
About this Spanish Wine Cocktail
When it gets hot in the summer, there’s nothing better than a cold, refreshing drink to cool you down. Enter the Tinto de Verano, a classic Spanish drink that’s easy to make and so satisfying. This simple yet delightful drink is a favorite in Spain during the warmer months, and it’s becoming more and more popular worldwide. I’d love to share my own twist on this beloved summer drink with you.
Origins of Tinto de Verano
Tinto de Verano, meaning “summer red wine,” comes from the sunny regions of Spain. This drink was created as a lighter, more refreshing option to sangria, another popular Spanish beverage. It became a go-to choice for locals looking for a simple and quick way to enjoy their red wine during the hot summer months. It is very easy to prepare and has the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
The traditional Tinto de Verano is incredibly straightforward and typically consists of just a few ingredients:
Red Wine: Choose a young, fruity red wine. Tempranillo is a popular choice.
Gaseosa: This mild lemon-lime soda is a staple in Spain. In other places, you can swap it out for Sprite or 7-Up.
Ice: You drink this cold.
Lemon Wedge: it is always good to give it a fancy finish.


Tinto de Verano Version
When I make my Tinto de Verano, I like to mix things up a bit. Instead of regular ice cubes, I use limeade ice cubes to give it a citrusy kick and keep it tasty as the ice melts. It keeps your res wine from watering down as if you use regular ice.
Red Wine: Again, a young, fruity red wine is ideal.
Limeade: You can make it homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer. You can use regular sugar or simple syrup.
Ice Cube Tray: To freeze the limeade.
Why this recipe works?
Using limeade ice cubes keeps your drink cold and infuses it with a consistent lime flavor as it melts. This method ensures that the last sip is just as refreshing as the first, with no dilution from regular ice. The combination of the fruity red wine and zesty limeade creates a perfectly balanced drink that’s sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.
Tinto de Verano with a Twist
Equipment
- Ice cube tray
Ingredients
- Red Wine
- Limeade
- lime slices to garnish
- lime or lemon soda optional
Instructions
- Prepare the limeade. Pour limeade into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. This usually takes a few hours, so preparing them in advance is best.
- Once frozen, fill your glass with the limeade ice cubes.
- Pour red wine over the limeade ice cubes until the glass is about halfway full or to your liking.
- OPTIONAL: Top with lemon-lime soda: Fill the rest of the glass with the soda, allowing it to mix naturally with the wine.
- For a final touch, add a slice of lime or lemon to the rim of the glass.
Notes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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