Cultural Sidebar #4 - El Fresco

The word “fresco” in Spanish most directly translates to “fresh” or “refreshing”. Often, when it’s cold outside (by Latin American standards at least), locals will refer to the air or temperature as “fresco”. However, more uniquely to Costa Rica, the term “fresco” is related to a beverage. This isn’t totally unheard of; in some Spanish speaking countries, a soda is called “refresco”. (Funny enough, a “soda” is actually a bar or restaurant in Costa Rica, not a drink). 

Generally speaking, in Costa Rica, a fresco is understood as a fresh-made juice, maybe with blackberry, guayaba, or some other locally sourced fruit. On the other hand, “fresco” can also be used to refer to any ambiguous drink. For example, the first family I stayed with during Peace Corps training often offered me a “fresco” with dinner. The majority of the time, this was in fact homemade juice. However, on more than one occasion, I was given Coke or Fanta as my “fresco”. To complicate matters further, there is also a popular Costa Rican soft drink brand called “Fresca”. All of this to say, you never know quite what you’re getting with a “fresco”. If you’re a picky drinker, perhaps better to clarify the type of fresco when offered. On the other hand, if you’re down for a game of chance, lean into the fresco culture and go with the flow.