Perhaps the Tinto de Verano (literally “summer red wine”) is Spain’s equivalent of a basic spritz. There it’s cut with gaseosa, a lemon-flavored soda, and can be found already mixed and bottled at the grocery store. Simpler than Sangria and lower in alcohol than the country’s other national obsession, the “Gin-Tonic” as they call it, this version freshens up the typical formula with red wine, homemade lemon syrup, and a long pour of soda water for a surprisingly light and poppy Spanish spritz.
Combine the lemon juice and sugar in a saucepan over very low heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to for up to one month.
