There is only one drink that I can say I truly feel giddy about.  It is the classic Spanish cocktail/punch called Tinto de Verano, literally the “red wine of summer”.  This is the drink that I always look forward to as my first out-on-the-deck-after-market cocktail, signaling so many things: 1. it is finally nice enough to sit outside and have a lingering cocktail and do absolutely nothing else. 2. we have had a successful market day, everything is put away, watered, tended to AND we have plans for dinner already nailed down. 3. It is no longer winter!  I first had this drink in Madrid, while waiting for a custom order of paella that the kitchen was taking their time to prepare – because good paella takes time.  That is what this drink signifies for me – peace of mind that I can relax and enjoy a moment in time because that is simply all that there is to do right now.  Sit, sip and enjoy. ¡Viva!

Tinto de Verano

Serves 1

• ice
• good red wine, but variety is not important – we usually use whatever is left from dinner last night!
• seltzer
• maple syrup

1. Fill glass with 4 or 5 ice cubes.
2. Fill glass half full with red wine.
3. Drizzle a little maple syrup into glass with wine – about 2 tsp. or so.  Stir.
4. Fill glass to top with seltzer.
5. Enjoy!

Notes: the Spanish do not use maple syrup.  They use a slightly sweetened seltzer called “gaseosa” or “Casera” that we cannot get here in America.  Sprite or 7UP is FAR too sweet for my taste, and being here in Vermont, I figured maple syrup goes with everything!  This drink is refreshing, delicious, and perfect for a lazy afternoon with friends or solo!