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Making fancy cocktail recipes always puts us in the mood to have a good time – and putting together edible garnishes atop floral beverages just adds that *special something* to a classic cocktail that might've been quite boring without them.

But sometimes we don't feel like having to mix up an elaborate drink (even if it's supposedly healthier than our usual sip) just to quench our cocktail craving. Believe it or not, mixology doesn't have to be complicated. These deliciously simple cocktail recipes feature all kinds of flavors that work with every palate!

Some of these drinks look complicated, while some of them look simple, but they're *all* quick and easy options for any dinner parties, or to sip on during a Super Bowl watch party. These easy cocktail recipes will take the hard work out of bartending, so you can spend more time enjoying the fruits of your labor — not to mention, impressing your guests. Scroll for endless easy cocktail options!

What are the 6 basic cocktails?

Olena Bohovyk / PEXELS

The top 6 basic cocktails are: Old Fashioned, Daiquiri, Martini, Whiskey Highball, Flip, and Sidecar.

What are the 10 most popular cocktails?

Dziana Hasanbekava / PEXELS

  1. Old Fashioned
  2. Moscow Mule
  3. Negroni
  4. Mojito
  5. Whiskey Sour
  6. Daiquiri
  7. Margarita
  8. Mai Tai
  9. Bloody Mary
  10. Manhattan

Easy Cocktail Recipes For Every Season

Brit + Co

Blood Orange Mezcal Cocktail

Grab some mezcal, lime juice, and blood orange soda for this cocktail. You're going to need plenty of it, especially if you're making drinks for your friends. Feel free to snack on blood orange slices while you make the cocktail! (via Brit + Co)

The Southern Millennial

Citrus Rosé Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Rosé all day, please. What's a better cocktail to sip on than something light and fruity? We used oranges, lemons, and limes to create a drink we'll be sipping all summer long. (via Brit + Co)

Ginger Minj

Caramel Apple Cocktail

This fun cocktail is like the classic, delicious treat in drink form. It's sure to become your new fave! (via Brit + Co)

Bailey's

Chocolate Martini

You can never have too much chocolate in your life, so this easy cocktail recipe is a slam dunk. (via Brit + Co)

@thespritzeffect

"Speak Now" Spritz

Who knew Taylor Swift could play a part in your cocktails? These ones are inspired by her "Speak Now" album and are so fun and colorful. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Bubbly Cranberry Cocktail

This cocktail has notes of sweet honey, fresh tart cranberries, rosemary, and cardamom. Basically, it's fall in a drink. (via Brit + Co)

Kelly Pettit

Aperol Spritz

This delicious spritz incorporates yummy pears for a drink you won't forget. We love fun cocktail recipes for fall. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Red Bull Candy Cocktail

This sweet cocktail tastes like candy in liquid form! (via Brit + Co)

A Spicy Perspective

Vegas Bomb Shot

This is a classic easy cocktail recipe that you can have on hand for any party this year. The combo of whiskey, peach schnapps, and Red Bull might not sound like your go-to drink mix, but just trust us on this. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Imagelicious

Sparkling Campari Orange Cocktail Recipe

Slightly bitter and slightly sweet, this drink is full of fizzies, which convinces us that it's just as good for winter as it is for summer. The best part is that this drink is refreshingly simple to make. (via Imagelicious)

Absolut Elyx

The Elyx Spritz

Mix 1.5 oz Absolut Elyx Vodka and 1.5 oz Lillet Rose in a highball glass, then top with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic and add a lemon. Stir this cocktail recipe gently and add a lemon wheel garnish. (via Absolut Elyx)

Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish

Jameson Old Fashioned

It's always time to sip on something familiar. Swap bourbon for Irish whiskey in this remake of the classic old fashioned. (via Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish)

Tito's Vodka

Tito's Cherry Limeade

Unlock some serious nostalgia with this grown-up version of a cherry limeade. What makes it an easy cocktail is the addition of only 4 ingredients – cherry-infused Tito's, limeade, and a vibrant lime and cherry garnish. (via Tito's Vodka)

Tastefully Eclectic

Whiskey Sour Punch

Mix up this sweet and sour whiskey punch for your party crew. There's more than enough to go around, no matter how many guests end up showing. (via Tastefully Eclectic)

Patrón

Patrón Tequila Watermelon Patio Punch

Slice off the end of a watermelon so that it stands flat. Slice off the opposite end to make a "lid" and hollow it out (saving the flesh and juices). Blend until liquified and strain. Mix 25 oz Patrón Silver, 4 cups watermelon juice, 1 cup fresh lime juice, 1 cup simple syrup, 0.5 teaspoons salt, and add to the hollowed out watermelon. You can also add a watermelon tap if you have one, or use the watermelon as a punch bowl. (via Patrón)

Baker by Nature

Easy Pomegranate Margaritas

With five ingredients and 10 minutes, you can churn out this easy cocktail recipe for any last-minute plans. Aside from the fact that it tastes good, we're also obsessed with pomegranates, so we give this one two thumbs up. (via Baker by Nature)

Jennifer Meyering

Pumpkin Apple Shandy

You’ll want to drink this classic cocktail made from apple cider and pumpkin beer all year long. With both of these iconic flavors in one drink, you can have the best of both fall worlds. (via Jennifer Meyering)

Barley & Sage

Lemon Drop Martini

This mixed drink packs the perfect amount of tartness, balanced out with some good old sugary sweetness. This is one of those cocktail recipes that reminds us of summer, so we'll keep sipping it to manifest the warmer season. (via Barley & Sage)

Mixop

Grapefruit Martini

Just 5 ingredients allow you to work your way to a refreshing cocktail! This grapefruit-clad drink is perfect for end-of-summer gatherings. (via Mixop)

Frosting Shots

Crazy for Crust

Frosting Shots

These two-ingredient shots taste just like a celebration. Anyone with a serious sweet tooth will want to get their hands on these sugary shots. (via Crazy for Crust)

Canción

Canción Habañero Mango Margarita

There's nothing like a delicious mango flavor to put you in a sunny mood! The best cocktail recipes are ones that channel summer. Shake 1.5 oz infused Canción Tequila, 0.5 oz triple sec, 2 oz lime juice, and 0.25 oz Finest Call Mango Puree together, then serve the mix over ice with a Tajin rim and an orange wheel garnish. (via Canción)

The Chunky Chef

Kentucky Lemonade

Here’s a cocktail you’ll want to sip all year: sparkling lemonade spiked with bourbon. We're big fans of all things bubbly, so this drink is getting added to our list, stat. (via The Chunky Chef)

Gimme Some Oven

Oaxacan Rusty Nail

For a drink that lives up to its name, try this take on the rusty nail, made with mezcal, Drambuie, and bitters. Don't worry, there's no actual rust involved. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Patrón

Patrón Tequila Mockingbird

Combine 1.5 oz Patrón Silver, 2 oz fresh watermelon juice, 0.15 oz fresh lime juice, 4 fresh basil leaves, fresh black pepper drops, and some simple syrup to taste. Shake the mixture with ice, then strain it onto fresh ice in a a double old fashioned glass and garnish with a watermelon slice. (via Patrón)

Culinary Hill

Moscato Sangria

Sangria is *so* simple to make since it's prepped in a large batch. If you're serving a party, this classic fruity drink is a must-make. (via Culinary Hill)

Barley & Sage

Sparkling Fig Cocktail

Vodka, champagne, figs and sprinkle of sugar come together to make this fancy-lookin' easy cocktail that really isn't all that involved. If you have a few minutes to spare, try this delicious sip out for yourself! Figs go *amazing* in cocktail recipes. (via Barley & Sage)

The Cookie Rookie

Pink Champagne Sangria Cocktail Recipe

We love a fruity cocktail, and this champagne, grapefruit, and pomegranate sparkler is no exception. Say hello to your new pink drink sip. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Live Eat Learn

Easy Bourbon Slush

Okay, but have you ever tried bourbon slush-ified? This recipe is reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer, too, which gives it some amazing flavor, not to mention the pleasing texture. (via Live Eat Learn)

The Blond Cook

Creamsicle Delight Cocktail

A mixture of whipped-cream vodka, orange juice, and ginger ale, this cocktail tastes just like a popsicle. Don't forget to add a maraschino cherry before serving! (via The Blond Cook)

Crazy for Crust

Irish Cream Pie Cocktail

With its sugar-cookie rim, this Irish cream pie cocktail is perfect for dessert. It's also a great excuse to make sugar cookiesto pair. Coffee and vodka are def a power duo for cocktail recipes. (via Crazy for Crust)

Olive You Whole

Clean Blackberry Mint Prosecco Cocktail Recipe

This is a great cocktail for anyone who loves blackberries because it's definitely the star of the recipe. Mint adds a wonderful flavor contrast, while the Prosecco adds a bubbly experience that you can't miss! (via Olive You Whole)

Most Hungry

The Negroni

Whether you're in need of a drink to go with your dinner or with your favorite holiday movie, this is a simple and classy choice that you can sip on all night long. Just don't forget the iconic orange zest in your cocktail recipes. (via Most Hungry)

Barley & Sage

Empress Gin French 75 Easy Cocktail Recipe

There's a good chance that if a cocktail is in a fun color, we're more likely to drink it. So, you'll understand why we immediately bookmarked this gorgeous drink! The fact that it has a combo of champagne and lemon juice doesn't hurt, either. (via Barley & Sage)

Culinary Hill

Irish Coffee

Dissolve some brown sugar in whiskey, then add boiling coffee and a layer of frothy cream right on top for the best Irish coffee around. Another trick you can do is pouring your cream over a cold spoon so that it floats on the rest of the drink. Coffee lovers, unite! (via Culinary Hill)

Forks & Foliage

Lebanese Avocado and Strawberry Cocktail

This booze-less fancy drink makes for a great evening treat or breakfast addition. It's got avocado, strawberries, almonds, and honey that all mix together for something sweet and creamy. Add in a splash of your fave spirit to make it pop! (via Forks & Foliage)

Amanda Wilens

Strawberry Iced Tea Cocktail and Mocktail

Picture yourself sippin' something sweet outside on the porch, and this iced tea cocktail comes into view. It's the perfect summer drink, but we'll take any excuse to make it any season. (via Amanda Wilens)

Cilantro Parsley

Tamarind Margarita

If you're a regular margarita drinker, try this twist on the classic. It features Tamarind syrup, tequila, lime juice, and Tajin for an unexpected, complex, and flavorful addition to your happy hour. Creative cocktail recipes FTW! (via Cilantro Parsley)

Crazy for Crust

Berry Lemonade Margaritas

Citrusy and sweet, these raspberry lemonade margaritas are just the thing to drink when you're dreaming about warmer days *and* when it starts getting hot again. (via Crazy for Crust)

Growing Up Gabel

Peach Vodka Martinis Simple Cocktail

Made with just three ingredients, these peachy martinis are too good to pass up. Have these mixed drinks at a bridal shower or at brunch. They go great with any occasion! (via Growing Up Gabel)

Foodness Gracious

Frozen Orange Prosecco

Trade in your frozé for this citrusy froz-ecco. Even though it's frozen, the orange flavor gives it a wintertime twist. (via Foodness Gracious)

Tito's Vodka

Tito's Summer Spice

Shake some Tito's, hibiscus liqueur, and lime juice together to craft a balanced easy cocktail! (via Tito's Vodka)

Canción

Canción Lyrical Mint Margarita

Raspberry lemonade, tequila and club soda?! We'll take two, please! For a big batch of this drink, mix 1 bottle of Canción Blanco Tequila, 1 can of frozen lemonade, 32 oz water, 32 oz seltzer or club soda, 12 oz raspberry juice, and garnish with fresh mint. (via Canción)

Hungry by Nature

The Bee’s Knees

Honey lovers, take note — you'll want to memorize this simple cocktail. It features a honey syrup that you'll want to add to everything from here on out. (via Hungry by Nature)

Mixop

Grilled Pineapple Margarita

This easy cocktail will pair superbly well with your summer BBQ plans. (via Mixop)

Stetted

Mason Jar Margaritas

Mix up a batch of these mason jar margaritas, then let guests help themselves at your next get-together. Everyone will be happy when you make cocktail recipes like this! If you're a salt rim kind of person, go for it! (via Stetted)

Culinary Hill

Espresso Martini

Four ingredients (including your favorite coffee liqueur), and you've got yourself a delicious sip that you might've just paid a nonsense $15 for if you had gone out. Just keeping it real! (via Culinary Hill)

Dishes Delish

New York Sour Cocktail

Bourbon, red wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup are all you need to make this easy cocktail. You probably already have a lot of that at home! (via Dishes Delish)

Cozy Cravings

Guava Margarita

A good margarita can never be passed up, especially this uniquely-flavored guava one. You'll need four ingredients and a hearty shake to make the easiest drink ever. (via Cozy Cravings)

Dos Hombres

Es Berry Berry Good Cocktail

Shake 1.5 oz Dos Hombres mezcal, 1/2 oz blackberry purée, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/4 oz velvet falernum, and 3/4 oz pineapple juice, and serve on the rocks for a delicious and refreshing cocktail! (via Dos Hombres)

Stress Baking

Raspberry Rosé Sangria

With just a few fresh raspberries and a splash of soda, a bottle of rosé gets transformed into a sangria reminiscent of summer. We'll be counting down the months until it warms up outside! (via Stress Baking)

Yes to Yolks

Piña Colada Punch

This piña colada punch makes a long weekend at home feel like a mini vacation no matter what time of year it is. Add some mini umbrellas for the full experience. (via Yes to Yolks)

Nolet's

Nolet's Watermelon Slushy

Cut a watermelon into chunks that are the size of ice cubes, and freeze for two hours on a tray lined with parchment paper. Make a mint lime syrup by heating 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 bunch of fresh mint, and 3/4 cup water in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Blend the frozen watermelon chunks and a 1/2 cup of the syrup until it's a slushy consistency. Add Nolet's Silver Gin, pour, and garnish with watermelon, mint, and black sesame seeds! (via Nolet's)

Imagelicious

Micheladas

Like a cross between beer and a Bloody Mary, Micheladas are the savory brunch cocktail recipes you’ve been missing out on. And yes, that is shrimp in the cocktail. (via Imagelicious)

Simmer and Sauce

Blood Orange Margarita

Colorful blood orange juice makes these margaritas immediately seem more dramatic, though the recipe itself stays simple, so that it's easy for you to make yourself. (via Simmer and Sauce)

Nolet's

Nolet’s Watermelon Cooler

Muddle 4 basil leaves with a 1/2 cup of watermelon in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice, 1.5 oz Nolet's Silver Gin, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, and 0.5 oz lemon juice, then shake until chilled. Strain into a balloon glass and garnish with a basil leaf! (via Nolet's)

Tito's Vodka

Grapefruit Groove

Get ready to shake the most refreshing sip of the summer using Tito's, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar. (via Tito's Vodka)

Whitney Bond

Spiked Ginger Lemonade

Robust ginger beer mixes with fresh lemon juice and vodka perfectly. The result? These bracingly bold drinks that you can serve in a fun mule mug. (via Whitney Bond)

Lisa and Erika of Boozy Kooties, Swerve, and FitVine

Spiced Pear and Bourbon Sparkler

Combine 1 cup pear juice, a 2-inch nub of ginger (peeled and sliced), 2 cinnamon sticks, and 5 cloves in a pot. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and add 1/4 cup of lightly packed brown sugar. Stir until fully mixed, cool, and strain. This is your Spiced Pear Simple Syrup, and it can last in the fridge for up to one week!

Then, pour 1.5 ounces of bourbon, the syrup, 0.5 ounces of lemon juice, and ice into a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds (or until the surface of the cocktail shaker is cool to the touch). Strain over a chilled coupe glass and top with Prosecco! (via Lisa and Erika of Boozy Kooties, Swerve, and FitVine)

Joyful Healthy Eats

Citrus White Wine Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Made with white wine, this sangria is a little lighter than its crimson counterpart, which is great for anyone who doesn't like heavy drinks, but still wants to take part in the fun. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Dishes Delish

Watermelon-Infused Vodka

On the rocks or sipped with soda, it’s hard to go wrong with the fresh taste of this homemade watermelon vodka. Watermelon cocktail recipes always taste super refreshing! (via Dishes Delish)

The Endless Meal

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Margaritas

These tropical margaritas are made just a little spicy thanks to a sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper rim. It'll give you just enough of a kick! (via The Endless Meal)

West of the Loops

Lavender Mojitos

If you're a fan of lavender recipes, then you have to make this easy cocktail recipe. Lavender sparkling soda is the secret to making these easy floral mojitos. (via West of the Loops)

The Every Kitchen

Skinny Salty Dog

Grapefruit vodka and seltzer water put a healthier twist on the Salty Dog, a cocktail recipe usually made with grapefruit juice and plain vodka. (via The Every Kitchen)

Cozy Cravings

Tequila Mule

This easy cocktail recipe only requires three ingredients (tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer) for a flavor combo that is classic for a reason! Serve in a classic mule mug with extra limes. (via Cozy Cravings)

Crowded Kitchen

Cucumber Gin Cocktail

Aside from its bright green hue, this stunning cocktail is the ultimate refresher. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Rachel Mansfield

Easy Triple Citrus Margarita

This is a healthy take on the classic margarita – with a fruity twist. It still has the mezcal and tequila that you usually add to your drinks, but features a healthy soda alternative. Plus, it only takes five minutes to put together. (via Rachel Mansfield)

The Endless Meal

Maple Old Fashioned

We love how maple makes anything taste more autumnal, and this five minute, easy cocktail recipe has fall written all over it. If you can't resist fall flavors, even in spring, this drink is the one for you. (via The Endless Meal)

Patrón

Patrón Watermelon Basil Margarita

Shake 1.5 oz Patrón Reposado, 1 oz fresh watermelon juice or puree, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz agave nectar, and 3 basil leaves in a shaker with ice. Strain onto fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass, and garnish with a basil leaf and watermelon wedge. (via Patrón)

Mythology Distillery

Mythology Gin Fizz Recipe

You'll love the foam on this drink — it's almost like the cappuccino of cocktails. Dry shake 2 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.75 simple syrup, 8 drops lavender bitters, 1 egg white, then add ice and shake again once foamy. Double strain into a Collins glass with no ice and top with soda until the foam reaches the top. Sprinkle with lavender. (via Mythology Distillery)

Mythology Distillery

Mythology Garden Gnome Cocktail Recipe

We can't wait to sip this Garden Gnome cocktail in the garden because, well, where else would we drink it? Shake 1.5 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.25 oz dolin genepy, 0.5 simple syrup, 0.75 lime juice, and 1 oz cucumber basil puree, then strain into a Collins glass over ice. Top with soda, black pepper, and garnish with a cucumber wheel. (via Mythology Distillery)

Culinary Hill

Champagne Cocktail

Let's be real — you never need a real excuse to pour out a little champagne in your cocktail recipes. These easy cocktails elevate your go-to drink just a little more! (via Culinary Hill)

Sorel Liqueur

Sorel Spritzer

Combine 2oz sparkling wine and 1oz Sorel in a champagne flute and garnish with an edible hibiscus flower for an easy wintertime sip! (via Sorel Liqueur)

Amanda Wilens

Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

The most commitment you'll need to make to prep this refreshing drink 10 minutes to make a homemade simple syrup. Trust us, the effort will be worth it for all that amazing lavender flavor. (via Amanda Wilens)

Which easy cocktail recipes are you mixing up for your next get together? Tag us @BritandCo or join our newsletter for more inspiration or check out our new cooking and baking classes!

This post has been updated.

"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!

After you've made your manicure appointment, the next obvious step is to scroll through Instagram to find trendy nail inspo. Chrome nails have been blowing up on social media as a fun, bold trend, and for good reason. The eye-catching look is versatile; you can easily rock it on one or all of your nails. To help make your mani decision a little easier, we've rounded up 25 of our favorite chrome nails we're discovered while scrolling.

Chrome nails often give off an iridescent look, and we're obsessed with this pink hue emitting a rainbow palette.

The painted chrome bows on these nails are simply to die for. They add a feminine touch and a good pop of shine!

This chrome mani is especially mermaid-y, and we're here for it.

This subtle manicure still sports some chrome! The lighter color palette will open up so many outfit options, as these nails can match with anything.

Brighter colored chrome nails really allow the details to shine. We love that this mani combines fully painted nails with tips.

​Opt for an eclectic color combo when you're setting out to get your chrome nails done. The way the light hits your nails may surprise you!

These nails are serving our new favorite trend, lip gloss nails, but with a chrome touch.

​We love a pearlescent nail shade, and the color works well with the darker pinks on this manicure.

Try tacking on some abstract nail art atop your chrome nails for a super futuristic look.

We'll be dreaming about these nails for days. The pink hue and subtle chrome detailing come together to form one of the best manis we've seen in a while.​

These almost reflective silver chrome nails are super unique, and they go with just about any outfit!

Add on some gems and jewels for a feminine touch to your mani.

The purple and green hues on this chrome manicure are to die for. The colors pair super well under more silver chrome details.

Try out chrome tips for your next manicure, if you're not feeling a fully painted nail.

Chrome nails and outer space make a good pair since the polish always has a stunning shine.

Take your classic French tip manicure a step further with a chrome coat.

This chrome manicure is giving super galactic vibes with a dreamy chrome purple and silver star decorations.

Not every nail has to be the same for your mani. These chrome details follow the nail bed and present a super fancy look.

We've never ever thought of wearing different nail colors on each hand, but this post just told us we should.

These silver chrome nails are sending us into space! If you want to channel futuristic vibes, a silver chrome is a good pick.

If you don't want to go chrome all the way, add in some line details to still get some of that shine.

Take your pearlcore aesthetic even further by sporting a pearlescent chrome manicure. This style is super cute, and matches with just about anything.

Want more nail inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest!

Header image by @vivianmariewong

This post has been updated.

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.

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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.