Tinto de Verano

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What Is Tinto de Verano?

Tinto de Verano, which translates to "summer red wine," is Spain's favorite warm-weather drink. It is a simple mix of red wine and sparkling lemon soda served over lots of ice with a slice of lemon. Light, fizzy, fruity and refreshing, it is often described as a quick, simplified version of Sangria. While tourists often order sangria in Spain, locals are far more likely to reach for a Tinto de Verano, especially on hot afternoons at a beachside chiringuito or a sunny plaza terrace.

It is low in alcohol, inexpensive and takes about thirty seconds to make, which is exactly why it is so beloved.

A Brief History of Tinto de Verano

Tinto de Verano is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in Córdoba, in southern Spain. The story credits Federico Vargas, owner of the Venta de Vargas, a popular inn and restaurant on the outskirts of the city. On scorching summer days, Vargas served his customers red wine mixed with lemon soda over ice to make it more refreshing. The drink was originally known simply as "un Vargas" after its creator. Over time it spread throughout Andalusia and then the rest of Spain, eventually becoming known by its descriptive name.

Today, Tinto de Verano is so popular in Spain that it is sold pre-mixed in bottles and cans in nearly every supermarket, and it is served on tap in many bars. You can read more about its background on Wikipedia's Tinto de Verano page.

Tinto de Verano vs. Sangria

Although both drinks combine red wine with something sweet, they are quite different. Sangria is a punch made in advance with wine, chopped fruit, sugar and often brandy or orange liqueur, and it is left to steep for hours. Tinto de Verano is made to order in seconds with just wine and soda, and it is lighter, fizzier and lower in alcohol. Think of Sangria as a party punch and Tinto de Verano as an everyday refresher. For more on Sangria's history, see Wikipedia's Sangria page.

Flavor Profile and What to Expect

A Tinto de Verano tastes bright, fruity and bubbly. The red wine provides juicy berry and cherry flavors with a soft tannic structure, while the lemon soda adds tangy citrus, light sweetness and refreshing fizz. Plenty of ice keeps everything cold and slightly dilutes the drink as you sip. The finish is crisp and clean. Because it is half soda, it has roughly half the alcohol of a glass of wine, making it ideal for long, lazy afternoons in the sun.

How to Make the Perfect Tinto de Verano

Fill a wine glass or tumbler with ice. Pour in four ounces of red wine and top with four ounces of cold lemon soda, then stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve. In Spain, the most traditional mixer is gaseosa, a lightly sweetened sparkling water, or a lemon-flavored soda such as La Casera. In the U.S., a lemon soda, sparkling lemonade or lemon-lime soda works well. Adjust the ratio to taste: more soda for a lighter drink, more wine for something richer.

Choosing the Right Wine

Just like the lighter drinks it resembles, Tinto de Verano does not call for an expensive bottle. A young, fruity, unoaked red is ideal. Spanish Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell are classic choices; read more about Spain's flagship grape on Wikipedia's Tempranillo page. Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and other light reds are also great options. Chill the wine slightly before mixing for an extra-refreshing drink.

Popular Variations

Tinto de Verano is easy to personalize. Add a splash of sweet vermouth for extra depth and a hint of spice, a popular trick in Spanish bars. Swap lemon soda for orange soda for a fruitier version, or use club soda for a drier, less sweet drink. Some people add fresh fruit such as orange slices, strawberries or peaches, which pushes it closer to Sangria. Using rosé instead of red wine creates a lovely pink summer spritzer. Mixing red wine with cola instead of lemon soda produces another Spanish favorite, the Kalimotxo. If you enjoy light, bubbly wine drinks, try our Sparkling Wine Spritzer or an Aperol Spritz.

How to Serve It

Serve Tinto de Verano in a tumbler, wine glass or tall glass with plenty of ice and a lemon slice. For gatherings, fill a large pitcher with ice, lemon slices and wine, and add the soda right before serving so it stays fizzy. Fresh mint makes a nice aromatic addition.

Food Pairings and Occasions

Tinto de Verano is a perfect partner for Spanish tapas: olives, Manchego cheese, jamón, patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, pimientos de Padrón and paella. It also pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, pizza and summer salads. Its low alcohol content makes it ideal for daytime drinking at picnics, pool parties, beach days and barbecues. For more ideas, try a Harvest Sangria in the fall, or browse our summer cocktails.

Why People Love Tinto de Verano

Tinto de Verano captures the relaxed spirit of a Spanish summer. It is simple, affordable, refreshing and endlessly adaptable, and it turns any ordinary bottle of red wine into a party-ready drink. With a charming origin story in Córdoba and a place in everyday Spanish life, it is a drink that is as much about lifestyle as it is about flavor. Pour one, find a sunny spot and enjoy it the Spanish way: slowly, with good company and good food.