3-Ingredient Spanish Spritz Recipe Perfect for Summer Sipping

Gone are the days when my partner and I would finish a whole bottle of red wine in one sitting. Nowadays, with the busy routine of handling bath time, bedtime stories, and the surefire early wake-ups by the kids, our wine habits have evolved from frequent bottle emptying to enjoying an occasional glass during dinner.

The Tinto de Verano, a straightforward Spanish spritz, is a wonderful way to reuse any leftover red wine. It’s perfect for a light, refreshing drink on a summer afternoon, delightful enough for company, and easy enough to whip up even amidst the chaos of toddler tantrums. This low-ABV cocktail is refreshingly simple.

An Effortless Cocktail Recipe

Creating a Tinto de Verano is so incredibly easy and adaptable that it almost feels unnecessary to provide a precise recipe. I usually don’t measure the ingredients and instead enjoy the casual give-and-take depending on what I have on hand—typically any red wine and lemon-lime soda available in the refrigerator.

Recently, I’ve been enjoying a mix of Archer Roose Pinot Noir with zero-sugar Sprite Chill Cherry Lime and a good squeeze of fresh lime juice. Some days I prefer a stronger wine taste, while other times, I lean towards a lighter, bubblier sensation. The beauty of this drink is its versatility, and soon enough, you’ll find your ideal balance without even needing to think about it. It’s the epitome of relaxed, summertime drinks.

Selecting a Red Wine for This Spanish Spritz

While traditional choices include Tempranillo or Garnacha, I find that lighter, fruitier wines complement the citrus and bubbles better. If unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions at your local wine shop.

• Pinot Noir: This wine is light-bodied, easy to drink, and bursts with flavors of cherry and berries. Its delicacy makes for a refreshing, subtle cocktail.
• Gamay (or French Beaujolais): Known for its light body, vibrant red fruit flavors, and a hint of minerality, it’s especially delightful when served chilled, making the drink crisp and highly enjoyable.
• Garnacha (or Grenache): This medium-bodied red wine offers smooth textures with strawberry and plum notes. It is less tannic than other reds, providing a fruity, rounded taste.
• Valpolicella (Corvina Blend): This Italian wine is light and lively, featuring tart cherry and cranberry flavors with a clean, dry finish. Its bright acidity and light body make the drink extra refreshing.

The Right Soda Is Key

The choice of soda in a Tinto de Verano is as crucial as the wine itself, influencing the overall taste of the drink. Here are some great options:

• Classic Lemon-Lime Sodas: Staples like Sprite, 7UP, Starry, and generic lemon-lime sodas offer a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the wine beautifully, providing just the right amount of sweetness and fizz.
• Prebiotic Sodas: Brands like Olipop and Poppi are sweeter, with a mild tanginess, despite having less sugar. Add extra fresh lime or lemon juice for a better balance.
• Sparkling Lemon-Lime Water + Simple Syrup: This homemade mix uses either plain or flavored sparkling water, letting you adjust the sweetness with a bit of simple syrup, with lemon-lime syrup being an even better choice for a crisp, light beverage.

Crafting a 3-Ingredient Spanish Spritz

For a single serving, gather the following:

• Ice cubes
• 2 ounces of dry red wine
• 3 ounces of lemon-lime soda, or a variant like Sprite Chill Cherry Lime
• 1/2 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
• A slice of lime or lemon for garnish, optional

Start by filling a chilled highball glass halfway with ice. Pour in the red wine, soda, and lime juice, then stir gently to mix. If desired, add a citrus wheel for garnish and serve right away.

Expert Tips for Your Spanish Spritz

• It’s all about flexibility: This recipe is extremely forgiving. Starting with a 2:3 wine-to-soda ratio is a solid base, but feel free to tweak it according to your taste.
• Chill your ingredients: I like to keep red wine in the refrigerator during warmer months. I also stock a few cans of wine specifically for this drink, using any opened can within three days to ensure freshness for each mix.
• Don’t overlook the fresh juice: I’m a fan of using freshly squeezed lime juice, particularly with Sprite Chill Cherry Lime. Last summer, however, I mixed it up with both lemon and lime juices. The freshness is key for achieving the best flavor and zest.
• Scale it up for gatherings: This recipe easily multiplies for social events. Just calculate how many servings you need and scale up the ingredients accordingly. For example, use 16 ounces of red wine, 24 ounces of soda, and 4 ounces of lime juice for eight people. Serve with ice in individual glasses to prevent dilution.