13 Fresca Cocktail Recipes That Prove This Retro Trend Is Hipster Chic

Fresca is back, and it’s absolutely NOT just your grandma’s drink anymore. Fresca was *the* diet soda before there were diet sodas. In ads of the 1960s, the light, fizzy grapefruit soft drink was the zero-calorie drink for the sophisticated lady who was watching her figure. Think Mad Men’s Betty Draper. But like Don Draper, Fresca had a racier side. A popular mixer in a whiskey “highball,” it was light and effervescent with a citrusy zing, but packed a boozy punch. Well, low-cal mixers are trending again. First we had Kombucha cocktails, then La Croix cocktails, and now Fresca drinks are taking off. Here are 13 Fresca cocktails that will go great with those chic granny heels.

1. Skinny DragonBerry Rum Twist: Fun cocktails that clock in under 100 calories just make life better. In this case, citrusy Fresca pairs *so* well with berry-infused vodka, you could drink it all night long. (via The Novice Chef)

2. The Paloma: This two-ingredient cocktail is the drink for a busy gal. You get all the intensely layered flavors of a much more complicated bitters cocktail thanks to the grapefruit essence in Fresca. (via Vicky Wasik / My Domaine)

3. Watermelon Mojito: If you like mojitos but don’t want all that sugar, this is the drink for you! Fresca, watermelon, mint and rum make for an unforgettable cocktail. Mix this one up for friends and you’ll be the life of the party. (via Call Me PMc)

4. Grapefruit Rosemary Fizz: Simple syrup infused with rosemary adds a tasty splash to the grapefruit fizz. This cocktail is light and refreshing, and would be great at an outdoor wedding or garden party. (via Evermine Occasions)

5. Sparkling Brûléed Grapefruit Palomas: Brûléed grapefruit makes this paloma cocktail something extra special, giving it a toasted sugary note that’s offset by the acidity of the grapefruit in Fresca. This drink is fancy enough for a special-occasion brunch, but simple enough to take center stage on the drinks table at any BBQ. (via Kailley’s Kitchen)

6. Three-Ingredient Skinny Margaritas: Did we have you at “skinny”? Just wait until you taste it! With just a few ingredients and half the calories of an ordinary margarita, this festive boozy beverage is perfect and light for summer sipping. (via Happy Food, Healthy Life)

7. Cable Guide: A variant of the popular Cable Car cocktail, the Cable Guide has half the calories but all the delicious bittersweet flavor, thanks to mango juice and Fresca. Mix up a pitcher, because your friends will totally beg you to share. (via Drink Swap)

8. Spring Shocker Vodka-Grapefruit Cocktail: This drink calls for a fruit-infused vodka that tastes of white grape, papaya and dragon fruit. Those berry notes play well with fresh grapefruit, lemon juice and the citrusy tang of Fresca. (via Chili Pepper Madness)

9. Vodka Fresca: Kinda like a Titos and grapefruit juice, this drink gets its zing along from the citrusy goodness of Fresca with no added calories. Kick back with a chilled mug and feel the cares of the day just melt away. (via Fork ‘n’ Plate)

10. The Ruby Red: This drink tastes great with or without the alcohol, and the grapefruit juice provides a healthy dose of vitamin C. Sip one at the pool for a boozy afternoon cooler. (via Fountain Avenue Kitchen)

11. No-Fail Sangria: Sure, you could get all fancy making a simple syrup for sangria at your next shindig, or you could just skip all that and add a glug of Fresca to some wine and chopped fruit. This delicious but easy-peasy party drink can be made ahead in big batches, freeing you up to mingle with your guests while everyone helps themselves to a drink. (via Eddie Ross)

12. Zooquila Fresca Popsicles (a Paloma Poptail): These clever cocktails in the form of ice pops make for an awesome citrus refresher in the summer heat. Let one melt in your mouth while sitting in a hammock, so you can kick back for a nap when the booze sets in. (via Boulder Locavore)

13. Vodka & Fresca: Nothing is easier than a two-ingredient cocktail. The grapefruit notes in Fresca play *so well* with vodka. Bonus: Tuck a Fresca in your bag and you’ve got an instant low-cal cocktail anyplace you go that serves your fave booze.

Are you loving this throwback Fresca cocktails trend? There’s more where that came from. Follow us on Pinterest.

With the holidays inching closer, it's time to start thinking about gifts for your nearest and dearest. Whether you want to get them something based on their MBTI type, their zodiac sign, or their favorite hobby, we've got you covered. For the cocktail enthusiast in your life, we’re sharing our list of incredible gifts within every budget, guaranteed to match any style! From swizzle sticks and cocktail napkins that add flair to mixers and infusions for some added flavor, here's what to look for.

You’ll be sure to stay long after the gifts are opened to toast these cocktail gifts!

Anecdote Candles

Anecdote Candles Cocktail Hour Candle

Happy hour starts with this delicious-smelling candle. It carries notes of sparkling champagne, lemon juice, cognac, juniper berries, and tarragon – which all sound like a great build for an actual glass. Cheers!

Amazon

PolyScience Breville Gun Pro Smoke Infuser

This super cool gun adds a delicious smoky flavor to boozy drinks with minimal effort.

Amazon

Angostura Aromatic Cocktail Bitters

Any cocktail lover will know exactly what to do with this.

Amazon

Thoughtfully Cocktails Mix & Match Mini Cocktail Mixer Set

This sampler set is the easiest way for cocktail connoisseurs to try a whole bunch of flavors and create endless yummy drinks right at home!

Anthropologie

Lina Wine Bottle Holder

Full of midcentury style, this wine bottle holder is super on-trend and will complement any oenophile's bar cart beautifully.

Etsy

Cheers Stir Stick Set

Every good cocktail deserves a snazzy swizzle stick, and every bartender deserves a classy set. You can go with the default option (cheers!), or even request a custom design for a personalized look.

Amazon

Edible Glitter

This edible glitter makes any cocktail look absolutely magical.

Amazon

The Art of Mixology

This classic go-to source for mixology wisdom is both useful and pretty to display on the bookshelf.

Amazon

YETI Rambler 20-Ounce Cocktail Shaker

This shaker features double-wall insulation to keep those cocktails nice and oh-so cold.

Seedlip

The Seedlip Trio

Seedlip's non-alcoholic spirits have earned widespread praise for their deliciousness and contribution to booze-free drink making.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma Signature Muddler

A serious bartender needs a serious muddler. The tool turns fresh herbs and produce into cocktail magic.

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods On The Rocks Set

Once you’ve got everything to make the perfect whiskey cocktail, you’ll want these granite stones to keep your drink cold (without diluting it).

Amazon

Mocktail Party

If your drink lover in interesting in trying their hand at mocktails, this book is the perfect (and prettiest!) resource for new recipes.

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Marina Bar Cart

An aesthetic bar cart is where the magic begins. Upgrade their entire set-up with this sleek pick!

Anthropologie

Ramona Coupe Glasses Set

These gorgeous glasses are great for holding cocktails, mocktails, wines, and even sparkling waters. They're a must-have for anyone with a penchant for serving classy bevvies!

Amazon

The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails

This informative guide has everything a person would want to know about the art of making cocktails. Plus, it looks so good on a coffee table!

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma Signature Bar Spoon

Save your table flatware for ice cream and pudding — a real cocktail requires a stirrer spoon.

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Cocktail Icons 2025 Calendar Tapestry

This artsy tapestry would look so chic hung next to their bar cart.

Target

Blush Cocktail Shaker Set

This colorful set has everything they need to concoct the tastiest cocktails around!

Amazon

The Drunken Botanist

This intriguing book goes back in time to shed light on the plants that make your favorite varieties of booze.

Our Place

Our Place Party Coupes

Give their tablescape a little more pizazz with these funky glasses!

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Flavored Simple Syrup Set

This set of four simple syrups includes creative flavors like Cherry Almond and Cucumber Habanero to jazz up your favorite liquors with sophisticated notes.

Amazon

3-Tier Cocktail Seasoning Box

This 3-tier seasoning box keeps all of those cocktail-making essentials in one easy to access place.

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Personalized Whiskey Barrel

Personalize spirits for your favorite whiskeylover in a special barrel with their initials or name emblazoned on the front!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Saluti Cocktail Napkins

These adorable reusable napkins will instantly cheer up happy hour!

Love this cocktail lover's gift guide? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more food + drink ideas, plus gift guides for everyone on your list!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.


This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

Admit it: when the weather turns cooler, your diet basically becomes that of Buddy the Elf. That means candy, candy corns, candy canes, and syrup will be your main food groups. Instead of pouring maple syrup all over your spaghetti like he does, try mixing it into your favorite cocktails! Whether they’re bourbon-based or laced with rum, the sticky sweetener, maple syrup, is perfect for fall and winter libations. If you still need convincing, check out the maple cocktails below that are like having a maple tree tapped in your backyard all year long.

A Beautiful Mess

Maple Pumpkin Martini

This cocktail combines two of the most iconic fall flavors for a whole new taste that we love. Not only is it delicious, but it's also non-dairy, which makes for a great option if you or your guests need to opt for coconut or oat milk anyway. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Clean Cuisine

Brandy Lemon Drops

Citrusy and sweet, these brandy-filled maple cocktails are sure to get any holiday party going. (via Clean Cuisine)

Half Baked Harvest

Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz

The bourbon, citrus flavors, and homemade (!) maple syrup in this sip are out-of-this-world delicious, but topping the drink off with champagne really takes it to the next level. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Cookie + Kate

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

Give your typical whiskey sour a sweet and spicy twist with cinnamon and a splash of maple syrup. Truth be told, you may not be able to go back to regular simple syrup again. (via Cookie + Kate)

Lemon Blossoms

Cranberry Maple Bourbon Cocktail

This holly-jolly cranberry maple cocktail is perfect for all of your holiday get-togethers. Garnish this drink with sugared cranberries and an orange wedge to make it extra festive. (via Lemon Blossoms)

Crumb

Spiced Maple Manhattan

The maple syrup echoes the sweetness of the rye in this cocktail, and the slight warming spices are truly like autumn in a glass. (via Crumb)

How Sweet Eats

Maple Honeycrisp Margaritas

You shouldn’t have to give up your margarita nights when the seasons change. The next time you go apple picking, whip up these margs afterward to enjoy the fruits of your labor. (via How Sweet Eats)

Earthly Provisions

Blanton's Old Fashioned

With just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes, you can have this strong (and a bit sweet) maple cocktail ready to sip. Cozy weeknights just got a whole lot better! (via Earthly Provisions)

Cookie + Kate

Maple New York Sour

If you’ve never had a New York sour, now is the time. You don’t have to choose between a whiskey sour or a glass of wine, because this drink combines the two for a sweet and tangy nightcap. (via Cookie + Kate)

Cheese and Chocolate

Figgy Maple Bourbon Fizz

This maple cocktail gets its fizz from ginger beer, sweetness from syrup, and a nice kick from the bourbon. (via Cheese and Chocolate)

Gastronom

Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail

There are times when you need a pick-me-up, but you also want a second to chill. Those moments call for a stout cold brew cocktail that’s spiked with bourbon and sweetened with a hint of maple syrup. (via Gastronom)

Food Fanatic

Maple 43 Cocktail

When a cocktail is garnished with a maple-soaked mini waffle, you happily accept and don’t ask questions. (via Food Fanatic)

Just a Little Bit of Bacon

Pear Bourbon Smash

Winter fruits like pears and apples are perfect to pair with maple syrup and bourbon. This bourbon smash has half of a pear in each glass and is full of whole fruit flavor. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

Feasting At Home

A Long Winter’s Nap

You’ll feel like a snooze is on the horizon with this aromatic drink. Flavor it with everything from whole allspice pods to pine needles. (via Feasting At Home)

Mixop

Gingerbread Latte

This creamy and frothy latte can be made with alcohol for a yummy caffeinated treat. (via Mixop)

Follow us on Pinterest for more cocktail ideas and fall recipes!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.