Tinto de Verano: Spain's Perfect Summer Drink

While tourists in Spain order sangria, locals drink something better and infinitely simpler: tinto de verano.

Tinto de verano literally translates to “summer red wine” - red wine mixed with lemon soda. That’s it. No chopped fruit, no brandy, no sugar. Just wine, lemon soda, and maybe a lemon slice.

The lemon soda adds just enough sweetness and fizz to make any red wine refreshing on a hot day, and you can actually taste the wine you’re drinking.

The Recipe

Spanish bartenders make this by feel, but here’s what works:

Ingredients

• 4-6 oz red wine (anything from Tempranillo to grocery store house wine, but the dryer the better)
• 2-4 oz lemon soda (Sprite, 7-Up, or Spanish Casera if you can find it)
• Splash of sweet vermouth
• Ice
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a glass with ice. self explanatory

2. Add the wine. Pour in your red wine and vermouth first. I usually go with about 2/3 wine to 1/3 soda, but adjust to your taste.

3. Top with lemon soda. Add the soda slowly so it doesn’t foam up everywhere.

4. Garnish and serve. Drop in a lemon wedge, give it a gentle stir, and you’re done.