People assume that if you want a red wine drink in Spain, you order sangria, but on a hot afternoon most Spaniards drink tinto de verano instead, which translates simply to summer red wine. It takes one minute and needs no fruit chopping, which makes it far easier than traditional or white sangria (recipe on the site).
The whole drink is just two things, inexpensive young red wine and lemon soda, poured over ice. That is genuinely it. Sangria is the party drink, the one you make a day ahead and fuss over with fruit and brandy. Tinto de verano is the Tuesday drink, the one you throw together while the chouriço is on the grill and nobody is going to judge you for using the cheap wine, in fact you are supposed to.
It is the perfect drink for a summer grill with febras or espetada (recipe on the site). If you cannot find Fanta Limón, which is the classic choice, a lemon-lime soda with a splash of fresh lemon juice gets very close.
Tinto de Verano Recipe
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1/2 cup inexpensive young red wine (a fruity Spanish red like a joven Rioja or Garnacha is traditional)
- 1/2 cup lemon soda (Fanta Limón is classic; or lemon-lime soda plus a splash of fresh lemon juice)
- Orange or lemon slice, for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour in the red wine, then top with the lemon soda. Do not stir vigorously, a gentle stir is enough to combine.
- Garnish with an orange or lemon slice and a sprig of mint if you like, and serve right away while it is cold and fizzy.
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