Spain’s most iconic summer drinks

When the mercury climbs above 35°C in Spain — or even pushes past 40 — locals don’t just reach for the shade or the pool. They sip their way through summer with a selection of time-honoured, chilled drinks that are as much a part of the culture as flamenco and fiestas.

From fizzy wine spritzers to creamy plant-based horchata, these refreshing Spanish staples help keep the heat at bay. Here are five favourites — all easy to recreate at home, and steeped in regional tradition.

Tinto de Verano: The people’s summer wine

Light, crisp and effortlessly Spanish, tinto de verano is what most locals order when the sun’s blazing — not sangría. This two-ingredient mix of red wine and fizzy lemon soda is the go-to summer drink across the country. I enjoy this over lunch as it is not as heavy as a glass of red wine in the middle of the day.

Backstory

Originating in the sultry heat of Córdoba in the 1920s, it was first poured at Ventorrillo El Chato, where it became known as Un Vargas, named after the owner who popularised it. Today, it’s a summer mainstay from beach bars to family tables.

To make it at home:

• Half red wine, half lemon soda (Fanta Limón, gaseosa or 7-Up)

• Pour over ice in a glass or jug

• Garnish with a lemon slice

No fancy mixology needed — just chill, pour and enjoy.

Horchata: Creamy, cold and dairy-Free

This velvety drink from Valencia is unlike anything else you’ll find in Europe — a sweet, milky refreshment made not from dairy but from chufas (tiger nuts). Nutritious, hydrating and ideal for sensitive stomachs, horchata is beloved especially in the eastern regions.

Cultural note:

Alboraya, near Valencia, is horchata central. Here, it’s served with long sponge-like pastries called fartons — perfect for dunking. As with all these summer drinks, you can also buy ready-made versions in the supermarkets. Mercadona has a particularly nice version of this.

DIY horchata recipe:

• Soak 250g tiger nuts in cold water for 24 hours

• Rinse and blend with 1 litre of water

• Optional: add a cinnamon stick or lemon zest

• Strain through muslin, sweeten to taste with 100–150g sugar

• Chill well and serve ice cold

Gazpacho in a glass: Spain’s coolest liquid lunch

It’s not just a soup. In Andalucía, where summer temperatures regularly soar, gazpacho is often served straight from the fridge in a glass — a hydrating, vitamin-rich way to stay cool and nourished. I absolutely love Gazpacho, whether it is homemade or supermarket bought. I enjoy it over ice with a little chopped cucumber and tomato.

A dish with history

Once a basic mix of old bread, garlic and oil, gazpacho evolved with the arrival of tomatoes from the Americas. The modern version is fresh, raw and perfect on blistering days.

How to prepare:

• 1kg ripe tomatoes

• 1 cucumber, 1 green pepper, 1 garlic clove

• Slice of bread (soaked then squeezed)

• Splash of vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt

• Blend until smooth, strain if desired

• Chill for several hours — serve with ice or cucumber cubes

Granizado de limón: Spain’s homemade slushie

No Spanish summer is complete without a granizado. This crushed ice lemon slush is sharper than a sorbet and just the thing when the heat feels unbearable.

Why everyone loves it

It’s cheap, it’s cheerful, and it’s sold at every beach kiosk, café and heladería. But it’s also easy to whip up in your own kitchen. It´s very refreshing, but don´t drink it too fast!

Simple method:

• Dissolve 150g of sugar in 500 ml of boiling water

• Cool, then add the juice of 3 lemons

• Optional: zest for extra zing

• Freeze in a shallow dish, scraping every 30 minutes with a fork

• Serve light and fluffy, topped with mint or a lemon wedge

Agua de Valencia: Sparkling, Boozy and Festive

Think of Agua de Valencia as Spain’s answer to the mimosa — only bolder. A blend of fresh orange juice, cava, gin and vodka, it’s a cocktail with a local soul and a party spirit.

Where it started

Created in 1959 by Valencian artist Constante Gil, it was meant to impress a group of Basque travellers. It did — and soon became the signature drink of the region. The following measures can be altered to your own taste.

To make it:

• 500ml fresh orange juice

• 250ml cava

• 50ml each of vodka and gin

• Sugar to taste

• Mix gently with ice — serve straight away

More than just refreshment

In Spain, summer drinks aren’t just about hydration — like everything else, they’re social rituals. Sipped slowly on terraces, enjoyed with tapas, or shared at festivals and ferias, these cooling beverages are woven into daily life. Whether you’re in the middle of a fiesta, relaxing at home, or on a sun-baked city break, these flavours bring the verano español to life.

Bringing Spanish summer to your glass

You don’t need a holiday to taste Spain’s sunshine. From Valencia’s creamy horchata to Andalucia’s chilled gazpacho, these traditional drinks offer a refreshing glimpse into how locals stay cool. Keep your fridge stocked, your ice trays full — and salud to long, lazy, sun-drenched afternoons.

Source: DirectoAlPaladar