Have you ever thought about mixing Fanta with red wine? It might sound a little odd at first, but this quirky combo could just be your next favourite sipper.

The idea of mixing red wine with Lemon Fanta or Lift isn’t new. In fact, it’s a tradition hailing from Spain where they call it “tinto de verano,” which translates to the rather romantic “red wine of summer.” This drink has been popular since the early 20th century, mainly because it’s a refreshing way to enjoy red wine during the scorching summer months. Imagine lounging on a sunny terrace in Spain, slowly getting buzzed on a sweet, citrusy, and slightly savoury glass of orange drink. We can see the appeal.

It’s not the first time the Spaniards have figured out how to enjoy the reds throughout summer though – we’ve been drinking sangria for years and no one bats an eye. Though sangria recipes can vary quite a bit and usually include a medley of fruits and spirits, no matter what you call it, the idea is the same: a fun, easy-drinking bevvie perfect for hot days and long lazy lunches.

The original tinto de verano is rumoured to be an invention of bartender Federico Vargas in his Cordoba bar, mixing red wine, lemonade and orange over ice. The easy-to-make drink inevitably evolved (work smarter, not harder) to include either Fanta Limon (lemon-lime Fanta) or orange Fanta, depending on your taste.

Related story: If you’re not adding Coke to your red wine, you should be

We know it’s not the classiest drop out there, but after drinking kalimotxo all summer, we’re willing to give anything a go.

The tinto de verano draws a lot of parallels with the red wine and Coca-Cola drink, the kalimotxo. Both combine the robust tannic flavours of red wine with the sweet, citrusy tang of a soft drink, both go down incredibly easy and, thankfully, both have a lower alcohol content than a straight glass of vino.

The best part about drinks like the tinto de verano and the kalimotxo is that they break all the stuffy rules about how wine should be enjoyed. We’re not saying you should pop open the Grange and a 1.25L of the good stuff, but we are saying that some rules are meant to be broken. 

Here’s how to make a tinto de verano

Ingredients

• 750ml light-bodied red wine
• 750ml orange Fanta
• Ice

Method

1. In a large pitcher, add the red wine before slowly adding the Fanta.
2. Top with ice.
3. Enjoy.

Related story: Why are Americans obsessed with Mexican Coca-Cola?