Bold and refreshing, the Tinto de Verano brings you to the south of Spain in style.
You’re living a fantasy, the greatest dream you could possibly imagine. The south of Spain is all around you. The rustic seaside village you’ve wandered into is caressed by the cool breeze blowing off the coastal waters. The sun is still hot, blazing high up in the bright blue sky.
The dryness of your throat cannot be ignored. You need something cold. Water would do fine, but you begin to imagine bubbly, citrusy flavors and your thirst deepens. No mere liquid will do. You require colorful delights of the tongue, and explosions of fizzy, lemon-infused gusto to tame the silent screams of your heat-induced cravings.
What you need was invented in this beautiful landscape. In the early 20th century, in Córdoba, Spain, Federico Vargas crafted a cocktail that helped his guests at his Venta Vargas establishment beat the sometimes overwhelming heat. Mixing red table wine and traditional lemon soda, or gaseosa, the drink originally known as “un Vargas” is a simpler, less commercially familiar alternative to sangria.
Over time, un Vargas took on the name Tinto de Verano, which translates to “red wine of summer”. During these hotter months of the year, this sweet and robust cocktail helps you beat the heat, while also providing effervescent refreshing lemon flavors and the familiar, friendly bite of a lush and not-too-dark wine.
Have a few glasses of this seasonal Spanish favorite as you watch the sunset. From anywhere you are in the world, this cocktail will instantly transport you to magical seaside vistas.
What is the Best Wine to Use in a Tinto de Verano?
You’ll want to go with a lighter, fruitier variety of wine when mixing up a Tinto de Verano. For something more traditional, using a Spanish grenache does the job nicely, but if you don’t have any on hand a simple pinot noir will do too. Don’t pick something too robust or heavy, as you’ll want this cocktail to be a lighter sipper, especially during the summer months.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces red wine chilled
- 4 ounces lemon-lime soda chilled
- Lemon wheel for garnish, optional
- Orange wheel for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass or stemless wine glass with ice cubes to keep your drink cool.
- Pour the chilled red wine over the ice.
- Add the chilled lemon-lime soda to the glass with the wine.
- Gently stir the mixture to combine the wine and soda without losing the fizz.
- If desired, garnish with a wheel of lemon or orange for a citrusy aroma and a pop of color.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer in Spain.
Nutrition
What kind of glassware and garnish is used?
You can use a highball or stemless wine glass, filled with ice and garnished with a slice of lemon.
Is the Tinto de Verano a spritzer?
This cocktail can be considered a spritzer, as they usually involve a base alcohol and a carbonated mixer, often a style of soda or sparkling wine.
Similar Drinks to the Tinto de Verano
When the day is at its hottest, you’ll need a simple and easy-to-mix cocktail to keep you cool. The Tinto de Verano does the job, but if you’re seeking out more of these spritzer-styled beverages, look no further than Twist & Toast. Our recipes will keep your days chilled and nights relaxed and easy. Try some of these out this weekend and find a new favorite.
- White Wine Spritzer – Bright and refreshing, the White Wine Spritzer will lift your mood with its lighter and bubbly flavors.
- Campari Spritz – Bright red, bold and with a beautifully bitter bite, this fizzy treat is a satisfying one.
- Americano – Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda combine for a delightful afternoon tipple.
- Aperol Spritz – A lighter, less bitter alternative to Campari, and a great poolside potion.
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