Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Tinto de Verano

A bright, fizzy Spanish red wine spritzer with lemon soda and lots of ice. Often feels lighter than sangria, takes minutes, and is perfect for hot days.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
A cold pitcher of tinto de verano with red wine and lemon soda, packed with ice and lemon slices on a light kitchen counter
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Tinto de verano is the drink I make when I want “summery patio energy” without committing to a full sangria situation. It is basically Spain’s greatest shortcut: red wine, lemon soda, and enough ice to make the glass sweat immediately.

It tastes like a wine spritzer that took a vacation and came back with better boundaries. Bright, bubbly, not too sweet, and you can mix it by the glass so nobody is stuck drinking a whole pitcher of something they did not ask for. Also, it is extremely forgiving, which is my favorite kind of recipe.

Ingredients for tinto de verano on a kitchen counter, including a bottle of red wine, lemon soda, fresh lemons, and a bowl of ice

Why It Works

  • Fast and low drama: No fruit macerating, no syrup, no waiting. It is ready the second the ice hits the glass.
  • Balanced and refreshing: The lemon soda lifts the wine and keeps it crisp instead of heavy.
  • Easy to scale: Make one glass, a pitcher, or a whole cooler for a cookout.
  • Flexible sweetness: Use lemon soda for classic vibes, or swap to sparkling water plus citrus and a touch of simple syrup if you want it less sweet.

Pairs Well With

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Storage Tips

Honestly, tinto de verano is best fresh because carbonation is the whole point. That said, here is how to handle leftovers.

Pitcher leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Cover and chill up to 24 hours.
  • Expect less fizz: The soda will go flat. To fix it, pour into glasses over fresh ice and top with a splash of new lemon soda.
  • Do not store with ice: Ice melts and waters it down fast. Add ice only when serving.

Make-ahead tip

If you are hosting, chill the wine and soda ahead of time, then mix right before serving. Cold ingredients mean you need less ice, which means more flavor.

Common Questions

What is tinto de verano made of?

Traditionally it is equal parts red wine and lemon soda (often La Casera in Spain) served over lots of ice, usually with a lemon slice.

Is tinto de verano the same as sangria?

Nope. Sangria is usually wine plus fruit (often brandy or another spirit too). It can be served right away, but it often benefits from resting and chilling so the fruit and wine mingle. Tinto de verano is a quick mix, lighter on the palate, and more bubbly.

What is the best wine for tinto de verano?

Go with a dry, uncomplicated red you actually like. Tempranillo is a common choice (Rioja style reds work well), and Garnacha (Grenache) is great too. Avoid anything super oaky or very expensive because the soda is not here for subtle tasting notes.

Can I use Sprite, 7UP, or lemonade?

Yes. Sprite or 7UP are common substitutes if you cannot find Spanish lemon soda. For a less-sweet version, use sparkling water plus fresh lemon juice, and add a small spoonful of simple syrup if it tastes too tart.

What is the classic ratio?

Most people do 1:1 wine to soda. If you want it stronger, do 2 parts wine to 1 part soda. If you want it lighter, flip it.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

You can get close by using a non-alcoholic red wine or a red “wine alternative,” then mix with lemon soda and ice the same way. Chill it well for the best result.

I love drinks that taste like effort but behave like a shortcut. The first time I made tinto de verano at home, I was fully prepared to go down a sangria rabbit hole with chopped fruit and big plans. Then I remembered I wanted a drink, not a craft project. Wine, lemon soda, ice, done. It is the kind of simple that makes you laugh after the first sip because it is almost annoyingly good.