Traveling is always a great source of inspiration when it comes to food and drinks. This year, my trip to Spain left me with a new obsession: tinto de verano, which literally means "summer red wine." This refreshing drink is perfect for the warm season and is served in many bars and restaurants all over Spain, practically at all hours of the day.

What is Tinto de Verano?

During my vacation in the scorching heat of Andalusia, I discovered tinto de verano and was immediately fascinated by it. Unlike sangria, which can be heavier, tinto de verano is incredibly refreshing and just the right amount of alcoholic. But be careful: don't confuse tinto de verano with sangria! While sangria is a more complex drink with a variety of ingredients, tinto de verano is much simpler and quicker to prepare.

Tinto de verano is made with equal parts of red wine and "gaseosa." Gaseosa is a lemon-flavored, lightly sweetened fizzy drink, similar to our soda but not quite the same. Once you pour the two ingredients into a glass, you add ice and a slice of lemon. Simple, right?

Variations and Tips for Preparation

If you want to make your tinto de verano a bit stronger, you can add a splash of rum or red vermouth. Personally, I recommend this version for an evening drink rather than a sunny afternoon. Also, instead of looking for a pre-packaged version at the supermarket, I find it much more fun to prepare it at home and tweak the recipe to your liking. For example, in Cordoba, I tried a version with lemon granita instead of gaseosa, and it was a revelation!

If you don’t have gaseosa at hand, don’t worry. You can create a homemade version by mixing soda and sparkling water: this way, you reduce the sugar and excess fizz, making a drink closer to the original. The proportions of the recipe can be easily adjusted to taste, depending on the final result you want.

Which Wine to Choose for Tinto de Verano?

Choosing the right wine is crucial for a good tinto de verano. Not all wines are suitable: a red wine that is too strong or has a bold flavor can overpower the other ingredients in the cocktail. The ideal choice is a light and aromatic red wine. For example, a Tempranillo is an excellent choice to keep it authentically Spanish. If you prefer using an Italian wine, a Lambrusco could be a great alternative, but be careful to choose a variety that is not too sparkling to avoid overwhelming the drink.

The Unexpected Variant: Kalimotxo

During my stay in Bilbao, I discovered another interesting wine-based variant: kalimotxo. This Basque drink might surprise many Italians with its unusual mix, but it's worth trying at least once. Kalimotxo is simply red wine mixed with Coca-Cola. Yes, you read that right! And surprisingly, it is very popular in the Basque region as an inexpensive and refreshing summer option.

Perfect Pairings for Tinto de Verano

Once we have prepared our homemade tinto de verano, to make the perfect aperitif, we also need to choose some snacks or tapas to pair with it, to stay true to the Spanish tradition. A classic choice is olives: the larger and meatier varieties are ideal. Other tasty suggestions include a vegetable couscous, a sardine on bread with sun-dried tomatoes, or tzatziki sauce with raw vegetables to munch on. Even tartines with olive pâté are a great choice.

Conclusion: Bring Spain to Your Home

Making tinto de verano at home is a fantastic way to relive the flavors of the Spanish summer and to bring some of that magic directly into your living room. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different variants and ingredients, tinto de verano is a versatile and easy-to-make option that will surely win over you and your guests. And remember, like any traditional drink or dish, what really matters is the pleasure of sharing it in good company, perhaps recalling the carefree moments spent under the Spanish sun.

Have fun and... ¡Salud!