Tinto de Verano Recipe

I love a good glass of red wine, but I tend to go for a refreshing cocktail on a sweltering summer day. So, I am a massive fan of the refreshing Tinto de Verano, a bubbly, ruby-hued mixture of red wine and citrusy soda served over ice! It's an easy red wine spritzer for the hot summer months.

You're sure to enjoy this refreshing and bubbly Hugo Spritz, Strawberry Bellini, Blackberry Bourbon Smash, or Strawberry Elderflower Gin Fizz for your next summer party. This Aperol Spritz or Blueberry Bourbon Smash is perfect for sipping on a sunny patio!

Another festive drink with red wine you'll love, especially over the winter holidays, is this warm and cozy Vin Chaud. If you are looking for an alcohol-free choice, try this Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail or Blue Lagoon Mocktail to take you to the tropics.

To make the best Tinto de Verano, the three traditional ingredients are red wine, lemon soda, and ice, with equal parts of wine and soda.

• Red wine: I use a vibrant red blend from California, Rebellious Red Blend, in this Tinto de Verano recipe. Rebellious Pinot Noir is a great choice as well. This wine is perfect because it is a young red wine -  slightly fruity and not too tannic for this red wine spritzer. This Red Blend bursts with flavors that pair well with grilled food, vegetables, and tapas. Find Rebellious Wine near you.
• Ice - use plenty of ice.
• Soda - I used a bubbly Italian lemon sparkling soda - I recommend any high-quality Italian or Sicilian lemon sparkling soda.

A complete ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Variations

Here are some different ways to enjoy this delicious summer red wine spritzer:

• Herbal - If you prefer a Tinto de Verano that leans a bit more herbal and rounder, add a splash of sweet vermouth. A touch of vermouth (vermut in Spanish) is added to a Tinto de Verano in some regions of Spain.
• Lemon soda - Use any citrus soda or lemon-lime sodas you like. If they're too sweet, add soda water. Or make lemon soda by mixing a squeeze of lemon juice, a bar spoonful of simple syrup, and sparkling water.
• Fruit - Garnish with any fresh fruit or citrus fruit you like, such as orange slices, lime slices, or lemon slices.
• Mocktail - To make this drink an alcohol-free mocktail, swap the red wine for cherry juice, grape juice, cranberry juice, or pomegranate juice; add a squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice. Or try this refreshing Watermelon Water or Blue Mocktail.
• Stronger or weaker cocktail - Adjust the ratio of wine and soda to suit your taste. The proportions will change depending on taste (more or less wine). If the cocktail is too sweet or to add more bubbles, add club soda or sparkling mineral water.

How To Make Tinto de Verano

Let us show you how easy it is to mix this signature summer sip! The best part is that with a couple of ingredients (not including ice), you can make this perfect Spanish summer cocktail!

1. Step 1: Place ice cubes in a glass.
2. Step 2: Add Rebellious Red Blend or the red wine of your choice.
3. Step 3: Then add lemon soda.
4. Step 4: Add Rebellious Red Blend or the red wine of your choice.

How To Serve Tinto de Verano

Serve your Tinto de Verano over ice in a stemless wine glass, a small highball, a larger lowball, or a tumbler, and allow friends to pour their drink according to their tastes. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Tinto de Verano is perfect for a summer afternoon of relaxation. Whether you want to savor it on your terrace or enjoy it outdoors with friends and family, let this red wine spritzer be your go-to choice for those hot summer days that require a refreshing boost. 

I hope you try making this classic Spanish drink. Let's toast to days filled with sunshine, good food, family, and friends!