Tinto de Verano Recipe

This refreshing Tinto de Verano cocktail will transport you to sunny Spain with just two simple ingredients. Delightfully bubbly and bursting with vibrant flavors, this drink is perfect for summertime sipping with friends.

The Spanish name “Tinto de Verano” basically means “red wine of summer.” It’s a simple wine cocktail that’s served all over Spain, especially on a hot summer day. I haven’t spent enough time in Spain, but I’m planning to go back next year. Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca were amazing, but there is so much more to see!

This delicious cocktail has similar flavors but is a simpler version of sangria with less alcohol. Think of it as a type of wine spritzer. It’s the perfect, refreshing sipper for chilling out by the pool or watching the sunset at the beach.

With this easy recipe, you don’t have to wait until your next trip to Spain to enjoy it. Creating your own Tinto de Verano at home is a breeze. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this tasty beverage in minutes. It’s as easy as pouring red wine and lime soda over ice and garnishing it with your favorite fresh fruits.

Of course, it’s always best to serve them with some small bites. This Black Olive Tapenade with Feta or a Brie Charcuterie Board pairs perfectly with this Spanish wine cocktail.

Key Ingredients

• Red wine: Use your favorite red wine
• Citrus soda: You can use lime soda like 7-Up, Sprite or even lemon soda like Lemon Fanta (Fanta Limón)
• Fresh fruit for garnish: We used orange slices and fresh raspberries
• Ice

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post to see the full instructions.

Variations of This Tinto de Verano Recipe

Wine: Save that expensive bottle of red wine for another occasion. You can use an inexpensive bottle of merlot, pinot noir, or any type of Spanish red table wine. Most any type of sweet or dry wine will work.

Soda: Traditional Spanish Tinto de Verano uses citrusy soda, but if you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can use club soda or soda water instead. For a slightly sweeter and different flavor, you can use orange soda.

Fruit: Garnish each glass of Tinto de Verano with other citrus fruits, like lime or lemon slices.

How To Make It

Step 1. Fill two wine glasses with ice cubes.

Step 2. In each glass, pour 1/2 cup of red wine.

Step 3. Add 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda to each glass.

Step 4. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.

Step 5. If desired, add a few raspberries, a slice of lemon or orange, or other fruits to each wine glass for garnish.

Step 6. Allow the glasses to sit in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to chill.

Step 7. Serve the Tinto de Verano chilled.

Top Tips

• We used equal parts of wine and soda. You can adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a lighter and less alcoholic version, increase the amount of soda and use a little less wine.

• If you prefer a sweeter Tinto de Verano, you can add a sweetener like simple syrup or honey to the mixture. Adjust the amount to taste.

• Feel free to experiment with other alcohol add-ins, like a splash of sweet vermouth or a little triple sec.

• For a more festive presentation, you can rim the glasses with sugar or salt before adding the ice and drink mixture.

• Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint to each glass for extra aroma and flavor. You can also try adding slices of cucumber, watermelon, or even a few basil leaves for a unique twist. For an added pop of color and fruity flavor, drop strawberries and blueberries into the bottom of each glass.

• To keep your drink from getting watered down, you can use frozen berries instead of ice cubes to chill the drink.

FAQs:

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