Medium (30 oz.): $3.09

Large (40 oz.):
$3.59

Cal: 0-500

Gallon of Tea

Sweet Tea:
$4.99

Unsweet Tea:
$4.99

Cal: 0-1740

Gallon Lemonade

$4.99

Cal: 0-1760

Which Fountain Drinks Are Served?

The typical fountain machine includes Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr Pepper, Sierra Mist, and sweet or unsweet iced tea. Some stores also offer fruit punch or lemonade. Every location I’ve visited had clear labeling on the machine, and everything worked without a mess.

What Soda Brands Are Offered?

Most Captain D’s restaurants use Pepsi products. So you’ll find the usual lineup: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Mountain Dew. In some places, you might spot Coca-Cola machines, but that depends on the region or store ownership. If you’re specific about your soda brand, it’s better to check before ordering.

Are There Sugar-Free or Diet Options?

Yes, unsweetened tea and diet sodas are usually available. If you’re trying to avoid sugar, Diet Pepsi or Diet Dr Pepper are reliable picks. I’ve seen a few guests do a half-half mix with sweet tea and unsweet to cut the sugar without losing all the taste.

Can You Refill Fountain Drinks?

Refills are free when you’re dining in. Most restaurants use self-serve machines, so you can go back as much as you want. For takeout, there’s no free refill, but you can upgrade to a larger cup size for a few extra cents. Cups come clearly marked so staff know what you paid for.

Is Gallon Tea Available for Takeout?

Yes, Captain D’s offers Gallon Tea for takeout at most of its locations. This is a popular option for families or groups ordering multiple meals. I’ve personally picked it up a few times with family packs, and it usually comes sealed tightly in a plastic jug with a handle. It stays cold for hours if you bring a cooler or head straight home.

The tea is brewed in-store and you can choose between sweetened or unsweetened. It’s a better value than ordering multiple drinks separately, especially if you’re feeding more than three people. Many people grab it when placing large or party-style orders because it’s convenient and saves money.

What Are the Sweet and Unsweetened Tea Options?

Captain D’s usually offers both sweet and unsweetened tea in gallon size. The sweet tea is made Southern-style; very sweet and strong. The unsweet tea is plain brewed black tea with no added sugar. If you want something in between, some customers mix both types at the drink machine when dining in, but for gallon orders, you’ll need to pick one or the other.

How Many Servings Does a Gallon Provide?

One gallon of tea typically serves about 8 to 10 cups, depending on how large your drinking cups are. For regular meal combos, each person gets a 16 oz drink, and a gallon equals 128 oz, so you can safely count on 8 full servings. If you’re serving kids or using smaller cups, you might get closer to 10 or even 12 servings.

Do People Usually Order It with Family Meals?

Yes, Gallon Tea is most often ordered with Family Meals. It’s a common sight during dinner hours or weekends when people are buying the 10-piece or 14-piece packs. It saves everyone from buying individual drinks and pairs well with fish-based meals. Based on what I’ve seen at my local store, people almost always add a gallon of sweet tea when placing family-sized orders; especially in Southern states where sweet tea is a default.

Are Milkshakes Part of the Regular Menu?

Milkshakes are available at many Captain D’s locations, though they may not be listed at every branch. They’re considered a regular part of the menu where offered, especially at stores with upgraded beverage machines. I’ve seen them included in the combo displays and featured alongside desserts in some places.

What Flavors Are Available?

Most locations serve traditional flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Occasionally, seasonal flavors like banana or caramel show up, but those are limited-time offers. You’ll usually find at least two flavors in-store, and they’re made fresh at the counter.

How Thick Are Captain D’s Milkshakes?

Captain D’s milkshakes are thick enough to hold their shape when served but smooth enough to drink through a wide straw. They’re not icy or watered down. From my experience, they’re more like fast-food style milkshakes; rich, sweet, and creamy, with a soft-serve base.

Do They Melt Too Fast for Takeout?

If you’re driving more than 15 minutes, the milkshake will start to soften, especially in hot weather. For short trips, it usually holds up fine. Some people ask for a lid and straw to enjoy it on the road, but it’s best consumed soon after pickup.

Does Captain D’s Serve Bottled Water or Juice?

Yes, Captain D’s typically includes bottled water and juice in its drink options. They’re often stored in coolers or handed over the counter during combo upgrades or kids’ meal selections.

Are Bottled Drinks Available?

Bottled water is usually Dasani or a similar brand, available for a small extra cost. It’s often chosen by people skipping sugary drinks or those with dietary concerns. It’s also a go-to when someone wants to keep their drink for later.

What Kind of Juice Is Offered?

Most kids’ meals come with an option of apple juice or orange juice. Apple juice is more common, especially in a juice box format with a straw. Adult customers can request it too, though it may be limited to child-serving sizes.

Is Water Included in Meal Combos?

Tap water is usually free with any meal. Bottled water may cost extra unless it’s part of a combo deal. Most stores let you substitute bottled water instead of a fountain drink if you ask. This makes it a flexible option for people who want something lighter or caffeine-free.

How Do Captain D’s Drinks Taste?

Captain D’s drink selection covers a range of flavor strengths; from bold sodas to sweet teas and creamy milkshakes. I’ve ordered from multiple locations, and the drinks have been pretty consistent, though the tea sweetness can vary a bit depending on where you are. Let’s break it down by type.

Are the Teas Sweet or Mild?

Sweet tea at Captain D’s leans on the sweeter side in Southern states, with a strong sugar base. In other areas, especially further west, it’s milder and less sugary. Unsweetened tea is always available and tastes clean, with no bitterness. You can also ask for lemon, and they’ll either provide a wedge or a squeeze bottle, depending on the store. The tea is served cold with plenty of ice, and it holds up well with meals.

How Strong Is the Soda Syrup Flavor?

Fountain sodas at Captain D’s use a standard syrup-to-carbonation ratio, but this can slightly shift depending on how recently the machine was serviced. Most times I’ve had soda there, the flavor was sharp and consistent; especially cola and fruit-flavored options. The carbonation is strong right after lunch rush, but might feel flatter closer to closing. Still, it’s better than average compared to other chains in the same price range.

Do Milkshakes Have a Rich Flavor?

Yes, milkshakes are rich, especially the chocolate one. They’re made with a soft-serve base, not scooped ice cream, but still feel creamy and sweet. The texture is thick without being hard to drink, and they usually come with a wide straw and dome lid. The most ordered flavor I’ve noticed is chocolate, followed closely by vanilla. Kids tend to go for strawberry. The flavor isn’t artificial or overly sweet, making it a good closer after a fried meal.

What Are the Calories and Nutrition Info?

Captain D’s drink calories vary widely depending on your choice; from zero-calorie options like unsweetened tea and bottled water, all the way up to high-calorie milkshakes. When I checked the nutrition facts during one of my visits, I noticed just how quickly the numbers jump if you’re not careful with your drink pick.

Which Drink Has the Lowest Calories?

The lowest-calorie drink at Captain D’s is unsweetened iced tea, which contains zero calories. Bottled water also has no calories, obviously, and both are safe bets for anyone watching sugar, carbs, or calories. I usually pick one of these when I’m ordering a heavier combo meal.

Which Drink Has the Highest Calories?

Milkshakes top the list when it comes to calories. A single shake can go beyond 400 calories depending on the flavor. Sweet tea is also high, often pushing 180 to 200 calories per cup, depending on how sweet the location serves it. For kids or anyone trying to balance a meal, that extra sugar load can be a surprise.

Do Drinks Add a Lot of Sugar to Meals?

Yes, they can. A regular sweet tea has around 45 to 50 grams of sugar in one serving. Milkshakes can have upwards of 60 grams depending on flavor and size. If you’re already eating a breaded fish meal and sides, a sugary drink can double your sugar intake without adding real satisfaction.

Which Drink Works Best for Low-Carb Orders?

Unsweetened tea is the clear winner for low-carb diners. It has zero sugar and carbs. Water is also ideal. If you’re pairing it with grilled fish and a side salad, your total meal stays well under 10g of carbohydrates. For those on keto or diabetic diets, avoid the shakes and sodas completely.

Are Any Drinks Allergen-Free?

Most of Captain D’s drinks are safe for customers with common food allergies, especially the bottled and fountain options. However, milkshakes are the one big exception, and they’re not safe for everyone. When I asked about allergens during one of my visits, the staff confirmed what’s listed online; so here’s a clear breakdown.

Do Milkshakes Contain Dairy and Eggs?

Yes, milkshakes contain dairy and may contain eggs, depending on the flavor and supplier. They are made with ice cream and milk, both of which include lactose. So anyone with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy should avoid milkshakes completely. Some locations also use shake mix that includes egg-based emulsifiers, so it’s best to ask directly if that’s a concern.

What Are Safe Options for Lactose-Sensitive Diners?

The safest drink options for lactose-sensitive diners are unsweetened tea, bottled water, and juice. None of these contain dairy or egg ingredients. I’ve often gone for tea and water when bringing along someone with sensitivities, and there’s never been a problem.

Is Cross-Contact a Risk for Bottled Items?

No, bottled drinks are sealed and served unopened, which makes them a safer choice for those worried about cross-contact. This includes bottled water and bottled juice. Fountain drinks, on the other hand, are poured using shared machines but still pose minimal risk unless there’s a spill or shared ice issue.

Which Drinks Are Best for Kids with Allergies?

For children with food allergies, bottled water, 100% apple juice, or unsweetened tea (if they’re old enough to like the taste) are the safest picks. These options don’t contain dairy, soy, wheat, or eggs. As always, parents should double-check the packaging or ask the staff, but in general, these are the safest and most common go-to drinks for sensitive diners.

Can You Customize or Upsize Your Drink?

Yes, Captain D’s does allow basic customizations for drinks. I’ve done it myself a few times when I didn’t want my drink completely filled with ice. Whether you’re asking for no ice, light ice, or a swap in drink type, most staff are pretty open to it as long as it’s part of a combo or you’re willing to pay the difference.

Can You Ask for Light Ice or No Ice?

Absolutely. You can request light ice or no ice, and most team members will follow the request without hesitation. This is especially useful if you’re taking the drink to go and want more actual beverage in the cup. It’s something I ask for regularly, and no one’s ever had a problem with it.

Are Staff Flexible About Drink Prep?

In my experience, yes, they’re flexible. If you want your tea without lemon, or want the lid left off, they’ll usually accommodate that. Just ask politely while ordering. I’ve even seen parents request a smaller cup for a child, and the staff just poured a little into a second cup at no charge.

Are Large Sizes Worth It for the Price?

The price jump between medium and large is usually under a dollar, while the ounce increase can be 8–12 ounces more, depending on the location. If you’re dining in or have a long drive, the larger size is worth it. Otherwise, regular size is enough for most meals, especially if it includes refills.

Can You Upgrade Drinks in a Combo?

Yes, but there’s usually a small upcharge. For example, if you want to swap a fountain drink for a milkshake or a bottle of juice, there’s a clear price difference. Most locations display it on their board or tell you at checkout. It’s not a huge jump; about a dollar to upgrade to a shake; but it’s something to be aware of before finalizing your combo.

Are Drinks Part of Captain D’s Deals?

Yes, drinks are often part of Captain D’s combo and value meals, especially the sandwich combos, Captain’s Classics, and kids’ meals. When I order a combo, the fountain drink is usually included in the price by default. However, not every item comes with a drink unless you pick it as part of a combo.

Do Combos Always Include a Drink?

Most combo meals include a drink, especially when they’re labeled “Meal” on the menu. This includes items like the Giant Fish Sandwich Combo or the Fish & Shrimp combo. If you’re only ordering a single item (like a sandwich or piece of fish), a drink won’t be automatically included; you’d need to add it separately or upgrade to a combo.

Which Meals Include Drinks Automatically?

Kids’ Meals, Captain’s Classics, and Lunch Combos usually come with drinks. If you’re ordering from the Rewards app, some promo deals also include a drink depending on what tier or offer you’re redeeming. I’ve seen coupons that say “Free Drink with Any Purchase,” which can be applied even if you don’t pick a full combo.

Can You Get Free Refills with Rewards?

Captain D’s Rewards app sometimes offers drink-related perks, like a free drink after a certain number of purchases or bonus points for ordering combos with drinks. While fountain drinks at dine-in locations typically come with free refills, this benefit isn’t tied directly to the rewards system.

Captain D’s App and Drink Perks

Occasionally, the Captain D’s app includes exclusive drink offers, like a free large drink with a seafood platter, or limited-time rewards like a free tea on your birthday. These promos don’t always run, but they’re worth watching if you order regularly.

Are Gallon Teas Ever Discounted?

Yes, Gallon Teas are sometimes discounted when bundled with family meals. I’ve personally seen deals where adding a gallon of sweet or unsweet tea to a Family Meal reduced the drink price by $1–$2.

Linked to Family Meals or Bulk Deals?

They’re most often discounted during weekend specials or on app-exclusive promotions, especially for takeout orders. Since a Gallon Tea serves around 6–8 people, it makes sense to bundle it with a 10-piece fish or chicken meal. It’s a smart add-on if you’re feeding a group.

What Drink Should First-Time Customers Try?

If you’re visiting Captain D’s for the first time, a sweet tea is the safest and most popular option. It’s slightly stronger than what you’ll find in grocery chains, and it pairs well with fish or chicken. If you don’t want too much sugar, unsweetened tea with lemon is refreshing and works with any meal.

Best All-Around Pick for Any Meal?

Unsweetened tea with lemon offers a clean taste that doesn’t overpower your food. For something bolder, a classic cola or citrus soda works well with battered fish. I’ve seen many regulars go for a large tea when ordering combos.

Lightest Drink That Refreshes?

Water is the clear winner for low-calorie hydration. Diet soda also works well if you’re cutting sugar but still want fizz. These pair especially well with grilled items or lighter combos.

What to Skip If You’re Eating Fried Food?

If you’re having fried fish or shrimp, skip sweet tea or soda if you’re watching sugar or heaviness. Both can make the meal feel overly sweet or heavy. Instead, pair with water or tea to balance out the oil and breading.