Fresca was created in 1966 for the U.S. market as a grapefruit-flavored Coca-Cola beverage.
The drink was introduced as a citrus soft drink with a distinctive grapefruit character. Its name comes from the Spanish and Italian word for “fresh,” reinforcing the beverage's light, refreshing positioning.
Fresca is commonly mixed up with Sprite because both are clear Coca-Cola citrus drinks. Their flavor identities differ: Sprite is lemon-lime, while Fresca is associated with grapefruit and has been offered in several formulations over time.
Fresca's packaging and recipe have changed across decades and markets. In the United States, the brand has also been repositioned at different times as a soda, a sparkling beverage, or a mixer.