Tinto de Verano

Tinto de Verano is a popular and unassuming drink from Spain, especially beloved during the hot summer months. It consists of just two main ingredients: red wine and a fizzy, slightly sweet lemon soda known as 'gaseosa'. It's generally lighter, less alcoholic, and much quicker to prepare than its more famous cousin, sangria. This makes it the go-to choice for casual sipping at cafes, tapas bars, and homes throughout Spain.
Tinto de Verano

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is a classic wine cocktail, often classified as a spritzer due to its mix of wine and a carbonated beverage. It is quintessentially a summer drink, perfect for warm weather and casual occasions. Its simplicity places it in a category of easy-to-make, refreshing highballs.

Serving

This is a light, cold, and tall drink served over plenty of ice in a highball or large wine glass. Its low alcohol content makes it suitable for day-drinking.
Serving size
Approximately 250-350 ml / 8-12 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 5-7% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While sangria is more famous internationally, Tinto de Verano is arguably the more consumed summer drink within Spain itself. It is said to have originated in the early 20th century in Córdoba, Andalusia, at the Venta de Vargas. The owner, Federico Vargas, began mixing red wine with soda to create a cooler, more refreshing drink for his patrons, naming it "Tinto de Verano" or "Red Wine of Summer."
Origin
Spain, specifically the Andalusia region, around the early 20th century. It became widely popular throughout the country by the mid-century.

Tinto de Verano

"Tinto de Verano" is Spanish for "Red Wine of Summer," a name that perfectly encapsulates its purpose. It's sometimes simply referred to as a red wine spritzer, especially outside of Spain. The name is straightforward and widely understood in its country of origin.
Original name
Tinto de Verano
Alternative names
  • Summer Red Wine
  • Red Wine Spritzer

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a bright, fruity flavor profile dominated by red wine and lemon, with a refreshing fizziness and a clean finish. Its light body and ruby-red appearance make it an inviting summer beverage.
Flavor
Fruity, Citrusy, Light, Refreshing, Sweet
Aroma
Red berries, Lemon, Sweet citrus
Taste balance
Sweet, Slightly tart
Aftertaste
Clean, Short, Crisp
Fizziness
Bubbly, Effervescent, Lightly carbonated
Color appearance
Ruby red, Translucent, Bright
Texture
Light-bodied, Thin, Watery
Seasonality
Very refreshing, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is moderately sweet and distinctly fruity with a pleasant fizziness and a very subtle alcohol note. Its flavor is bright and straightforward, designed for easy refreshment rather than complexity.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

  • Red Wine120 ml / 4 oz
    A young, fruity, low-tannin red wine like Spanish Tempranillo, Garnacha, or a French Gamay works best.
  • Lemon-Lime Soda120 ml / 4 oz
    Traditionally made with 'gaseosa' or 'Casera'. A good substitute is Sprite, 7-Up, or a similar lemon-lime soda.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is required, as the drink is built directly in the serving glass. A long spoon can be useful for a gentle stir to combine the ingredients without losing fizz.
  • Highball glass for building and serving
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

This drink is incredibly easy to make by simply building it in the glass. Fill a glass with ice, add equal parts red wine and soda, stir gently, and garnish with lemon.
1. Fill a highball glass or a large wine glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the red wine, filling the glass about halfway.
3. Top up the glass with the chilled lemon-lime soda.
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice or wheel before serving.

Garnishing

A simple slice or wheel of fresh lemon is the quintessential garnish. It adds a bright citrus aroma and enhances the drink's refreshing character.
  • Lemon slice or wheel, placed inside the drink or on the rim

Dietary Information

This drink is free of most common allergens, including dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. However, it is typically not vegan, as many wines use animal-derived fining agents in their production process.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie alcoholic beverage, with most of its calories, carbohydrates, and sugar content coming from the soda and the wine.
Calories
Averagely 120-160 kcal / 502-670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Ideal for any warm-weather occasion, this drink is perfect for casual social gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. It serves as a wonderfully light afternoon refresher or a simple aperitif before a meal.
  • Summer Party
  • Casual Drinking
  • Afternoon Drink
  • Barbecue
  • Beachside Sipping

Pairing suggestions

Tinto de Verano is a fantastic companion to Spanish cuisine, especially tapas like patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and cured meats. Its refreshing nature cuts through the richness of fried foods and complements grilled fish and paella beautifully. It's also perfect with simple, salty snacks like olives and Marcona almonds.
  • Tapas
  • Olives and Nuts
  • Grilled Seafood
  • Paella
  • Light Salads

Tinto de Verano: The Refreshing Spirit of a Spanish Summer

Tinto de Verano is the quintessential Spanish summer cooler, a simple yet delicious mix of red wine and lemon soda. It is less complex and boozy than its cousin, sangria, making it an incredibly refreshing and easy-drinking choice for hot days. Perfect for casual gatherings, it embodies the relaxed spirit of a Spanish afternoon. Its bright, fruity, and fizzy character makes it a crowd-pleaser that is effortless to prepare and enjoy.

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Sangria

A more elaborate wine punch made with red wine, chopped fresh fruits, a sweetener, and often brandy or another spirit.

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