Tinto de Verano: The Spanish Drink You've Got to Try This Weekend

What is Tinto de Verano?

The Spanish summer drink that's on everyone's lips, tinto de verano is the cocktail of the season.

Dating back to the 20th century, its name literally translates to 'red wine of summer', so it's pretty obvious that it was made to be enjoyed on a sunny terrace with a table of tapas. 

The drink's inventor, was Federico Vargas, who had a restaurant near Córdoba in Spain - a sultry and exceptionally hot place. On a mission to quench the thirst of his customers, Vargas combined Spanish red wine with a light, lemony soda known as gaseosa. Although various ingredients have been added since, that was the original mix, and was usually served over ice.

Singers and dancers from all over Andalusia would frequently eat and drink at the restaurant during their tours, and before long, the drink was a favourite in regions all over Spain.

Is Tinto de Verano Having a Renaissance?

Well, when Spain experienced its tourist boom in the 1960s, tinto de verano gained a second lease of life. It became known as the "tourist tipple" due to the fact it was easy to make, readily available in bars, had a low alcohol content, and super cheap.

Most importantly it was super refreshing, so tinto de verano became a popular choice for day drinking and tapas crawls. 

These days, it's seen as a cultural phenomenon as it embodies the essence of Spanish life, as really is seen as the country's iconic summer drink. It's now popular within the modern craft cocktail movement and is gaining internet fame via social media and reputable culinary websites, being praised for its cheap yet refreshingly zesty vibes.

Why not enjoy a glass and pretend you're on an Andalucian beach?

Just follow our recipe below. 

How to Make Tinto de Verano

The modern day version of the drink includes vermouth, citrus fruit, and mint leaves. The perfect summer combination!

Ingredients (for 1 drink):

• Ice cubes
• 2 oz. red wine (young and fruity works best)
• 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth 
• 4 oz. lemon soda
• 1 orange (sliced into wedges, a lemon or a lime can also be used)
  
• Mint leaves (optional)
• 1 cocktail shaker 

Instructions:

1. Add the ice cubes, wine, and vermouth to the cocktail shaker.
2. Cover and shake, then strain into an ice-filled wine glass.
3. Top with the soda, mix in the mint leaves, and stir gently.
4. Serve with a wedge of orange (or lemon/lime).
5. Enjoy!