Tinto de Verano recipe

🌟 Why this recipe works

Tinto de Verano translates loosely to “red wine of summer” in English. And while I love a good summer sangria, this Tinto de Verano recipe is also a keeper for so many reasons.

• Simple – It’s just two ingredients! Plus, a few extra optional ingredients if you’re feeling a little fancy.
• Easy – The steps to making this tinto de verano recipe are: pour, mix, enjoy. So easy!
• Refreshing – As a red wine drinker, I was skeptical about this Spanish drink. But trust me on this: it’s so refreshing, delicious, and full of flavor!
• Low alcohol content – This is a delicious low-alcohol red wine cocktail.

🍷 What is Tinto de Verano made of?

• Red wine – Opt for a fruity red wine. The best dry red wine for this cocktail is a red wine that you love to drink on its own. Go for a Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Rioja, or Garnacha.
• Lemon lime soda – A classic lemon lime soda works wonders in this cocktail, adding a bright, effervescent bubbly effect. If you are in Spain, use the Spanish lemon lime soda labeled La Casera. If you’re in the US or almost anywhere else in the world, you can use a Sprite or 7-Up.
• Ice – not really an ingredient, but if you’re using this list to gather your ingredients, make sure you have some ice on hand.

Optional:

• Citrus slices – I like to add a slice of lemon and/or slice of lime. I’ve also seen some people add an orange slice.
• Vermouth – some tinto de verano recipes call for a splash of sweet vermouth. I have had it both ways and honestly, I prefer mine without. But you do you!
• Lemon lime simple syrup – If you want, you can make your own simple syrup or add store-bought simple syrup. I find this cocktail doesn’t really need it, but it can add a silky smooth texture that softens the fizz.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

This tinto de verano recipe uses approximately a 1:1 ratio of red wine to lemon lime soda. The amounts for each ingredient listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post are enough to cover 6-8 Spanish cocktails poured into short cocktail glasses.

You will most likely have some red wine and/or some soda leftover after making 6 cocktails. The total quantity you can make depends on the size of the glasses you use.

1. Add ice to a glass.
2. Fill the glass almost halfway with red wine.
3. Top off the drink with lemon-lime soda. Stir.

Garnish with a lemon slice/lemon wedge or lime slice/lime wedge.

Enjoy immediately.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

🍽 Serving ideas

This is the perfect summer cocktail to serve at a Spanish tapas and pintxos party!

We threw a Spanish themed party recently and serve tinto de verano cocktails with:

• Gilda pintxos
• gambas al ajillo
• mini burger pintxos
• a charcuterie board of Spanish meats and cheeses
• caramelized onions and goat cheese pintxos
• salami and cheese pintxos
• simple fruit salad
• rosemary Marcona almonds
• bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat-cheese
• traditional Spanish omelette (tortilla de patatas).