TINTO DE VERANO
Come summer, the words tinto de verano are on every Andalou’s lips, and it’s no wonder – this simple red wine cocktail is similar to sangría, but less fruity and sweet. Ask for a tinto con limón for a citrusy drink, or con blanca for the tarter version.
SANGRÍA
There are as many sangría recipes as there are families and bartenders out there. This world-famous Spanish specialty, however, does have its basic ingredients: red wine, fresh fruit, juice and liqueur. Sangría can also be made with white wine like Moscato, by replacing brandy with rum or Cointreau, and by adding berries or other summer fruit.
MOSTO
Fancy some grapes but without the alcohol? Order a local mosto, a fermented grape juice that’s filled with antioxidant goodness. Depending on the region’s grape varieties, mosto comes in white or red—both are exquisite on ice.
REBUJITO
Moving onto the whites, this typical Andalusian classic is made with manzanilla, a fortified dry white wine similar to sherry produced from Palomino grapes in the region of Jerez. (Manzanilla also means chamomile, and the wine does have a taste reminiscent of the herbal infusion.) A refreshing rebujito is simply a mix of manzanilla with a lemon-based fizzy drink.
CLARA CON LIMÓN
If you’re more of a beer drinker, try this sweet, refreshing version made of half beer, half lemon Casera soda. On a hot afternoon, a clara con limon is a simple, satisfying replacement for a cerveza.
HORCHATA
This sweet, ice cold drink is a family favorite originally from Valencia. Traditionally, horchata de chufa was prepared with soaked, ground and sweetened tiger nuts (which aren’t actually nuts, but tiny tubers), water, sugar, cinnamon and lots of ice. Today, horchata is often prepared with rice milk, cinnamon and vanilla.
CAFÉ CON HIELO
This time of year, Spaniards will often ask for their basic coffee with ice, which means an espresso accompanied by a larger glass filled with ice cubes. Simply pour the coffee into the bigger glass, swirl it around and voilá, a cool burst of energy.
GRANIZADO
As summer approaches, you’ll likely notice the word granizado pop up on menus around town. This slush-type drink is made with crushed ice and a variety of syrups or real fruits like oranges or strawberries. To combat the heat, a granizado de limón is one of the most popular options and can also be easily made at home.
CALIMOCHO
Similar to a tinto de verano, this local beverage is a mix of equal parts red wine and cola. Simply add ice, a dash of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint before serving. This awkward combination makes for a sweet, caffeine-packed summer drink.
GAZPACHO
This chilled tomato soup would not be served in a glass or considered a drink anywhere else, but Andalusians know the refreshing power of a cold vegetable-based beverage during the hot summer months. The original gazpacho recipe is made with ripe tomatoes, green pepper, onion and garlic. Some chefs also add cucumber, melon, and dry bread for texture.
