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Kalimotxo, also spelled Calimocho, is a simple Spanish cocktail made with equal parts red wine and cola. Served over ice, it combines the fruitiness of wine with cola’s sweetness for a refreshing drink that takes just a couple of minutes to prepare. It can also be a practical option when you have an opened bottle of red wine to use.
Kalimotxo Ingredients
- Red wine: An inexpensive red wine works well. If you are choosing a bottle specifically for this drink, Rioja is one Spanish option.
- Cola: Use your preferred cola. Its sweetness balances the wine, so start with equal amounts and adjust the ratio to taste next time.
- Optional garnishes: Orange slices and mint add a fresh aroma and a bit of color. A slice of lemon is another option.
Serve Kalimotxo in a highball glass filled with ice. A straw makes it easy to sip as the drink chills.
How to Make Kalimotxo
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in equal parts red wine and cola. For one serving, use 4 ounces of each.
- Stir gently to combine, then add an orange slice, mint leaves, or lemon if desired.
Pour the drink shortly before serving to keep it cold and freshly mixed. For a less sweet result, you can adjust the proportions in a subsequent serving.
What Does Kalimotxo Taste Like?
Kalimotxo has a fruity, wine-forward flavor softened by the sweetness and familiar caramel notes of cola. The result is easy-drinking and refreshing, with a flavor profile that may remind some people of sangria. The exact balance depends on the wine and cola you choose, so the equal-parts recipe is a useful starting point.
Tips for Making Kalimotxo
- Use leftover wine: This recipe is a convenient way to use an opened bottle. Avoid using wine that is unpleasant to drink on its own; mixing it with cola will not necessarily improve its quality.
- Try a dash of bitters: If you have bitters available, a small dash can add another layer of flavor.
- Keep the drink cold: Fill the glass with ice before pouring, and serve soon after mixing.
- Choose a Spanish red: Rioja is suggested when buying wine for the recipe, though an inexpensive red wine can also be used.
The History of Kalimotxo
Kalimotxo is associated with Spain’s Basque region and is said to date back to the 1920s. One account says festival organizers mixed cola into cases of red wine that had begun to spoil, making the wine more enjoyable to drink. The cocktail later became a familiar choice at social gatherings in parts of Europe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kalimotxo as a casual, chilled drink alongside savory snacks or party appetizers. Keep the garnish simple so it complements rather than overwhelms the wine and cola. Since the recipe contains alcohol, serve it only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Kalimotxo?
It is commonly pronounced cal-ee-MO-cho.
Where did Kalimotxo originate?
The drink is associated with the Basque region of Spain. A commonly told origin story places its beginnings in the 1920s, when cola was added to wine at a festival.
What is the basic Kalimotxo ratio?
Use equal parts red wine and cola. This recipe makes one drink with 4 ounces of wine and 4 ounces of cola; adjust the balance to suit your taste.
Kalimotxo Recipe
Yield: 1 cocktail
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 ounces red wine
- 4 ounces cola
- Ice, plus optional orange, mint, or lemon garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the red wine and cola in equal amounts.
- Stir gently and garnish if desired.
Nutrition Information
The supplied nutrition estimate for one serving is 138 calories. It lists 0.02 g fat, 9 mg sodium, 146 mg potassium, 14 g carbohydrates, 11 g sugar, 0.2 g protein, 2 IU vitamin A, 11 mg calcium, and 1 mg iron. Values are estimates and can vary with the wine and cola used.
For a quick, adaptable cocktail, Kalimotxo pairs red wine and cola in a straightforward equal-parts mix. Serve it cold over ice, add an optional citrus or mint garnish, and adjust the ratio to your preference.
