Tinto de Verano Cocktail Recipe

The Tinto de Verano is a popular two-ingredient Spanish cocktail made with equal parts dry red wine and lemon-lime soda. The fruity and refreshing low-ABV drink is served over ice with a lemon slice garnish. 

While the Tinto de Verano is akin to a highball — a combination of an alcoholic base and a sparkling mixer — its use of those ingredients in equal volumes and lack of a distilled spirit can also be thought of as a two-ingredient spritz with a flavor reminiscent of sangria.

The drink’s name translates to “red wine of summer” as it's the perfect way to enjoy a heartier red wine in the heat of summer. The Tinto de Verano is truly fuss-free: It’s built in a stemless wine glass (though any glass will do), can be made with or without the lemon slice garnish, and a range of styles of red wine work well in the cocktail. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover wine from the night before. 

What makes the Tinto de Verano work? 

The Tinto de Verano is all about balancing sweet, tart, and gently bitter notes. A medium-bodied dry red wine, such as wines made from Tempranillo or Garnacha, contains a balance of red fruit notes and acidity that blends well with the sweetness of the lemon-lime soda. Avoid overly tannic wines, wines with prominent oak notes, or longer-aged wines, as the additional complexity can clash with the soda.

A Spanish lemon-lime soda called La Casera Limón is the most popular mixer for this cocktail, but 7UP or Sprite (which are more commonly found in the United States) are a great alternatives.