Red Wine and Coke Might Be Our New Favorite Easy Cocktail—Here’s How to Make This Spanish Concoction
Updated: Dec. 13, 2023
Mixing vino and Coca-Cola may sound weird, but the kalimotxo is a cocktail that's better than the sum of its parts.
If you say Spain to most people, the beverage that jumps to mind is sangria. Sangria conjures images of flamenco and bullfights and Costa del Sol. But the reality is that Spanish people do not drink a lot of sangria. In Spain, sangria is mostly a drink for tourists (Which is totally fine! We’re all tourists somewhere and sangria can be delicious!). Instead, Spaniards opt for a different type of cocktail made with wine and soda, the most famous of which is the kalimotxo.
What Is a Kalimotxo?
A kalimotxo (or calimocho) is a mix of red wine and Coca-Cola. There is no better use for leftover red wine than this Spanish concoction. You will be amazed by how well a big, bold, oaky red wine blends with cola. Scandalize your wine snob friends!
What Is the History of the Kalimotxo?
A mix of red wine and Coke has existed in Spain since at least the 1920s. But until the mid-century, there was very little Coca-Cola available in the country—the first Coca-Cola plant in Spain didn’t open until 1953. Fast forward to the summer of 1972, during the festival of St. Nicholas festival in Spain’s Basque Country, in the town of Getxo. Festival organizers had bought 2,000 liters of red wine for the event, but when they tasted it… it was a little unpleasant. They suddenly had to find a way to sell the bad wine. Someone had the bright idea to mix the wine with Coca-Cola to mask the taste, and voila! The drink was born.
According to the legend reported by the Instituto Hemingway, one of the drink’s creators was a small man nicknamed “kali” (meaning “short”). Apparently, Kali was not very attractive, so they added the word “motxo” (meaning “ugly” in Basque). Thus the name kalimotxo was born. In the rest of Spain, the drink is often translated from Basque to Spanish, spelled calimocho.
Are There Other Popular Wine-Plus-Soda Cocktails in Spain?
Besides the kalimotxo, there are a number of wine-and-soda drinks that Spaniards love. Among them are the Rebujito (fino sherry mixed with 7-Up or Sprite and garnished with mint) and the Tinto de Verano (red wine mixed with 7-Up or Sprite and a squeeze of citrus). Wine lovers are often skeptical of these drinks, but trust me, they are delicious over ice on a hot day.
How to Make a Kalimotxo Cocktail
There really is no “recipe” for the classic Kalimotxo. You basically pour 3 to 4 ounces of red wine into an ice-filled glass and an equal amount of Coca-Cola. The drink works best with a bold, oaky wine like cabernet sauvignon or Spanish tempranillo, but any red wine works fine. You can squeeze a slice of lime in if you want to get fancier.
Fancier still is this recipe below for a Kalimotxo Premium, which adds an orange liqueur.
Kalimotxo Premium
Ingredients
- ½ ounce Grand Marnier
- 2 ounces red wine, preferably something bold and oaky
- 3 to 4 ounces of Coca-Cola
- Dash of Angostura bitters (optional)
- Orange or lime wedge
Directions
In a large wine glass filled with several large ice cubes, pour the Grand Marnier. Then, add the red wine, then the Coca-Cola and finally a dash of bitters. Stir gently, then add citrus wedge. Here are a few tips to make wine taste better.
Easy Mixed Drinks Anyone Can Master
Moscow MuleOriginally developed in the 1940s, the Moscow Mule has made a big comeback is now one of the most popular mixed drinks. Could be it's refreshing taste or that pretty copper mug (or both!).
Directions: Combine 4 cups ginger beer, 2/3 cup lime juice and 1-1/4 cups vodka in a pitcher. Serve over ice. If desired, serve with lime slices. Yield: 6 servings.
Chocolate MartiniIs it a beverage or a dessert? Don't let its looks fool you: This chocolate martini is potent but good!
Directions: If desired, give your martini glass a chocolate rim and drizzle chocolate syrup in the glass. Then, fill a tumbler or mixing glass three-fourths full with ice. Add 2-1/2 ounces of half-and-half cream, 1-1/2 ounces of vodka, 1-1/2 ounces of chocolate liqueur and 1-1/2 ounces creme de cacao; stir until condensation forms on the outside of the tumbler. Strain into the martini glass.Yield: 1 serving.
Bloody MaryMake the classic Bloody Mary your own with homemade mix and fun garnishes. Did someone say brunch?
Horseradish makes this one of the best Bloody Mary recipes in the world.</p>
<p><strong>Directions:</strong> Garnish rim of tall glass with celery salt. Place remaining ice in prepared glass. Add 2 oz. vodka, 1 cup tomato juice, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 1-1/2 tsp. lime juice, 3/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp. horseradish, 1/8 tsp. pepper, 1/8 tsp celery salt and 1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce to shaker; cover and shake. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish as desired. <strong>Yield:</strong> 1 serving.[/rms_recipe]
Fresh Lime MargaritasThis basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This basic margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes.
Directions: In a pitcher, combine 1/2 cup tequila, 1/2 cup Triple Sec, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons superfine sugar; stir until sugar is dissolved. Moisten rims of four margarita or cocktail glasses with lime wedges. Sprinkle salt on a plate; dip rims in salt. Serve in prepared glasses over crushed ice. Yield:Â 4 servings.[/rms_recipe]
Brandy Old-Fashioned SweetThe concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s. This version is extremely popular in Wisconsin. (Psst! You'll love these other brandy cocktails.)
Directions: In a rocks glass, muddle 1 orange slice, 1 maraschino cherry, 1-1/2 oz. maraschino cherry juice and 1 teaspoon bitters. Add 1/4 cup ice. Pour in 1-1/2 oz. brandy, 2 teaspoons water, 1 teaspoon orange juice and 3 oz. lemon-lime soda. Yield: 1 serving.
White RussianThis creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. A White Russian is equally appropriate before or after dinner.
Directions: Add a few ice cubes to a rock glass and stir in 1-1/2 ounces vodka and 1-1/2 ounces Kahlua. Then top with 3 ounces heavy whipping cream or milk. Yield: 1 serving.
MojitoTraditional mojitos are made with rum, which is both pleasant and mildly sweet.
Directions: Squeeze and drop a lime wedge into a highball glass. Then, add 2 teaspoons of sugar and muddle together. Gently press or slap 2 sprigs of mint and add to glass along with some ice. Pour 2 ounces of white rum and top with club soda. Garnish with a lime slice and additional mint, if desired. Yield: 1 serving.
PalomaThis summer-perfect cocktail is refreshing without being too sweet.
Directions: In a highball glass filled with ice, combine a dash of salt, 1-1/2 ounces of tequila and 1/2 an ounce of lime juice. Top with grapefruit soda or sparkling peach citrus soda and garnish with a lime wedge. Yield: 1 serving.
Also check out how to use bitters in more than just cocktails.
Americano Cocktail Recipe
The cocktail contains the bittersweet taste of Campari paired with sweet vermouth and club soda. Directions: Pour 1-1/2 oz Campari and 1-1/2 oz sweet vermouth into an ice-filled glass. Then, pour in 3 oz. club soda, and stir well. Yield: 1 serving.
Martini RecipeWhen making a cocktail as naked as a martini, every move counts. Here is how to make a martini recipe like a true bartender.
Martinis can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink.
Directions: Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add 3 oz. gin or vodka and 1/2 oz. dry vermouth; cover and shake until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with olives. Yield: 1 serving.[/rms_recipe]
Gin and Tonic
This iconic drink is super easy to make. Directions:Â Pour 3 oz. gin, 4 oz. tonic water and 1 tablespoon lime juice over ice in a chilled glass. Stir well. Yield: 1 serving.
Irish CoffeeIrish coffee, with a splash of Irish whiskey, sugar and cream, is a classic recipe for a reason. Cozy up with this easy-to-make boozy treat. Sláinte!
My maternal grandma was never a drinker, beyond a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist Bailey's Irish Coffee.
Directions:Â Divide 2 teaspoons of sugar and 2 ounces of Irish whiskey between 2 mugs; then top with coffee. If desired, beat together 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 teaspoon of green creme de menthe until a whipped cream forms and top the coffees. Yield:Â 2 servings.[/rms_recipe]
MicheladaTry this kicked-up beer cocktail that’s a zesty mix of Mexican lager, lime juice and hot sauce. There are many variations, but this easy recipe is perfect for rookie mixologists.
Directions: If desired, give your glass a salt rim. Then, fill a large glass with ice. In the glass, combine 6 dashes of hot sauce, 3 dashes of Maggi seasoning or soy sauce, 1-3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, ÂĽ-â…“ cup of lime juice and 1 bottle (12 ounces) of Corona, Modelo or Tecate. Garnish with lime wedges. Yield: 1 serving.
Mudslide
Creamy in texture and rich in taste, the mudslide is basically the equivalent of an adult milkshake. Directions: In a blender, combine 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream, 1 oz. Kahlua, 1 oz. vodka, 1 oz. cream and ice. Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. Pour into a chilled glass. Yield: 1 serving.
Zombie Cocktail
This tropical drink will be a sure crowd-pleaser at any beach themed parties or tiki bars. Directions: Combine 1-1/2 oz. golden rum, 1/2 oz. white rum, 1 oz. dark rum, 1 teaspoon papaya juice, 1 teaspoon pineapple juice, 1 teaspoon superfine sugar and 1 oz. lime juice over ice in a glass. Stir well. Pour 1/2 oz. 151-proof rum into the mixture, stirring it in. Yield: 1 serving.
Vesper
One thing is for sure: The Vesper is not for the faint of heart. The simple cocktail is created using three types of liquor, making the drink a very potent one. Directions: Stir 1 oz. vodka, 3 oz. gin and 1/2 oz. Lillet Blanc in a glass filled with ice. Strain, then pour into a chilled glass. Rub lemon peel along the rim of the glass, and drop it in. Yield: 1 serving.
Pineapple Rum PunchIf you want a taste of the tropics, this is the drink for you.
Directions: In a pitcher, combine 3-1/2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice, 1-1/2 cups orange juice, 1 cup coconut water, 1 cup orange-peach-mango juice, 1 cup coconut rum, 1 cup dark rum, 1/4 cup key lime juice (regular limes are OK, too) and 3 tablespoons of grenadine. Just stir and serve over ice! Yield: 12 servings—this one's for a party!
MimosaFresh, zesty and ripe with orange-y flavor, this mimosa recipe is the go-to when it comes to brunch cocktails.
A standard offering at brunches, Mimosas are as pretty as they are tasty.
Directions: Pour 2 oz. champagne into a champagne flute or wine glass. Pour 1/2 oz. Triple Sec and 2 oz. orange juice into the glass. Garnish as desired. Yield: 1 serving.[/rms_recipe]
Mai TaiThis party favorite has been around for quite some time. It's not overly fruity and features a good blend of sweet and sour. For a splash of color, garnish with strawberries and lime.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
This party favorite has been around for quite some time. It's not overly fruity and features a good blend of sweet and sour.
Directions: Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice. Place additional ice in a rocks glass; set aside. Add 2 oz. light rum, 3/4 oz. triple sec, 1/2 oz lemon juice, 1-1/2 teaspoons lime juice and 1-1/2 teaspoons amaretto to shaker; cover and shake for 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish as desired. Yield: 1 serving.[/rms_recipe]
Next, check out these 15 types of cocktail glasses that serious mixologists recommend.
