Tinto de verano is a refreshing Spanish summer drink of young red wine mixed with an equal amount of lemon soda, a splash of red vermouth, lemon slices, and plenty of ice. It takes 5 minutes to prepare and serves 6.
Light and easy to drink, it is perfect for hot days and has become very popular in Chile, where young local reds make an excellent base.
How to Make Tinto de Verano?
Tinto de verano is usually made with red wine, traditionally Tempranillo, and lemon soda in equal parts, with a splash of vermouth and fresh lemon slices, served over lots of crushed ice.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of tinto de verano contains approximately 120 kcal, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 10 g of carbohydrates, 10 g of sugars, and 15 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Homemade Tinto de Verano Recipe
Preparation: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 750 ml (1 bottle) of young red wine
- 750 ml of lemon soda
- 50 ml of red vermouth
- Lemon slices
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a 2 liter pitcher halfway with crushed ice, add a splash of red vermouth, and swirl it around the base.
- Pour in the well chilled red wine and lemon soda, add freshly cut lemon slices, and stir gently.
- Serve right away, very cold, in large glasses with ice, on its own or with snacks.
Additional Tips
Choose a young, fruity red
Use a light, fruity red such as Garnacha, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, or a young Chilean País. Avoid tannic, oak aged wines, which turn bitter.
Keep the bubbles
Use very cold, freshly opened soda and serve right after mixing, without stirring too much.
Add fruit and herbs
Orange slices, raspberries, peach, or fresh mint and basil add aroma without changing the classic profile.
| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon soda | Orange soda | 1:1 | Sweeter, less tart |
| Lemon soda | Sparkling water + lemon juice | 1:1 | Sugar free |
| Red wine | Rosé wine | 1:1 | Lighter, rosado de verano |
| Red vermouth | Araucano bitter liqueur | 50 ml | Herbal, very Chilean |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use orange soda instead of lemon?
Yes, orange soda gives a sweeter, less acidic citrus profile, good for softening the drink.
2. How do I keep it fizzy?
Use very cold, freshly opened soda and serve right after mixing without stirring too much.
3. How is it different from sangria?
Sangria adds several fresh fruits, sugar, and usually a spirit, making it sweeter, more complex, and stronger. Tinto de verano is simply wine, soda, and ice.
4. Can it be made with rosé or white wine?
Yes, rosé and white versions are lighter and more aromatic, usually with lemon soda, fruit, and ice.
Sugar Free Tinto de Verano
For a lighter version, use sugar free lemon soda or a mix of sparkling water and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What Is Tempranillo?
Tempranillo is the most widely planted red grape in Spain, named for its early ripening, and it is increasingly grown in Chile, where it gives fruity, medium bodied wines.
Did You Know?
Tinto de verano is said to have been created in the 1920s at the Venta de Vargas, a roadside inn near Córdoba, in one of the hottest areas of Spain, where house wine was served mixed with soda water.
How to adapt this recipe to a vegan or vegetarian version?
How to adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version?
How to adapt this recipe to a keto (ketogenic) version?
Recommended
- Chilean Sangria Recipe
- Chilean Jote Red Wine and Cola Recipe
- Chilean Chicha with Orange Recipe
- Chilean Papas Bravas al Merkén Recipe
