Invite the Basque Country at home with this simple Kalimotxo recipe! Composed of equal parts red wine and Cola, this unique cocktail is a delightful treat for the warmer months.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
138
Ingredients
- 4 oz Red Wine
- 4 oz Coca-Cola
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 4 oz Red Wine over the ice.
- Fill up the glass with an equal quantity of Coca-Cola (approx, 4 oz Coca-Cola).
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
- Place a lemon slice into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Red Wine: You can use rosé or white wine for a lighter flavor if you don't have red wine (in that case, it may be even better to substitute Coca-Cola with Sprite). I've also used grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Cola: If you're not a fan of Coca-Cola's sweetness, try using diet Coke or Coke Zero. This drink also works very well using Sprite instead of Coke, and this version is known as “Tinto de verano”.
Making a Pitcher of Kalimotxo:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 32 oz of red wine and 32 oz of Cola.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the red wine and Cola. Stir gently.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a lemon slice, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Red Wine Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic red wine substitute; these are available in most supermarkets and do a good job mimicking the flavor of red wine. You can also try using red grape juice, preferably with no added sugar.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular ingredient, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Wine: Ensure that the red wine you're using is vegan. Some wines use animal products in the fining process, so check the label or do a quick online search to make sure.
- Cola: Most colas are vegan, but checking the label for hidden animal-derived ingredients is always a good idea.
- Proceed As Usual: After ensuring your ingredients are vegan-friendly, follow the original steps to enjoy a delicious vegan Kalimotxo.
What is a Kalimotxo?
A Kalimotxo is a red wine-based cocktail made of equal parts inexpensive red wine and Cola. This simple yet refreshing drink hails from the Basque region of Spain and has become popular worldwide due to its easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Making a Kalimotxo is relatively easy at all, even for beginners. The steps involved are pouring the two components into a glass filled with ice, stirring gently, and optionally garnishing with a slice of lemon or lime. Its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for large gatherings or when you want to whip up something quick and enjoyable.
What is a Kalimotxo made of – The ingredients
The following ingredients are necessary for a Kalimotxo:
- Red Wine: Provides the cocktail’s base, adding depth and complexity with its rich, fruity flavors.
- Cola: Balances the robustness of the wine with its sweet, caramel notes and effervescence.
- Ice: Chills the drink, enhancing its refreshing quality and diluting the mixture slightly for a smoother taste.
- Lemon Slice (optional): Adds a tangy twist to the cocktail, complementing the sweetness of the Cola and the tannins in the wine.
