Mi prima Verano

My cousin Summer who lives in England dropped me a note today. I've obviously made her a tad irked by continually twittering on about the sun.

“I may have to sit among the laundry bottles when the sun’s out but I’m as content as the largest summer pudding with cream on top!”

I do like my puddings but at this time of year prefer something a bit lighter. Tinto de Verano - "Summer Wine" - an Andalucian speciality and one of my favourite tipples.

Factoid: Tinto de Verano or Tinto Verano is a refreshing wine-based drink similar to sangria which is very popular in Andalucia. It is simpler than sangria, usually made up of 1 part red wine and 1 part Casera - a soda similar to Sprite, but less sweet. It is served over ice, sometimes with a slice of lemon.

It is very refreshing, and is commonly served in beachside chiringuitos.

Fill a tall glass with 3 cubes of ice and 2/3 red wine. Cheap or expensive, doesn't matter. Top up with 1/3 bitter lemon/lemonade and add a wedge of lemon. Utterly orgasmic.