The Kalimotxo drink (sometimes spelled how it sounds, Calimocho). If you’ve never tried red wine and Coke, today you are in for a treat. I love an easy cocktail recipe and this one is unique!
This refreshing cocktail recipe originated in Spain as a way to save wine that had started to go bad. It’s a great recipe to try when you have an opened bottle that’s been left too long. You can use any cheap red wine for this recipe, including the bottle you just used for your dinner recipe.
Related: Mojito, Appletini, Screwdriver Drink, Ranch Water, Green Tea Shot
Ingredients
- Red Wine – Choose any cheap red wine—something you would cook with.
- Coke – I used classic Coca-Cola soda. Many people swear by Mexican Coke because it’s made with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.
- Orange and Mint – Two choices for an optional garnish. I also love a slice of lemon.
This simple cocktail is best served in a highball glass filled with ice and a straw.
Directions
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Combine equal parts red wine and Coke.
Optional garnishes include orange slices and mint leaves.
What does a Kalimotxo taste like?
Before trying red wine and Coca-Cola, I was skeptical. Sure, I enjoyed coke with rum plenty of times (I love a Cube Libre), so I’m not sure why I was so nervous about this combination. After trying it, I have to say the flavors work so well together. It’s unique and refreshing. Rich red wine mixed with the sweetness of cola is so tasty. It’s a close cousin to sangria.
Tips for Making
- Add a dash of bitters to your drink if you have them on hand.
- I normally use leftover wine for this recipe, but if you are buying a new bottle the best option is a Spanish red wine also called Rioja.
- Don’t knock it till you try it! This recipe is very good and although it’s not common in the U.S. yet, maybe it should be?
History
This drink originated in the Basque region of Spain in the 1920s. The story is that festival organizers added cola to cases of red wine that had gone bad to make them enjoyable again. Necessity is the mother of invention! This drink has been a popular happy hour choice across Europe ever since.
Serving Suggestions/Goes Great With
Other recipes you may like:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Kalimotxo?
It is pronounced cal-ee-MO-cho.
Who drinks a Kalimotxo?
This drink originated in Spain and has now spread all over the world. It is most popular in Europe, and gaining popularity elsewhere.
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Instructions
-
Fill a highball glass with ice.
-
Combine equal parts red wine and Coke.
-
Optional garnishes include orange slices and mint leaves.
Notes
- Add a dash of bitters to your drink if you have them on hand.
- I normally use leftover wine for this recipe, but if you are buying a new bottle the best option is a Spanish red wine also called Rioja.
- Don’t knock it till you try it! This recipe is very good and although it’s not common in the U.S. yet, maybe it should be?
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Kalimotxo (Calimocho)
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
