Are There Two Types of Fresca?

December 9, 2025 •

2 min read

Since its introduction in 1966, Fresca has been primarily known as a zero-calorie, sugar-free diet soda. The modern question, "Are there two types of Fresca?", is a common point of confusion stemming from flavor variations and the brand's expansion into the ready-to-drink alcoholic market.

Quick Summary

The Fresca brand consists of a core line of zero-calorie sparkling flavored sodas and a completely separate line of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages called Fresca Mixed. International markets have also seen regional differences, adding to the product confusion.

Key Points

Zero-Calorie Base: In the U.S., all standard Fresca sodas are a single type: zero-calorie and sugar-free.
Flavors, not Types: Different flavors like Peach Citrus and Black Cherry Citrus are simply variations of the same core product.
Fresca Mixed is Different: A separate, alcoholic canned cocktail line called Fresca Mixed is distinct from the soda.
International Differences: Some Latin American countries have sold sugar-sweetened versions of Fresca, adding to consumer confusion.
Check the Label: To avoid confusion, always check the label to determine if the product is the classic soda or the new alcoholic mixed drink.

While there is fundamentally one core type of Fresca in the U.S. market—a zero-calorie, zero-sugar sparkling soda water—the perception of multiple types often arises from the brand's variety of citrus flavors and the introduction of an entirely separate line of alcoholic canned cocktails called Fresca Mixed. These distinctions are important for understanding the brand's current offerings under The Coca-Cola Company.

The Core Fresca: One Sparkling Soda, Many Flavors

For many years, Fresca has been recognized for its single product: a crisp, citrus-flavored, zero-calorie soft drink. The Coca-Cola Company has expanded the brand's appeal by introducing various flavors over time, all part of the same non-alcoholic, zero-sugar, zero-calorie product line. The difference lies only in the flavor profile.

Exploring the Fresca Flavor Family

The classic Grapefruit Citrus is the most recognized flavor. The Fresca Sparkling Soda Water lineup includes other options such as:

Grapefruit Citrus: The original tart grapefruit flavor.
Black Cherry Citrus: A mix of black cherry and citrus notes.
Peach Citrus: Combines grapefruit tang with peach sweetness.
Blackberry Citrus: Tart blackberry with the signature citrus base.

The Second "Type": Fresca Mixed Alcoholic Cocktails

A significant source of confusion is the launch of Fresca Mixed, a separate line of ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic cocktails developed in partnership with Constellation Brands. This line contains real spirits like vodka or tequila and should not be confused with the non-alcoholic soda. While it uses the "citrus taste of Fresca®" as a flavor base, it is a different beverage, available in its own variety packs with flavors like Mango Citrus and Watermelon Citrus.

International Variants: A Sweet Twist

Historically, The Coca-Cola Company has sold a sugar-sweetened version of Fresca in some international markets, particularly in Latin America. This regional difference contributes to the idea of different "types" of Fresca. A similar sugar-sweetened soda called Citra was introduced in the U.S. but was later absorbed into the Fanta brand.

Fresca Comparison: Sparkling Soda Water vs. Mixed Cocktails


Feature	Fresca Sparkling Soda Water	Fresca Mixed
Primary Product Type	Non-alcoholic, zero-calorie soda	Ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic cocktail
Sweeteners	Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame)	Not specified, but likely sugar
Alcohol Content	0% ABV	~5% ABV
Flavors	Grapefruit Citrus, Black Cherry Citrus, Peach Citrus, Blackberry Citrus	Vodka Spritz, Tequila Paloma, and various rotating flavors
Brand Partnership	Exclusively The Coca-Cola Company	Collaboration with Constellation Brands
Target Audience	Zero-sugar soft drink consumers, mixers	Adult consumers looking for convenient, pre-mixed cocktails

A Clear Conclusion

The question about two types of Fresca is complex due to brand expansion. The core Fresca is a single type: a non-alcoholic, zero-sugar sparkling soda in various flavors. The key is to distinguish this from the newer, separate alcoholic line, Fresca Mixed. You can find official product information on the Coca-Cola website.

Visit the official Coca-Cola website for more information on Fresca and its current offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, in the United States, Fresca has always been marketed as a sugar-free, diet soft drink. Any sugary versions were part of different international product lines.

Fresca is a non-alcoholic, zero-calorie sparkling soda, while Fresca Mixed is a separate line of ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktails that contain real spirits.

This confusion likely arose with the launch of the new Fresca Mixed line of alcoholic beverages, which is distinct from the traditional zero-calorie soda.

Current flavors for the non-alcoholic Fresca include Grapefruit Citrus, Black Cherry Citrus, Peach Citrus, and Blackberry Citrus.

Yes, Fresca is a diet soda. It has been formulated with artificial sweeteners and contains zero calories and zero sugar.

No, Citra was a sugar-sweetened soda introduced in the U.S. in 1997 by Coca-Cola, largely to cater to consumer demand inspired by Latin American Fresca variants. It was a separate product from the start.

While the branding is similar, Fresca Mixed is sold alongside other alcoholic beverages, such as hard seltzers and cocktails, rather than with the non-alcoholic sodas.