Sonic's New Premium Burger Is Tasty But Missing One Crucial Element

If you want to serve a fast-food burger in style these days, you can't just slap a beef patty on the griddle and flip it—you must smash it. Smash burgers are all the rage right now, and Sonic just became the latest chain to board the beef-smashing bandwagon.

Earlier this week, the popular drive-in restaurant launched its new "Sonic Smasher."  Described as an "elevated burger experience," according to a press release, the new item features two "hand-smashed" Angus beef patties, topped with American cheese, pickles, onions, and a special sauce, all served on a potato bun. Customers can also beef up the experience by ordering the "Triple Sonic Smasher," which comes with an additional cheesy, smashed patty. The new burger officially drops on Aug. 5, though you can get it now by ordering via the chain's mobile app.

It's a bold move for Sonic, which isn't exactly known for producing high-quality, premium burgers. When done right, a smashed burger is a flavorful, textural masterpiece. Pressing the beef on a ...