Tinto de Verano
Spain’s Favourite Summer Wine Drink
Imagine a warm summer afternoon in Moraira. You’re sitting on a sunny terrace, enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere, with a tall glass filled with ice, red wine, sparkling lemonade and a slice of lemon. That’s Tinto de Verano, one of Spain’s most popular summer drinks. It might remind you of sangria, but it’s much simpler to prepare. And perhaps that’s exactly what makes it so appealing.
After all, you only need two main ingredients to make a traditional Tinto de Verano.
What Is Tinto de Verano?
Tinto de Verano literally means summer red wine. This refreshing Spanish drink is traditionally made by mixing red wine with gaseosa, a lightly sweetened Spanish sparkling soft drink, or lemon-flavoured lemonade. Add plenty of ice and a slice of lemon, and it’s ready to enjoy.
In Spain, Tinto de Verano is especially popular during the warmer months. You’ll see people enjoying it at restaurants, on sunny terraces or at home with friends. It’s uncomplicated, refreshing and generally lower in alcohol than a glass of undiluted red wine. A little taste of the Spanish summer!
How to Make Tinto de Verano | The Easy Spanish Recipe
One of the nicest things about Tinto de Verano is how quickly you can prepare it.
Ingredients for Four Glasses
- 400 ml young, fruity red wine
- 400 ml Spanish gaseosa, such as La Casera, or lemon-flavoured lemonade
- Plenty of ice cubes
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Optional: a few orange slices
How to Prepare Tinto de Verano
- Fill four large glasses generously with ice.
- Pour 100 ml of chilled red wine into each glass.
- Add 100 ml of chilled gaseosa or lemon-flavoured lemonade.
- Stir gently and garnish with a slice of lemon.
And that’s it. Your homemade Tinto de Verano is ready!
Our tip: choose a young, fruity Spanish red wine, such as Tempranillo or Garnacha. There’s no need to use an expensive oak-aged wine.
Prefer a Less Sweet Version?
Use Spanish gaseosa instead of regular sweet lemonade. You can also mix sparkling water with a little fresh lemon juice for a drier alternative, although this isn’t the traditional recipe.
What’s the Difference Between Tinto de Verano and Sangria?
Although the two drinks look similar, there’s an important difference. Tinto de Verano is mainly a mixture of red wine and a sparkling soft drink. You prepare it directly in the glass and serve it immediately.
Sangria usually contains fresh fruit and may also include orange juice, brandy or other ingredients. It’s often prepared in advance to allow the flavours to develop. Tinto de Verano is therefore the quicker, simpler option for a warm summer afternoon. Fancy trying the fruitier alternative? Discover our traditional Spanish sangria recipe.
Where Can You Drink Tinto de Verano in Moraira?
You don’t need to make your own to enjoy this Spanish classic. Many cafés, bars and restaurants in Moraira serve Tinto de Verano, particularly during the summer. If you’d like the lemon-flavoured version, simply ask for:
“Un Tinto de Verano con limón, por favor.”
It’s lovely alongside a few olives, some Spanish tapas or a leisurely lunch overlooking the Mediterranean. Interested in Spanish food traditions? Read our guide to tapas in Spain and Moraira.
Discover More Traditional Spanish Drinks
Tinto de Verano isn’t the only refreshing drink you’ll come across during a holiday in Spain. If you’re planning a trip to Valencia, you might like to try Agua de Valencia, a famous cocktail made with fresh orange juice, cava, gin and vodka.
And have you heard of La Hora del Vermut? It’s the traditional Spanish custom of enjoying vermouth and a small snack with friends before lunch. All three are lovely examples of Spain’s relaxed social culture.
Enjoy the Spanish Summer in Moraira
For us, Tinto de Verano is one of those simple pleasures that perfectly captures the atmosphere of summer in Moraira. A sunny terrace, good company and no particular reason to hurry. Sometimes that’s all you need.
At Moraira Holiday Homes, we’ve been helping guests find their ideal holiday accommodation in Moraira and Benissa since 2004. Because we live locally, we love sharing our favourite places, Spanish traditions and little holiday discoveries.
Dreaming of your own Mediterranean getaway? Explore our holiday villas and apartments in Moraira and enjoy the Spanish summer for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tinto de Verano
What is Tinto de Verano?
Tinto de Verano is a popular Spanish summer drink made from red wine, gaseosa or lemon-flavoured lemonade, plenty of ice and usually a slice of lemon.
How do you make traditional Tinto de Verano?
Mix equal parts chilled red wine and Spanish gaseosa or lemon-flavoured lemonade. Add plenty of ice and garnish with a slice of lemon. It’s ready to serve immediately.
What is the difference between Tinto de Verano and sangria?
Tinto de Verano is a simple mixture of red wine and a sparkling soft drink. Sangria usually includes fresh fruit and sometimes additional ingredients such as orange juice or brandy.
What is the best red wine for Tinto de Verano?
A young, fruity red wine works best. Spanish varieties such as Tempranillo and Garnacha are excellent choices. There’s no need to use an expensive wine.
What is Spanish gaseosa?
Gaseosa is a lightly sweetened, carbonated Spanish soft drink. La Casera is one of the best-known brands and is commonly used to prepare Tinto de Verano.
How much alcohol is in Tinto de Verano?
It depends on the wine and the proportions used. If you mix equal parts red wine containing 12% alcohol and alcohol-free soda, the resulting drink contains approximately 6% alcohol before dilution from melting ice.
Can you make alcohol-free Tinto de Verano?
Yes. Simply replace the regular red wine with an alcohol-free red wine and mix it with gaseosa or lemon-flavoured lemonade. Add plenty of ice and a slice of lemon.
Where can you order Tinto de Verano in Moraira?
Tinto de Verano is available at many bars, cafés and restaurants in Moraira, especially during the warmer months. Availability may vary between establishments.
