Tinto de Verano: Summer in a glass

Tinto de Verano in a Mila Rainbow glass with linens by Carrie Narducci (patternandposy)

A few weeks ago, as the dog days were really starting to envelope us and sitting outside became something of an endurance test, the New York Times Cooking section ran an article about “a drink built and named for summer,” a two-ingredient Spanish cocktail referred to as summer in a glass: Tinto de Verano, which translates to “the red wine of summer.”

Well, that caught my attention. I did have an open bottle of red, a Sprite hiding behind the Coronas and fresh citrus.  Equal parts wine and lemon/lime soda poured over ice and garnished with an orange slice. 

Where have I been? 

Tinto de Verano is refreshing and uncomplicated, like a pleasant afternoon guest, simpler than sangria, a down to earth cousin of the urbane Lillet spritz, easy to mix and easy to sip. NYT says that La Casera is the traditional Spanish soda to use (try finding that in my neck of the woods) and suggests kicking it up a notch by making your own citrus simple syrup and adding a splash of vermouth for herbal depth.  Maybe, but not necessary.

I suggest that you could substitute ginger ale, club soda, prosecco or cava, although good old Sprite or 7-Up taste just fine. Include stone fruits or cucumber instead of citrus, throw in some mint, make it a Mule or do white wine versus red. Serve in a fancy glass or an old jelly jar.  My new friend Tinto is unpretentious and open to interpretation.

Speaking of unpretentious, this beverage presents an opportunity for a lesson in semantics. A girl walks into a bar, orders wine with 7-UP and the bartender thinks, “What turnip truck did this person fall off of?’” Whereas a lady says, “I’ll have a Tinto de Verano.  You never heard of it? Half tempranillo, half lemon soda and a just a dash of vermouth, por favor.”  Instant sophistication. Wink wink.  

Experiment on your own and let me know what you think. At brunch or after dinner, you might even be able to take it outside to the pool or screen porch, or just sip in the cool recesses of your living room.

Cheers and Salud!

Footnote:  If you happen to become overzealous in draining a glass, or if the ice and orange shift around while taking that last sip, you may find the following useful.    

How to remove red wine from clothing:  As soon as possible, rinse the stain with cool water and Dawn dish soap.  In a sink, tub or large bowl mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water and let the stain soak at least half an hour.  Rinse with water, treat with a stain spray and run through the washer. Hang to dry.