How to Make the Perfect Tinto de Verano
At Enrique Tomás, we'll show you how to make a refreshing, authentic tinto de verano. When summer arrives and the days become longer and warmer, there's nothing better than sitting on a sunny terrace and enjoying some of Spain's greatest culinary pleasures, such as a glass of tinto de verano served alongside a delicious plate of Jamón Ibérico. Refreshing drinks like tinto de verano and traditional Spanish sangría have become true icons of the summer season. That's why we're going to show you how to make the perfect tinto de verano at home.
What Is Tinto de Verano?
Tinto de verano is one of Spain's most iconic wine-based drinks and has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated at the beginning of the 20th century as the perfect drink for hot summer days—hence its name, which literally means "summer red wine." It could only have come from a particularly warm region.
According to tradition, its creator was Antonio Vargas, owner of the famous "Venta de Vargas", an inn and restaurant in Córdoba. Looking for a way to help customers cool down without giving up their beloved red wine, he came up with the simple but brilliant idea of serving it mixed with sparkling soda (known in Spain as sifón). The establishment soon became a popular meeting place for renowned flamenco singers and dancers touring Andalusia. As word spread, so did the drink's popularity, eventually becoming one of Spain's best-loved summer classics.
During the tourism boom of the 1960s, tinto de verano became especially popular with international visitors. It was served in colorful glasses and frequently appeared in Spanish films and television as a symbol of summer. At home, many Spanish families prepared a slightly different version using gaseosa, a lightly sparkling lemon soda that remains a classic ingredient today.
When temperatures rise across Spain, refreshing drinks become essential. Together with Spanish sangría, tinto de verano has become one of the country's signature summer beverages and an internationally recognized symbol of Spanish gastronomy.
How to Make Tinto de Verano
Today you can easily find bottled or ready-to-drink tinto de verano in supermarkets and bars, and many brands have perfected their recipes over the years. However, at Enrique Tomás we recommend making it the traditional homemade way. It's incredibly easy, tastes much fresher, and allows you to adjust the proportions to suit your own preferences. Whether you prefer a stronger wine flavor or a lighter, more refreshing drink, homemade is always the best choice.
Ingredients
- Red wine
- Sparkling lemonade (gaseosa) or soda
- Optional: Lemon soft drink or sparkling soda (sifón)
- Ice cubes
How to Serve It
Serve your tinto de verano in a large jug for sharing, a wide tumbler, or a cocktail glass—whichever you prefer.
Preparation
1
There is no single "correct" recipe, as the perfect balance depends on personal taste. If you're using sparkling lemonade or a lemon soft drink, which are already fairly sweet, choose a red wine that isn't overly sweet but isn't too dry either. If you're making it with sifón, a softer, fruitier red wine usually produces a more balanced result. For both versions, an everyday young red wine—or even a lightly oaked wine—works perfectly.
2
The traditional ratio is: 50% red wine and 50% sparkling mixer.
3
Finally, add a few ice cubes to keep it perfectly chilled. Just don't overdo it, as too much ice will dilute the drink and reduce its refreshing sparkle—which would be a real shame!
Other Popular Summer Drinks
01
Spanish sangría is one of the country's most internationally recognized drinks. It is the ultimate summer drink and has become one of Spain's best-known gastronomic symbols. Sangría can be made with red wine, Cava or even Champagne and is always served ice cold. Traditional red wine sangría is synonymous with sunshine, friends and celebrations. Alongside Spanish tapas and, of course, jamón, it has become one of the great ambassadors of Spanish cuisine. We'll also show you how to prepare authentic Spanish sangría at home.
02
Kalimotxo
Kalimotxo is another classic Spanish summer drink. Similar to tinto de verano, it replaces sparkling lemonade or soda with cola, creating a refreshing and surprisingly well-balanced combination that is especially popular in northern Spain.
03
Horchata
A delicious traditional drink made from tiger nuts, water and sugar. Horchata is naturally refreshing and one of Spain's favorite non-alcoholic drinks during the summer months.
04
Fresh Fruit Smoothies
Make the most of Spain's incredible selection of seasonal summer fruit by preparing delicious fresh fruit smoothies. They're refreshing, packed with vitamins and the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
What to Serve with Tinto de Verano
If you're looking for the perfect pairing, here's one of our favorite summer ideas: an Iberian charcuterie board featuring lomo ibérico, chorizo, salchichón ibérico and other traditional cured meats, accompanied by fresh seasonal fruit. It's an excellent choice for sharing with family and friends at lunch, dinner or outdoor gatherings.
One of the most traditional starters in Spanish gastronomy is a selection of Iberian cured meats, Jamón Ibérico and cheese served with fresh bread. It's a simple yet irresistible combination that everyone enjoys. Add some seasonal summer fruit, and you'll have a lighter, fresher meal that's perfect for warm weather.
Iberian charcuterie board with seasonal fruit.
