Tinto de Verano Drink Recipe

Bring a little taste of Spain to your summer days and mix up some tinto de verano! This delicious summer sip is so easy to make and will soon top sangria on your list of go-to summer drinks.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a Europhile. The European culture, customs, and ways of living just enchant me!

After many absolutely dreamy trips to various European countries, I love bringing back my favorite finds and incorporating them into my everyday here in the states. One such find? Tinto de verano.

Psst — before you dive in for the recipe, be sure to sign up below for my VIP group where I’ll send more of my best cocktails, DIYs, and family ideas straight to ya!

What is Tinto de Verano?

Tinto de verano translates to “summer red wine.” And the name says it all!

During the summer months, when red wine feels too robust or heavy, making it into tinto de verano is the perfect fizzy alternative.

In fact, word on the street in Spain is that while all of the tourists are ordering sangria, you’ll find the locals quietly sipping tinto de verano on a sunny terrace. Tell me that doesn’t sound absolutely lovely!

Tinto de verano is a simple mix of red wine and citrus soda, which results in a bright, sparkly beverage with the grounding presence of a lovely red. Perfect for a sunny afternoon!

Summer Drinks To Add To your Rotation

I can’t recommend a tinto de verano enough for an afternoon in the backyard or a get together with your besties!

But if you want to add a few more of our most popular drinks to your rotation, I wouldn’t blame you.

Be sure to bookmark or pin your favorites so you can find them again easily.

• Spaghett Cocktail (The New Aperol Spritz!)
• Tequila Sparkler Cocktail
• Rose Cordial Cocktail
• Spiked Watermelon Rosemary Punch
• Basil Gimlet Cocktail
• Gin and Ginger Ale Cocktail

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients are so simple I’ll bet you have them in your cabinets or refrigerator already!

Part of the charm of this summer drink is that it’s so easy to make, and nearly impossible to get it wrong.

Red Wine. If you can get your hands on a Spanish red, perfect! A garnacha (grenache) or a pinot noir make for a lovely tinto de verano. However, don’t get too precious about the wine you choose for this one! Something mid-range that you know you enjoy will work just fine.

Citrus Soda. In Spain, the mixer of choice is Lemon Fanta. But it’s pretty tough here in the States to get your hands on that particular soda, so I love to use San Pellegrino Limonata.

Ice. I love tinto de verano poured over some crunchy crushed ice.

Lemon. A lemon slice garnish adds a freshness to the drink that brings it all together!

Substitutions for the Tinto De verano REcipe

If you aren’t a fan of the San Pellegrino Limonata, try another citrusy soda!

Sprite and 7UP are popular substitutions. You could also create a 50/50 mix of lemonade and club soda.

Alternatively, you can make your own lemon soda recipe (this one is lovely) for a tinto de verano from scratch.

And finally, some folks like to add a splash of vermouth to the mix to add some depth. If you choose to try it, be sure to use a sweet vermouth (also called rosso), as opposed to a dry vermouth.

How to Make Tinto De Verano

It doesn’t get any easier! I like to make tinto de verano by eyeballing it, but you can certainly measure if you like.

1. Fill a glass with crushed ice.
2. Pour red wine to about the halfway point.
3. Fill the glass with lemon soda.
4. Add a lemon garnish and enjoy!

I hope you love this new addition to your summer cocktail hour! xoxo

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