Summer wine in Tenerife, in Spanish ‘tinto de verano’ is the ultimate drink in Spain, beloved for its refreshing coolness.
This simple mix of red wine and sparkling lemon or lime soda, often served with a slice of lemon, captures the carefree spirit of Spanish summers.
Especially popular on sunny terraces and lively beach bars, it offers a lighter alternative to sangria. With every sip, one can imagine themselves in the shade of an orange tree or on a terrace along the vibrant coast of Tenerife, where the midday heat is softened by a cool sea breeze and the tingling delight of an ice-cold glass of tinto de verano, or summer wine.
An Emblematic Cocktail
Why tinto de verano, or summer wine, is so named can be traced back to the climate and the flamenco culture. The sunniest wine brings freshness and color before, during, and after meals throughout the hottest months of the year on mainland Spain. On the Canary Islands, tinto de verano refreshes all year round. This drink is incredibly easy to make and should not be confused with Spanish sangria. This is the story of the most emblematic cocktail of the summer months.
Flamenco Origins
The drink originated in Córdoba, where a man named Antonio Vargas del Moral served chilled wine drinks to famous guitarists and singers who performed there. This quickly caught on with the audience, creating a tradition among customers who came to listen to the performances. The refreshing wine was so well-received that it became a staple at every event. The venue was also known as an important hub for Córdoba’s flamenco culture, attracting guitarists, dancers, and singers to perform there.
A ‘Varga’
The event soon became known as Venta de Vargas, after the owner, Antonio Vargas del Moral. On hot summer days, the locals of Córdoba would head there to cool off with a glass of red wine mixed with soda and plenty of ice. Customers quickly began coming just for a “Varga,” as the drink became affectionately known.
Typically, red wine is not served cold but at room temperature. However, on the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, young fruity wines are often served chilled. When mixed with 7-Up or lemonade and plenty of ice, you get a deliciously refreshing alcoholic drink that invites you to enjoy it at any time of day, known as tinto de verano or summer wine.
Preparation
Tinto de verano or summer wine is prepared with equal parts red wine (usually table wine) and soda. One of its main features is the generous use of ice. Optionally, a slice of lemon is added. Sometimes a splash of red Martini is included, and it is typically served in a 20 cl or 33 cl glass. The popularity of the drink led to soda companies releasing packaged versions of it in the late 20th century.
Read more about ‘Food’ [HERE].
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Summer wine in Tenerife ©
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