Delicious Tinto de Verano

The summer red wine: Tinto de Verano!

Tinto de Verano: Spain's summery wine-lemonade drink with a few ice cubes in the glass is pure refreshment, especially on hot days. The tangy drink has significantly less alcohol than red wine. And the carbonic acid of the gaseosa traditionally used for it refreshes the palate. In short, Tinto de Verano is a cult drink in Spain.

On Mallorca, for example, such a "summery red" is often served as a drink with the famous "Menú del Día" at lunchtime. In true style, a bottle of red wine and a bottle of bubbly are then placed on the table - so that each guest can make his or her own preferred mixture. A little hielo and a slice of lemon for a fresh kick: done! From which you can see: The drink is quickly made. As a red wine, a dry, fruit-driven drop is the favorite for many. A little contrast to the sugary soda simply has to be there so that the whole thing doesn't become too sweet.

Now this mixture is quite drinkable. And drinks away quickly. Anyone who still has to work or drive after drinking it should therefore take care. Of course, you could also use non-alcoholic wine. But that is not common in Spain's restaurants and also on Mallorca. But perhaps this is a tip for at home - for all those who want to do without percentages. And while we're on the subject of health aspects: Gaseosa, the "gassy" one, is also available completely without sugar, even made in Mallorca.

For those who love variation: In the meantime, there is also a light version in some places: The Blanco de Verano is prepared with white wine. And is then not so dissimilar to the German white wine spritzer ...

Dream teams in the heat

What is the difference to the Sangría? Classically, in addition to red wine and gaseosa, it contains a shot of liqueur or brandy and, in any case, fruits such as peach, apple, pear, lemon and orange. They provide a pronounced fruity note in this punch-like mixed wine drink. It's best to use organic fruit for this. If you like, add a stick of cinnamon. The name Sangría is derived from sangre (blood) because of its color.

Now, of course, there is not only the red original, but also a variety in white: the Sangría Blanca or Clarea, as the Spaniards say. And if you like it sparkling, use cava or sparkling wine instead of the wine.

For a blissful vacation feeling, a Tinto de Verano or a Sangría is also very good on warm summer evenings in other countries. It's a great way to reminisce about Mallorca, for example. These summer refreshments taste delicious, and not just in Spain. Salute!

This is how it works:

Tinto de Verano
Put ice cubes in a glass. Add red wine and lemonade in your favorite ratio. If you like, add a slice of organic lemon.

Classic Sangría
Sangría comes in countless variations. Here is a classic recipe:

• 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml)
• 750 ml of gaseosa or mineral water
• 100 ml brandy, Cointreau or similar
• 2 peaches
• 1 apple
• 1 pear
• 1 lemon
• 1 orange
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• sugar to taste

Wash and chop fruit, add cinnamon and sugar if desired. Pour fruit into a decorative glass carafe or bulbous vessel. Pour in red wine and cognac or similar. Refrigerate. Just before serving, add iced Gaseosa or mineral water. Stir carefully. Serve well chilled.