Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Taste of Summer

I've made a wonderful discovery in Madrid. The locals call it tinto de verano, but I call it Quite Possibly the Most Perfect Summertime Drink. 


It's similar to sangria and is served all over Spain in the summer. It's 1 part red wine and 1 part La Casera, which is Spain's version of Sprite but less sweet. To replicate it, a bartender told me you could mix Sprite with seltzer or club soda. He also swore to me that it tastes best when cheap wine is used. Pour into a glass filled with ice, add some lemon slices and take a swig. You'll soon see what I'm talking about. 

It just doesn't seem like a simple wine spritzer could be that refreshing and delicious, but this easy-drinking cocktail is the ideal liquid refreshment for a hot summer day. It's actually quite easy to throw back several. I think drinking it while sitting in an outdoor cafe in Spain only improves the taste, but I wouldn't say it's a mandatory ingredient. 

I know you've probably got a bottle of Two Buck Chuck hanging around the house, so crack it open, pour in some club soda and savor the summer. 

1 comment: