Kalimotxo

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Red wine and dark cola on the rocks? That’s exactly what a Kalimotxo is, so yes please!

Tonight’s drink is an interesting one. When have you ever sipped on any type of red wine and thought to yourself, “This could use some Pepsi?” Or any kind of dark cola? Well, the Kalimotxo is that exact elixir.

How did this particular mixture come to be? Apparently, it has been a Spanish favorite since the 1920s, and while the exact origins aren’t quite clear, the moment the popularity of this beverage exploded is well documented. Back in 1972, the St. Nicholas festival at the Old Port of Algorta was in full swing. Unfortunately, a massive amount of “unpleasant-tasting” red wine was delivered, supposedly to be served to thirsty festival-goers. This would not stand, and as a solution to this perplexing and expensive quandary, the sour vino was mixed—successfully, too—with massive amounts of Coca-Cola, with the soft drink masking the less-than-savory qualities this wine had.

When trying to find a name to christen this concoction with, the festival organizers supposedly found inspiration in one of their co-workers named “Kali”, who wasn’t exactly easy on the eyes. Combining his name with the Basque word motxo, “ugly”, tonight’s cocktail found its moniker. (Though others say it’s simply a combination of the creators’ names Kalimero and Motxongo).

Not the most polite of origins, but the relaxing effect this beverage will have on you speaks for itself, and is far from unattractive.

What is the best wine to use in a Kalimotxo?

I had a wonderful time experimenting with a red wine or two or three to see which one makes the best version of tonight’s cocktail. I also could have just googled it, but c’mon, where’s the fun in that? Turns out my findings would have been the same anyway, but like I said… fun. Anyhoo, as this is a Spanish concoction, an inexpensive, dry Spanish red wine like a Garnacha or Tempranillo is an excellent choice that will complement the bubbly sweetness found in a dark cola.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Fill a highball or collins glass to the top with ice, gently stir your mixture in and garnish with a fresh lime or lemon wedge on top.

What is the best cola to use in this recipe?

You can always successfully opt for a Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, or RC Cola to craft this sipper with, and all are fantastic options. Fever-Tree makes a Distillers Cola that is specifically crafted to be mixed with spirits like bourbon, rye whiskey and dark rum, and will meld with red wine nicely.

Similar drinks to the Kalimotxo

Have an ample supply of sweet, fizzy and caramel-colored cola, but wondering what spirit to mix with it? No worries, as most boozy beverages tend to meld nicely with the sweet and slightly spiced carbonated soft drink. Here are just a handful of tasty tipples you can whip up at a moment’s notice.

• Cuba Libre – Rum, lime juice and cola combine in this classic combination.
• Colorado Bulldog – A bubbly, potent and creamy treat.
• Charro Negro – Tequila and Coca-Cola craft this spooky sipper.
• Vodka and Coke – A crisp, smooth and relaxing libation that’s as easy to drink as it is to make.