Tinto de Verano is a refreshing wine cocktail served all over Spain during the season

A
few weeks ago while in Spain, I was introduced to Tinto de Verano. Literally
translated, Tinto de Verano is the red wine of summer (“tinto” is
Spanish for red wine) and is a refreshing wine cocktail served all over
Spain during the season.

Though
similar to sangria, Tinto de Verano – a beverage, which originated as a way to
sweeten slightly tart bodega wine – has less alcohol and is easier to make,
since there’s no fruit-chopping involved. You simply combine red wine with lemon
or orange soda and voilà. For those who find Tinto de Verano too sweet, just
add a splash of sparkling water or seltzer to dilute it a bit.

A wine beverage that combines red wine with lemon or orange soda.

Another
popular wine cocktail found in Spain is Calimocho, which is the same idea, but
mixes red wine and cola. I have to admit I didn’t try the Calimocho, because
I’d read an
article in the New York Times about the drink a few weeks earlier, and
thought, “but why?”  In all honesty,
I initially had the same thought about Tinto de Verano. But after a few hours
of sightseeing in Seville in 40 ºC (104 ºF) temps, I found it to be the perfect
drink to enjoy on a hot afternoon; its low alcohol content is thirst-quenching,
but not buzz-inducing.
I
don’t know if I’ll be making Tinto de Verano now that I’m home; I’m content to
enjoy a pink wine of summer. During those sweltering afternoons in Seville,
however, Tinto de Verano was the way to go.