Consisting of equal parts lemon soda and Spanish red table wine stirred together with lots of ice, Tinto de Verano (or "summer red") might sound like the recipe for a very strange cocktail indeed. But it's an absolutely brilliant pairing that turns out to be just perfect for hot summer days...easy to prepare while still deliciously, and dramatically, refreshing. When I was introduced to Tinto de Verano one steamy day in Seville, I was smitten at first sip. And luckily, this classic summer spritzer is a total cinch to recreate at home. All you need is a good bottle of Spanish red table wine, your favorite lemon flavored soda, and plenty of ice. Sometimes the best things in life truly are simple.

Tall glass of tinto de verano garnished with lemon slices.

Tinto de Verano pairs terrifically with a wide variety of dishes, but my favorite is a pan of chicken paella.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Top tip
Related
Pairing
📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Spanish red table wine
lemon flavored soda (Sanpellegrino Limonata works well)
ice
lemon slice (optional for garnish)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Ice cubes being dropped into a tall glass next to an ice cube tray with a light blue top.

First fill a tall glass with plenty of ice.

Pale yellow liquid being poured from a glass measuring cup into a tall glass of ice next to a can of lemon soda.

Then add the lemon soda.

Dark red liquid being poured from a glass measuring cup into a tall glass of pale yellow liquid and ice next to a bottle of red wine.

Next pour in the red wine.

Long steel spoon held over tall glass containing red wine, lemon soda, and ice next to a bottle of wine with a red label and a cork.

Give the mixture a quick stir.

Garnish with a fresh slice of lemon, if desired, and enjoy.

Hint: The particular Spanish red wine that you use here doesn't have to be expensive, but ultimately, the quality of your wine will certainly impact the overall character of your drink. In other words, be sure to select something that you would happily enjoy drinking on its own!

Top tip

If you would like to serve Tinto de Verano for a crowd or a party, this recipe can easily be scaled up to make a whole pitcher or a punchbowl. Just combine equal parts lemon soda and Spanish red table wine until reaching your desired volume. (For larger batches, it's a good idea to chill both the soda and wine in advance.)

Looking for more refreshing drink recipes? Try these: