Tinto De Verano: A Guide to Spain’s Summer Drink with Red Wine

Cocktails with Wine

Summer is approaching and if you are looking for a refreshing summer drink and you like wine, look no further then Tinto de verano. If you have been to Spain, you must have heard of Tinto de verano. And if you are planning on going this summer, then it’s a must try. This drink is Spain’s delightful and refreshing wine drink to combat the relentless Spanish heat.

This simple yet satisfying beverage is a national treasure in Spain, perfect for sipping on patios, beaches, or anywhere you need a cool down. Ditch the sangria (for tourists!) and opt for this summer red wine drink that is a staple during the Spanish summer. And if you are not in Spain (not all of us are this lucky), why not bring a little of Spain into your glasses with Tinto de verano?

Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about Tinto de verano and of course, an easy recipe for you to recreate this summer drink at home (easily!)

The Story Behind Tinto de verano

Tinto de vernao literally translates as “summer red wine”. In essence, it’s a drink made mixing equal part of wine and gaseosa –soda.
While its exact origins are somewhat hazy, we do know it emerged in the south of Spain, in Córdoba, Andalucía, where temperatures soar during the summer.
Legend has it that Tinto de Verano was born out of necessityto make red wine more refreshing during the hot Spanish summers. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, Tinto de Verano quickly became a staple at beachside bars, cafes, and family gatherings across the country.
Regardless of its birthplace, Tinto de verano has become synonymous with summertime in Spain.

And since it’s easy to make, you can easily recreate it at home.

Tinto de Verano Recipe

The beauty of tinto de verano is it’s simplicity as it requires just few basic ingredients. You’ll need:

• Red wine: While you can technically use any red wine, a light-bodied Spanish red is ideal. Go for a young, fruity red like Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Bobal. These grapes produce wines with bright fruit flavors and lighter tannins, making them perfect for a summer spritzer. Avoid using leftover wine you wouldn’t drink on its own.
• Lemon-soda, or gaseosa: If you are lucky enough to easily access Spanish gaseosa, then enjoy! In Spain, La Casera is the popular brand of choice. If not, do not worry. Any lemon-lime soda will do or even a 7up or Sprite.

• Ice: It’s a summer drink after all! Ice to maximize chilling and drink your tinto de verano as chilled as possible.
• Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon or orange for an extra citrus kick.

Now the practical side of things:

Fill you glass with ice cube or crushed ice (personal preference here), add 1 part wine, 1 part lemon soda and stir. Optionally, garnish with lemon or orange wedges for a citrus twist. Serve immediately and enjoy!

The key is to use good quality ingredients and ensure the wine is chilled before mixing. Using a chilled glass will also help to keep your Tinto de verano refreshingly cold for longer.

Variations: Tinto de Verano with A Twist

While the classic recipe reigns supreme, there’s always room for some creativity.

Tinto de verano con naranja: Substitute lemon soda with orange soda for a citrus twist. This variation is especially popular in regions known for their citrus groves, like Valencia.

Kalimotxo or Calimocho: A Basque Country twist that uses cola instead of lemon soda. This version offers a sweeter and more complex flavor profile compared to the classic Tinto de verano.

Tinto de verano blanco: Made with white wine instead of red. This lighter option is perfect for those who prefer a white wine spritzer. You can use a dry white wine like Verdejo or Sauvignon Blanc.

Extra Tips

When choosing a wine for Tinto de verano, you want something that complements the refreshing and light nature of the drink. So go for light-bodied, young and fruity wines.
Ideally, opt for a Spanish red wines. These include:

Tempranillo: This is a classic Spanish grape variety known for its bright cherry and berry flavors, with medium tannins. Look for young, unoaked or “joven” Tempranillo for a fruitier profile that won’t overpower the drink. Rioja is a famous Tempranillo region, but you can find good options from other areas of Spain as well.

Garnacha (Grenache): Another excellent choice, Garnacha produces lighter-bodied wines with notes of red fruit like strawberries and raspberries. It often has higher acidity, which pairs well with the citrus soda in Tinto de verano. Look for Garnacha from regions like Priorat or Calatayud.

Bobal: This lesser-known grape is gaining popularity for its juicy fruit flavors and refreshing acidity. Bobal-based wines are perfect for Tinto de verano because they tend to be lighter in body and tannins. Look for options from Utiel-Requena in eastern Spain.

And if I don’t have access to Spanish red wines? No worries!

A light-bodied Pinot Noir will do! It’s a light-bodied red known for its bright cherry and raspberry notes, with high acidity. Opt for a Pinot Noir from Oregon, California, or Burgundy (France).

While you don’t need the most expensive bottle, using a decent quality wine will make a noticeable difference in the final drink. Avoid leftover wine you wouldn’t enjoy by itself.

And now, you just have to try this Spanish red wine summer cocktail and see if it’s summer drink you were looking for.