Latest news with #TintodeVerano
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful Spanish city with £35 flights is cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid
It's cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid, but with all of the history and charm of the more better known cities. Immensely walkable, and full of delicious food and drink - I would argue Seville is Spain's best weekend city break. There's nothing quite like checking the weather app to see an unrelenting downpour back home as you bask in the sunshine, sipping a refreshing Tinto de Verano while waiting for your tapas. Just 2 hours and 50 minutes from Gatwick, with return Easyjet flights for as little as £35 per person, Seville is compact and walkable, making this vibrant city the perfect choice for a short break. It's noticeably cheaper than Barcelona and Madrid, a bit less busy, but just as full of historic charm, and on balance I'd go as far as to argue it's Spain's best weekend getaway. We set off early one Friday morning, having roped in the grandparents to babysit, and by 11am were wandering the atmospheric cobbled streets, picking out the perfect spot for our first meal. Dine like a King Keen to avoid tourist traps and discover authentic tapas, we joined the Seville Tapas, Taverns and History Tour by Devour Tours (£58 per person). This small-group tour took us to five historic tapas bars, where we sampled local dishes and drinks. Guided by a knowledgeable university history Professor, we learned how to identify quality Iberian ham (look for the black label) and left with new favourites and a dining action plan for the rest of our trip. Dance the night away For a cultural experience, flamenco in Seville is a must. Forget cheesy holiday-resort performances, the birthplace of flamenco offers something completely different. We first attended a 60-minute show at Teatro Flamenco Sevilla (£21 per person), which more than impressed. But locals then recommended the more intimate experience of a Peña Flamenca - a flamenco club dedicated to preserving the tradition. Following their advice, we queued outside Torres Macarena, on Calle Torrijjiano, before it opened (8pm Wednesday to Sunday) and as advised secured our seats by leaving a jacket over the back. With simple tapas and great local wine at a very affordable price, we enjoyed a raw, passionate flamenco performance, a world away from the tourist shows. The guitarists, dancers, singers and emotional audience - many of whom joined the performers on stage at times - created an unforgettable atmosphere. Worth the early start Seville's architecture reflects its layered history, influenced by the Roman, Muslim, and Christian civilisations who have ruled over the centuries. For us, we knew that the Royal Alcazar of Seville, an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site which doubled as the kingdom of Dorne in Game Of Thrones, was a must-visit. To beat the infamously long lines, we splurged on the Alone in the Alcazar tour (£58 per person) on which is the only tour group allowed early entry. Walking through the palace's empty rooms and peaceful gardens before the hordes arrived, we learned its rich history from an expert guide. Standing on the walls overlooking the sweeping gardens listening as the city awoke is a memory I'll forever cherish. Don't Miss While the vibrant nightlife of flamenco, tapas and drink will keep you full and happy of an evening, there is plenty to do on a sunny Seville day. One highlight is the ultramodern Setas de Sevilla, the mushroom, an ultramodern wooden sculpture with panoramic city views. A daytime visit for £13 a person includes free access to the sunset light show later. If you have time, below this are Roman ruins uncovered during it's construction, showing the city as it would have looked many centuries ago. Across the river, the ceramics district of Triana is a charming spot to browse colourful pottery shops before enjoying fresh seafood and plates heaving with mouth-watering tomatoes, potato salads, and delicious cheeses at the vibrant Triana Market. Wandering back to the center of Seville, we visited the grand Plaza de España, located in Maria Luisa Park. Floating along it's emerald green canal in a rowboat makes for the perfect photo - a must for the Instagram grid. Splurge on a memorable hotel With beautiful sunshine and a dry climate, we found it infinitely preferable to stick to exploring Seville on foot - not least because a quick Google maps comparison showed walking times to generally be far quicker than driving. To make the most of this we stayed in the heart of Seville, at the newly opened four-star Ocean Drive, from £85 a night. This small but well planned hotel was the perfect bolthole, with our bedroom balcony offering jaw-dropping views of Las Setas and the stunning nighttime light show. Inside restful Mudéjar tiles and contemporary wooden decor created the perfect space to relax, while a co-working space was on offer for those fitting in a spot of work between the tapas. We very much enjoyed the a la carte breakfast, and left with stomachs filled with delicious delicacies, while the in-house restaurant also offers a full lunch and dinner menu. Verdict Seville offers an irresistible mix of culture, history, and gastronomy, making it the perfect destination to escape winter blues. Whether it's the vibrant flamenco, delicious tapas, or breathtaking landmarks, this sunny city will leave you longing for a return visit. Book the holiday EasyJet offers flights to Seville starting from £37 this summer. You can book at Rooms at Ocean Drive Sevilla start from £77 a night. For more information and to try the tours we booked, visit Devour Tours and TakeWalks.
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Ever Mixed Red Wine And Cola? Spain Did - It Is Called Kalimotxo
It is rightly said, necessity is the mother of invention, especially when it comes to food and drink. Some of the most iconic recipes were not born in gourmet kitchens but in moments of desperation, odd-hour cravings, and some hacks. Enter Kalimotxo (pronounced cali-mo-cho), Spain's most unapologetically simple and surprisingly tasty cocktail, made with just two ingredients: red wine and cola. Yes, you heard that right. Sounds bizarre? Maybe. But take one sip and you will understand why this humble mix has earned cult status across Spain. And thanks to the well-travelled mixologists, it is now slowly winning hearts around the world. Kalimotxo is fizzy, fruity, and totally refreshing. The kind of drink that does not try too hard, yet leaves a lasting impression on your mind and palate. Also Read: Tinto de Verano: 2-Ingredient Spanish Cocktail That Screams Summer What Exactly Is Kalimotxo? Kalimotxo is a refreshing, fizzy, slightly sweet drink that is perfect for hot afternoons and house parties. And the best part is, Kalimotxo is super affordable. It is basically a 50-50 mix of regular red wine and cola, served over ice in a tall glass. That's it. No fancy garnishes, no muddling, no shaking. Just pour, stir, and sip. The cola softens the tannins of the wine, while the wine gives the cola a grown-up twist, complementing each other perfectly. It is the kind of drink that grows on you, and fast. Also Read: 7 Best Indian Wines You Must Try | Popular Wines To Try Photo Credit: Pexels The Fascinating (And A Bit Quirky) History Of Kalimotxo: While mixing red wine and cola had been around in Spain since the 1920s, it was not exactly mainstream. It was mainly because Coca-Cola was not widely available back then. The situation changed in 1953 when Spain got its first Coca-Cola factory, and suddenly, this unique combo started popping up under names like Rioja Libre, Tincola, and even Cuba Libre del Pobre (the poor man's rum and coke). According to the official website of Instituto Hemingway, the real Kalimotxo moment came on 12th August 1972, during the St. Nicholas festival in the Old Port of Algorta (Getxo). A local group called Antzarrak had a problem: they had bought 2,000 litres of red wine that tasted "terrible". That is when they tried a hack - mixed it with cola to mask the flavour, and Voila! It worked like magic. As for the name? The website reads that the name kalimtxo came from two friends - Kalimero (nicknamed Kali) and Motxo (a cheeky Basque word for 'ugly'). The drink became a hit across the Basque Country and Navarra, and by the 1980s, it had spread across Spain and beyond. Fun fact: Coca-Cola eventually registered the name, and even the Royal Spanish Academy officially recognises Kalimotxo (also called Calimocho) as a legit drink. Also Read: This Is What Your Wine Preference Says About You - Why Red Wine Is A Healthier Option Want To Try Kalimotxo At Home? Here's The Recipe: Ingredients: 1 part red wine (any affordable bottle will do) 1 part cola Ice cubes A slice of lemon or orange for garnish (optional) Method: Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in equal parts red wine and cola. Stir gently. Sip and enjoy. So, the next time you are hosting a party or just want to try something new, skip the sangria and give Kalimotxo a shot. It might just become your new favourite guilty pleasure. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Kalimotxo Red Wine And Cola Drink Spanish Wine Cocktail Kalimotxo Recipe Show full article Comments
NDTV
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Tinto de Verano: 2-Ingredient Spanish Cocktail That Screams Summer
Unwinding after a long, tiring day with a glass of red wine feels great. But let's face it - scorching summer and full-bodied red wines don't really get along. In fact, the season calls for something light, uncomplicated, and refreshingly sophisticated. What if we say red wine can check all these boxes with a little modification? Yes, try Tinto de Verano - Spain's charmingly simple answer to summer sipping. Typically made with red wine and lemon soda, it is something locals reach for when the sun is blazing, and they crave something simple and refreshing. History And Origin of Tinto de Verano: Tinto de Verano, in Spanish, literally means 'red wine of summer'. The origins of this beloved cocktail trace back to the early 20th century in Cordoba, Spain. According to a blog by Tinto Amorio, the drink was first created by Federico Vargas at his establishment, Venta Vargas. Looking to offer his guests a lighter, more refreshing alternative to straight red wine during the hot summer months, Vargas began mixing his house red with soda. It resulted in a crisp, cooling drink that quickly caught the attention of the locals. Reportedly, it was originally known as 'Vargas', named after its creator. But as its popularity spread across Andalusia and beyond, it became affectionately known as Tinto de Verano. Today, it is a staple in Spanish households and bars, especially during the warmer months. What Goes Into Making Tinto de Verano? The beauty of Tinto de Verano lies in its effortless simplicity. Traditionally, it is made with just two ingredients - one part red wine and one part lemon-flavoured soda. Serve it over a generous handful of ice, garnish with a slice of lemon or orange, and you have got yourself a glass of Spanish summer drink in under a minute. That's it! But if you are feeling a little adventurous, there are plenty of creative twists to try. Here are some popular variations that take this humble drink to the next level: 1. The citrus twist: While lemon soda is the classic choice, many now use orange soda, bitter lemon, or even grapefruit soda for a tangy twist. 2. The wine variants: Some swap the red wine for rose, giving the drink a lighter, and fruity profile. 3. A boozy punch: For that little extra kick, depth and complexity, some include a splash of rum to the drink. Photo Credit: Pexels Tinto de Verano Vs. Sangria: What Is The Difference? While both are red wine-based drinks and cherished in Spanish culture, Tinto de Verano and Sangria are distinctly different - each with its own personality and purpose. Sangria is like a fruit salad in a pitcher. It is bold, boozy and includes red wine, brandy, chopped fruits, fruit juice/soda and sweetener. Moreover, the drink needs a few hours to soak, allowing the flavours to blend. On the other hand, Tinto de Verano is a simple and instant mix of red wine and soda. Adding lemon slice to it is totally optional. How To Make The Classic Tinto de Verano: Step 1. Get a bottle of Spanish red wine. You can also opt for any young, light-bodied red wine. Step 2. Get a bottle of lemonade. You also get a lemon-flavoured cold drink. Step 3. In a wine glass, add equal parts wine and lemon soda. Stir gently. Step 4. Add ice cubes, a lemon wedge and serve. So, this summer, forget the rules and reach for that bottle of red wine tucked away in your cabinet. You know what to do next - pour, mix, and raise a glass of Tinto de Verano. It is the easiest way to sip your way into the season and soak up those summer vibes.
