Tinto de Verano: Spain’s Refreshing Summer Classic

There’s a certain kind of chic that doesn’t try too hard. When it comes to summer refreshment, nothing captures that mood more perfectly than Tinto de Verano—literally, “summer wine.” While tourists in Spain sip on syrupy Sangria poured from pitchers dressed up for show, locals reach for something more relaxed. Tinto de Verano is the casual favorite you’ll find in cafés, poured over ice, enjoyed without fanfare. A chill vibe isn’t about the perfect bottle or elaborate mix. It’s about the moment.

Tinto de Verano traces its origins to the sun-soaked city of Córdoba in the early 20th century. It was at the legendary Venta de Vargas, a lively meeting spot for flamenco artists and locals, where owner Federico Vargas began mixing red wine with soda to create a lighter, more refreshing drink for his summer guests. The drink’s appeal quickly caught on—sun-soaked regulars would wander in for “un Vargas,” and soon his unfussy, stylish concoction became known everywhere as Tinto de Verano.

I love making this at home in summer—especially when the days are long and the effort should be short. The beauty of Tinto de Verano is its simplicity: a modest red table wine, a splash of soda, a slice of citrus. That’s it. It’s unpretentious, refreshing, and as stylishly low-key as a fine linen shirt on a hot afternoon.

Traditionally, Spaniards mix it with La Casera, a lightly sweetened soda that’s somewhere between lemon-lime and sparkling lemonade. Here in the U.S., I’ve found it works just as well with Sprite, 7 Up, or Sanpellegrino Limonata. Use whatever you have on hand and chilled.

Savor every refreshing minute of summer. Pour yourself a glass, toast to the little things—and drink like a local.

Enjoy!