Summer is here and it is time to have fun with your cocktails! Here are three easy Spanish red-wine based drinks to spice up your summer nights! Keep reading to get some summer inspiration!  

1. Sangria: 

This refreshing and classic wine-based drink is one of the most popular drinks in Spain. The term Sangria is coined by the word “sangre”, meaning blood in Spanish, referring to the vibrant red color of the red wine. Traditional sangria is made with red wine, but you can also use white wine, rose, or sparkling wine. You also get to enjoy the mixed fruit of our choice at the bottom of your drink that has been soaked in wine. It is a sweet, yet versatile drink that is perfect for any occasion, from barbecue or brunch to a dinner date! 
Here is a classic Sangria recipe you need to try!

Ingredients: 

• Spanish red wine
• Brandy (⅓ to ½ cup to 750ml of red wine)
• Your choice of fruits (The classic recipe calls for slices of oranges, apples, and lemons, but you can be creative with your favorite fruits! Fruit and alcohol is never a bad combination, right?)
• Sweetener (this is not necessary, but you can add extra sweetness using sugar, honey, agave, or maple syrup. Or you can also use fruit juice, such as orange juice, to add extra sweetness and fruitiness!) 

Directions:

Chop or slice up the choices of your fruits and combine them into a large pitcher. Add your choice of sweetener and stir it well.

Add your brandy into the pitcher and stir it well.

Add red wine and stir it well. Have a quick taste test to adjust the sweetness and the flavor.

Store in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Enjoy!

2. Tinto de Verano:

Tinto de Verano literally means “red wine of summer” in Spanish. This red wine creation adds a bit of fizz and a hint of citrus. The ingredients only require red wine and your choice of a carbonated drink. In Spain, La Casera’s carbonated lemon soda is commonly used to make this drink. Instead, you can easily replace it with your choice of citrus soda, flavored sparkling water or sparkling lemonade! 

Ingredients:

• Your choice of Spanish red wine

• Carbonated citrus soda or lemonade (You can even use Sprite or 7-Up)

• 1 slice of lemon for garnish 

• Ice cubes

Directions:

Mix your choice of red wine and soda in a 1 to 1 ratio.
Serve it over ice and finish it off with a slice of lemon for garnish.

3. Kalimotxo: (pronounced cal-ee-MO-cho)

If citrusy soda is not your preference, try this mixed drink with one of the most famous drinks in the world, Coca-Cola! With this drink originating in the 1920s, Coca-Cola was not in production then, however, now it is the go to cola to make Kalimotxo. It is a super easy and quick, yet refreshing drink. The caffeine from the coke also makes it a perfect pick-me-up drink. You also can add a bit of rum for an extra buzz!

Ingredients:

• Your choice of Spanish red wine

• Coke 

• 1 lemon slice for garnish

• Ice cubes

Directions:

Mix your choice of red wine and cola in a 1 to 1 ratio.
Add some ice cubes to chill the drink and garnish it with a lemon slice. 

All of these drinks are super easy to make but make your summer day a bit more special and transport you to the beautiful scenes of Spain. Tag us in your drink recipe photos @yourolivoamigo!