Tinto de verano, which loosely translates as “summer red wine” in Spanish, is a cooling and not too intoxicating drink to have on a hot day. Red wine, preferably Spanish, is mixed with Sprite or 7-Up and poured over ice. Ahhhhhh.
There’s one unquestionable way to stand out as a tourist in Spain. Order sangria. Natives, on the other hand, tend to gravitate toward an alternate cocktail that’s just as much a classic. Known as Tinto de Verano, it’s essentially a wine spritzer made from equal parts red wine and gaseosa, or lightly sweetened lemon-lime soda, sorta the Spanish equivalent of Sprite or 7-Up. Tinto de Verano is far less boozy and slightly less expensive than that other, more commonly chugged Spanish libation. Though it doesn’t always make an appearance on cocktail menus, trust us, it’s there. And it’s worth getting to know.–Renee Schettler Rossi
☞ Table of Contents
Tinto de Verano
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1/2 cup red wine any red wine, although preferably something from Spain
- 1/2 cup lightly sweetened carbonated lemon-lime soda such as Sprite or 7-Up
- Slice of lemon (optional)
Directions
- Toss a few ice cubes into a tall glass. Pour in the red wine and then add the soda. Toss in the lemon slice, if desired. Sip leisurely.
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Originally published July 04, 2018
We are out on the porch enjoying a glass of home-brewed watermelon wine. My husband remarked his scant lunch made this 16% libation really be felt. I said, “what if we put in a splash of seltzer and squeeze of lime?” Then I Googled it and found Tinto de Verano was a thing. Might still need a touch of simple syrup, since we don’t do 7-Up or sodas. I might even add a little macerated mint leaves just for fun.
That sounds lovely, Carlota. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
Add a touch of vermouth then squeeze the lemon into the drink and it’s perfect. Just like Spain. They don’t sell Fanta Lemon or Casera here in the states so the little extra lemon compensates for it.
Thanks, Juan!
Hi Renee,
We discovered both tinto de verano and its Basque cousin, calimocho, while visiting friends in Mexico City. Calimocho calls for equal(ish) parts of red wine and cola. It’s a good way to refresh without getting a summertime heat-and-alcohol headache.
Cheers! Carol
Lovely to hear, Carol. Appreciate the heads up about calimocho! Slightly reminiscent of your cola upbringing, yes?
It’s great with Lemon San Pellegrino soda.
Sounds PERFECT, Sue! Greatly appreciate you sharing this tip with everyone!
My husband and I were in Spain last fall visiting our daughter. This was the drink of choice! So light and tasty! Perfect summer refreshment (and easier than sangria)!
We, too, so appreciate the instant gratification of this sipper, Bonnie. Makes it dangerously easy, though, to go back for seconds…and thirds…
Hi Bonnie, I recently rediscovered this drink and have fallen in love with it. I am a die hard red wine drinker and a splash of soda on a hot, sticky day turns my glass of red into a refreshing summer cooler. Enjoy!