This Spanish Tinto de Verano is a timeless summer cocktail built from young red wine, lemon soda, and a lemon slice. It’s quick to prepare for one or scaled up in a pitcher for a group—just five simple ingredients. For extra aromatic depth, stir in a splash of vermouth if you like.
This fizzy, fruity Spanish cocktail is one of my favorite discoveries from a recent trip to Spain.
The bright citrus of the lemon soda pairs beautifully with a light, fruity red wine to create a refreshing, low-effort drink that’s perfect for warm afternoons and evenings.
We often make a pitcher of Tinto de Verano to share with friends, accompanied by small tapas-style bites like marinated olives, patatas bravas, and croquetas de jamón to evoke the leisurely spirit of summertime in Spain.
5 Ingredients
Instructions
Tip: Only add ice to the pitcher if you plan to serve immediately. Otherwise, wait and pour over ice when ready to drink to avoid diluting the cocktail.
To Vermouth or Not To Vermouth?
A small amount of vermouth adds herbal, slightly bitter aromatics that balance the sweetness of the lemon soda and give the drink more complexity. It’s optional—skip it if you prefer a simpler, fruitier profile.
Small Bites to Serve Alongside
Tapas and cocktails are a natural match. These small plates make great companions to Tinto de Verano:
Patatas Bravas (Spicy Spanish Potatoes)
Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes)
Spanish Tortilla (Potato Omelette)
Papas Rellenas (Stuffed Potato Croquettes)
More Summery Cocktails
If you enjoy making cocktails at home, try these reader favorites for more refreshing options:
5-Ingredient Paloma (Tequila & Grapefruit)
5-Minute Mojito
The Jungle Bird (Pineapple & Lime)
5-Minute Coconut Margarita
Please drink responsibly.
Spanish-Style Tinto de Verano (Pitcher Option)
- Author: Salima Benkhalti
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1–4 cocktails
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spanish Tinto de Verano is a classic summer cocktail made with a young red wine, lemon soda, and a lemon slice. It’s easy to prepare for one or a group with just five ingredients. Add vermouth for an aromatic lift if desired.
Ingredients
For a Single Cocktail:
- 2 oz red wine (preferably a young Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 oz lemon soda (brands like Lemon Fanta or San Pellegrino Lemon Soda work well)
- 1/4 oz vermouth (optional)
- 1 lemon slice
- Ice
For a Pitcher:
- 2 cups red wine (preferably a young Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 cups lemon soda (Lemon Fanta or San Pellegrino Lemon Soda)
- 1/4 cup vermouth (optional)
- 4 lemon slices
- Ice
Instructions
- Combine liquids. Fill a pitcher or glass with ice (if making a pitcher and serving immediately, add ice; otherwise add ice to individual glasses). Pour in the red wine, vermouth (if using), and lemon soda. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve. Pour into glasses, garnish with a lemon slice and a squeeze of lemon if you like. Buen provecho!