Authentic Tinto de Verano (Spanish Summer Wine)

Before you reach for sangria this summer, let me introduce you to Spain’s real warm-weather drink. If you’re planning a tapas night, a lazy Sunday lunch, or just want something refreshing for the heat, this tinto de verano recipe will become your go-to. It’s simple, crisp, and exactly what the locals drink when the sun is blazing.

What Is Tinto de Verano?

Tinto de verano is a simple and refreshing Spanish summer drink made with equal parts red wine and lemon soda, served over ice. It’s popular across Spain as a lighter, low-alcohol alternative to sangria, and it takes just minutes to make. Locals enjoy it at beach bars (chiringuitos), tapas spots, and backyard barbecues all summer long.

Tinto de Verano vs Sangria: What’s the Difference?

Tinto de Verano: Spain’s Real MVP

I’ve lived in Spain for over 10 years now, and one thing’s become very clear: if you’re sipping sangria, you’re probably a tourist. 😅

Locals keep it simple with tinto de verano. Just red wine and soda over ice. It’s not fancy, it’s not fussy and that’s exactly the point.

Tinto de Verano is what everyone orders at the chiringuitos (beach bars) and tapas joints when the summer heat kicks in. It’s light, refreshing, and takes all of two minutes to make. Way less sweet and boozy than sangria, which means you can sip it slow without falling asleep at the table… lol.

Think of it as the Spanish version of a wine spritzer, but better.

With this authentic tinto de verano recipe, you can bring a little bit of that magic home. I make this all summer long. Once you try it, I think you will too.

What you’ll need

It almost feels like a stretch to call this a recipe – because with just two ingredients, it’s as easy as it gets, but here are the ingredients you’ll need to make your tinto de verano.

• Red wine – Something young and fruity like a Spanish tempranillo
• Soda – Traditionally, Spaniards use gaseosa, a lightly sweetened, low-alcohol soda water with a hint of lemon. If you can’t find it, use:
  • Fanta Limón (for a sweeter citrusy twist)
  • Fanta Naranja (adds a mild orange flavor)
  • Sprite in a pinch (slightly sweeter and fizzier, but still works)
• Ice – Enough to fill your glass
• Lemon & orange slices – Optional, but they make it pretty and add a nice aroma

How to Make Tinto de Verano

1. Fill a glass with ice
2. Add red wine until the glass is about halfway full
3. Top with lemon soda – roughly a 1:1 ratio with the wine, but feel free to adjust to taste
4. Garnish with lemon or orange slices – optional, but lovely
5. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy immediately. Salud!

That’s it. No steeping overnight. No complicated measurements. Just pure, cold refreshment.

FAQs About Tinto de Verano

Can I use any red wine?
You can, but keep it simple. A young, fruity Spanish red like tempranillo is perfect. No need to splurge, this isn’t the place for aged Rioja.

What exactly is gaseosa?
Gaseosa is a mildly sweet, slightly citrusy soda water that’s super popular in Spain. It’s less sweet than Fanta or Sprite, and has a gentle fizz. If you can’t find it, go with Fanta Limón, or Sprite in a pinch.

Is this the same as sangria?
Nope. Sangria usually has chopped fruit, brandy, juice, and a longer prep time. Tinto de verano is its low-maintenance cousin, fresher, lighter, and ready in minutes.

Can I make a pitcher of it?
I wouldn’t. Tinto de verano is best made by the glass so it stays cold and fizzy. Pitchers = flat soda and sad wine.

Is this drink sweet?
That depends on what soda you use. Gaseosa is lightly sweet. Fanta is sweeter. You can always adjust the wine-to-soda ratio to your taste.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Hmmm not really , unless you use a non alcoholic wine but I’ve tried those and I would not suggest it … lol

More Summer Bevvies to Try

If you love this, you’ll probably love these too:

• Coconut Ginger Switchel
• Chia Fresca (Iskiate)
• Pink Grapefruit Virgin Mojito
• Cold Brewed Lavender Earl Grey Tea