Skip Sangria, Tinto De Verano Is The Real Spanish Taste of Summer

Tinto de Verano

Everything You Need to Know About Tinto De Verano

Tinto de Verano, literally "red wine of summer," is a beloved and refreshingly simple wine-based cocktail from Spain. It's often considered the everyday, less-fuss alternative to Sangria, especially popular among locals. Its invention is attributed to the early 20th century at Venta de Vargas in Córdoba, Andalusia, where it was initially called "un Vargas" and combined red wine with a local sweet soda. It's a quintessential warm-weather drink, designed for easy sipping.

Tinto de Verano

Prep Time2 min
Yield1 Cocktail
Base SpiritWine

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Red Wine
  • 4 oz Lemon-Flavored Soda
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon or Orange Slice, for garnish
Skip Sangria, Tinto De Verano Is The Real Spanish Taste of Summer

Instructions

  1. Fill a highball or wine glass generously with ice cubes.
  2. Pour wine over ice and top with soda.
  3. Gently stir to combine.
  4. Garnish with a fresh slice of lemon or orange.
Pro Tip
The traditional Spanish "gaseosa" is less sweet than many international lemon-lime sodas, so if using the latter, you might adjust ratios or add a splash of soda water to temper the sweetness

Tinto de Verano Riff

Some variations include adding a splash of sweet vermouth (vermut rojo) for added depth and complexity. Others might use orange soda (Fanta Naranja) instead of lemon.