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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.–David Leite
Tinto de Verano
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.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 drinkCalories: 150 kcalCarbohydrates: 15 gProtein: 1 gSodium: 17 mgPotassium: 154 mgSugar: 13 gVitamin A: 2 IUCalcium: 12 mgIron: 1 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Photo © 2008 Fran Villena. All rights reserved.
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!