The Best Spanish Tinto de Verano Recipe - Spanish Summer Wine (2024)

Published: Aug 17, 2023 by Melissa Haun · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Tinto de verano is a refreshing combination of red wine and lemon soda. This fizzy mixture is the summer drink of choice for locals in Spain, who often choose it over sangria. You'll love sipping this quick, simple drink in the sun this summer!

If you're looking for more co*cktails, be sure to try my recipes for tea thyme co*cktail and this wonderful white sangria.

Introduction

With spring's arrival in Madrid, it's that time of year to sit on a sunny terrace and sip a tall glass of tinto de verano.

The first time I tried this amazing drink was on a seaside terrace in Barcelona with friends. We ordered a pitcher to share...and then another...and then one more! Let's just say it was love at first sip.

Tinto de verano may taste like nothing more than a slightly alcoholic fruit punch, but after several glasses, you'll need an afternoon siesta to sleep off the buzz!

Fortunately, this simple drink is easily adaptable to your ingredients and taste. Make sure to sip it outside in the sun, which is the way it's meant to be enjoyed. Unlike sangria, it doesn't have to be prepared in advance!

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, such as lemon Fanta. This sweet, lemony, fizzy drink is absolutely delicious with an optional splash of vermouth, and is beautiful when garnished with fresh citrus slices.

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. Many places make it fresh, but there's a good chance that it may be pre-bottled Don Simon. If you want to taste the real thing, the best bet is to make it yourself!

Ingredients

Excited to mix up a pitcher of tinto verano? Here's the key ingredients you need to make this refreshing Spanish drink!

• Red Wine: I recommend a young, fruity red wine, such as Spanish garnacha (grenache) or pinot noir. Make sure the wine is drinkable on its own to reduce the chance of a hangover, but don't choose a fancy wine with complex flavors, either.
• Lemon Soda: The traditional choice in Spain is lemon Fanta (Fanta Limón).
• Citrus Slices: This drink is garnished with a beautiful mixture of orange and lemon slices.
• Vermouth: Traditional recipes don't contain this ingredient, but I love the extra flavor it brings. I recommend an ounce of vermouth per glass of tinto de verano.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions

• Lemon Soda: If you can't find lemon Fanta, 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.
• Fruit: The only fruit added to tinto verano is orange and lemon slices. If you want something more fruit-filled, try this traditional sangria recipe.

How to Make

If you’d like to see the full ingredients and instructions, scroll to the bottom of the post for the printable recipe card.

1. Grab a large pitcher and add the red wine.
2. Fill the pitcher the rest of the way with lemon soda, leaving a bit of space to add the citrus fruit.

3. Add the sliced lemons and/or oranges to the pitcher, along with the vermouth (if using). Alternatively, you can add the vermouth to individual glasses later on.
4. Give it a gentle stir. Don't mix too much, or you'll lose the carbonation. Serve over ice and enjoy immediately!

Recipe FAQs

Serve

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.

Store

Make Ahead: Chill the red wine, lemon soda, and vermouth (if using), and slice the lemons and oranges for the garnish. Refrigerate all the ingredients separately until you're ready to assemble and serve the drink.

Leftovers: It's best to enjoy this tinto de verano right after mixing it up, or you'll lose all the carbonation from the lemon soda.

Expert Tips

• Choose a young, fruity red wine that's drinkable on its own to prevent a bad hangover. Spanish garnacha (grenache) or pinot noir would work well. However, don't use a wine with complex flavor notes; it's not needed.
• Can't find lemon Fanta? Use a mixture of lemonade and soda water, simple syrup and soda water, or swap it out for orange soda.
• 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.

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Photography byGiulia Verdinelli