But this refreshing drink, a favorite on terraces and beach bars, can keep you company in any season. The best part? It takes seconds to make and brings you straight to the flavors of the Mediterranean summer.
What is tinto de verano and why is it so popular in Spain?
Tinto de verano is one of Spain’s most beloved and everyday drinks when the heat kicks in. The recipe is as simple as it is effective: red wine mixed with lemon soda or sparkling water, served ice-cold.
Its origins trace back to the south of the country, particularly in Andalusia, where it gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a refreshing way to lighten red wine during the scorching summer months.
Some attribute its invention to a local bar called “Venta de Vargas,” but its rise was swift and organic: it was inexpensive, easy to make and perfect for Spain’s extreme summer temperatures.
Often confused with sangría, tinto de verano has a distinct identity. While sangría involves a variety of ingredients — chopped fruits, liqueurs and sometimes spices — and is usually prepared in advance to allow the flavors to meld, tinto de verano is made to order, with no fuss.
This immediacy gives it a refreshing lightness, making it ideal for everyday or casual drinking.
It’s the go-to for those who want something cool and quick without giving up the taste of wine, which is why it’s often preferred over more elaborate concoctions in many Spanish bars.
Two ways to enjoy red wine: calimocho or tinto de verano?
Although tinto de verano and calimocho share the same base — red wine — they are drinks with very different personalities. Calimocho is made by mixing red wine with cola, giving it a sweeter, darker flavor with a slightly bitter edge.
Its origins are more closely tied to northern Spain, especially the Basque Country, and to younger, more festive settings. It gained popularity in the 1970s as an affordable and easy way to drink wine at large gatherings, concerts or popular festivals, where practicality and price were key.
Tinto de verano, on the other hand, is more associated with relaxation, leisure and casual outdoor meetups. It is mixed with lemon soda or sparkling water, resulting in a lighter, more refreshing drink, perfect for long lunches or sunny afternoons on a terrace.
How to make it: ingredients and variations
Tinto de verano is delightfully simple to prepare, and that may be part of its charm. The classic recipe starts with a straightforward mix: red wine and a fizzy drink. In Spain, it’s typically made with equal parts red wine and lemon soda or sparkling water.
While this basic version is the most popular, many people add a personal twist. A slice of lemon gives it a more refreshing touch, ice is essential to keep it chilled and some even add a splash of vermouth or a dash of orange juice for extra depth.
For those who prefer to avoid alcohol, there are also alternatives that preserve the spirit of tinto de verano. You can simply replace the wine with red grape juice or non-alcoholic grape must, mixed with soda or lemon soda. The result keeps the color, fizz and unmistakable summer vibe.
You can also buy it bottled in Spain, ready to drink.
Basic ingredients for tinto de verano
- 1 part red wine (preferably young and fruity)
- 1 part sparkling soda (lemon soda or sparkling water)
- Ice to taste
Optional additions
- Lemon slice
- A splash of fresh orange juice
Non-alcoholic alternative
- 1 part grape must or non-alcoholic red grape juice
- 1 part sparkling water or lemon soda
- Ice and lemon slice for garnish
More than a drink: a symbol of the spanish summer
In a country where life unfolds outdoors, tinto de verano has become an essential part of terrace culture and casual tapas gatherings. It’s common to see it in hand while people enjoy patatas bravas, a plate of jamón, olives or anchovies, chatting under the sun.
Tinto de verano is an informal declaration of the Spanish summer. Its presence in bars, terraces and family gatherings is almost mandatory during the warmer months. Whether you’re on the coast, in a rural village or in the heart of a bustling city, a glass of tinto de verano is enough to make summer feel like it’s officially begun.
Compared to more elaborate cocktails or stronger alcoholic drinks, Spaniards often prefer tinto de verano for its balance between simplicity and enjoyment. It embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle: savoring the moment without complications.
Like the siesta or tapas, this drink is part of a way of life that values social connection, relaxed pleasure and the beauty of simple things. It’s the Iberian summer in a glass — light, joyful and made for the sun.
Images: Xemenendura and Arkangel
