Hello refreshing tinto de verano — the perfect weekend drink!
Move over Sangria, the Spanish Tinto De Verano is in the spotlight, and with good reasoning...
“But what about sangria?” (you might ask). Yes, it’s true that this iconic Spanish drink is super delicious and commonly known, but it’s actually much more common to find tinto de verano, its fizzy cousin, on the menu of your average Spanish bar.
And its become quite a crowd favourite here- lets just say it is love at first sip every time we show this to a new group of friends..
I also learned an important lesson that day. Tinto de verano may taste like nothing more than a slightly alcoholic fruit punch, but it’ll sneak up on you. Rest assured that after several glasses of it, you’ll need an afternoon siesta to sleep off the buzz. You’ve been warned!
What Is Tinto De Verano?
Literally, tinto de verano means “summer red wine.” Essentially, it’s a mixture of Spanish red wine with a fruity soft drink.
In Spain, the mixer is usually Fanta Limón (lemon Fanta). But if you can’t find this particular soda, you can always substitute Sprite, 7-Up, or even a mixture of lemonade and soda water. As long as it’s sweet, fizzy, and lemony, the result will be delicious.
Add a splash of vermouth for an extra kick, and garnish with fresh citrus fruit to create the perfect aesthetic.
Keep in mind that if you order tinto de verano at a bar, you might be getting a pre-bottled concoction that’s high in sugar and low in flavor. Still delicious, but not exactly what you might be expecting. If you want to taste the real thing, the best bet is probably to make it yourself!
The Best Tinto De Verano Recipe
Whether you’re hosting a party in Spain or trying to recreate the tranquil terraces of Spanish summers past, this tinto de verano recipe is exactly what you need. You can adapt it based on the ingredients you have available, and adjust the proportions to your liking. But whatever you do, sip it outside in the sun, the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.
Key Ingredients
Key Ingredients
Red wine - either our Mataro Durif or Grenache work perfectly here!
Lemon soda
Orange and lemon slices
Ice cubes.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
We keep this recipe pretty simple here in Spain, but there are a few things you can play around with!
- Red Wine: I recommend a young, fruity red wine. A Spanish garnacha (grenache), or a pinot noir would work well. Make sure the wine is drinkable on its own — otherwise you’ll be looking at a harsh hangover! That said, don’t use a super fancy wine for this, there is no need.
- Lemon Soda: If you can’t find lemon fanta, don’t worry. You can use a mix of lemonade and soda water. You can also make this using orange soda (some people in Spain prefer tinto de verano con naranja) or simply use some sparkling water and simple syrup.
- Citrus: The traditional fruit you’ll find in your tinto de verano is orange and lemon slices. If you want something more fruit-filled, try sangria.
- Vermouth: This is totally optional and not an ingredient in most places, but I love it! I recommend an ounce of vermouth per glass of tinto de verano.
Tinto De Verano: Step By Step
Making tinto de verano couldn’t be easier! Unlike sangria, it doesn’t have to be prepared in advance.
Steps 1-2:
Grab a large pitcher and add the ice and bottle of red wine. Then fill the rest with lemon soda, leaving a bit of space to add the citrus fruit.
Steps 3-4
Slice up some oranges, lemons, or both and add to the pitcher. Add the vermouth here if using (or you can add to the individual glasses later on). Give everything is slight stir (don’t mix too much or you’ll lose the carbonation). Serve immediately!
Recipe Tips & FAQs
What is the difference between sangria and tinto de verano?
Sangria and tinto de verano are both red wine based alcoholic drinks from Spain. However, traditional sangria includes a variety of fruits that are allowed to macerate in the wine. It also includes additional ingredients, such as brandy and sugar or simple syrup. It does not traditionally include a soft drink. Tinto de verano is much less complex, and is made of red wine, a soft drink, and ice.
When do you drink tinto de verano in Spain?
Tinto de verano translates to summer wine because it is a typical beverage in the warm weather. Many people drink tinto de verano throughout the day, for an aperitif or to accompany some tapas.
Such a simple and refreshing recipe.
Serving Suggestions
I love sipping a tinto de verano at lunchtime — it’s cold, refreshing, and not too boozy. It is the perfect pairing for an array of
Spanish tapas or delicious seafood paella
More Spanish Cocktail Recipes
If you love tinto de verano, don’t miss these refreshing Spanish cocktails!
- Traditional Sangria
- The classic Spanish sangria recipe. This fruity red wine sangria is perfection!
- Cava Sangria
- A Spanish sangria made with sparkling cava.
- Watermelon Sangria
- My favorite sangria includes the sweetness of ripe summer watermelon.
- Rose Wine Sangria: Sangria made with fruity rosé wine.
Recipe Credit:https://spanishsabores.com/best-spanish-tinto-de-verano-recipe/
