Ever Mixed Red Wine And Cola? Spain Did - It Is Called Kalimotxo

It is rightly said, necessity is the mother of invention, especially when it comes to food and drink. Some of the most iconic recipes were not born in gourmet kitchens but in moments of desperation, odd-hour cravings, and some hacks. Enter Kalimotxo (pronounced cali-mo-cho), Spain's most unapologetically simple and surprisingly tasty cocktail, made with just two ingredients: red wine and cola. Yes, you heard that right.

Sounds bizarre? Maybe. But take one sip and you will understand why this humble mix has earned cult status across Spain. And thanks to the well-travelled mixologists, it is now slowly winning hearts around the world. Kalimotxo is fizzy, fruity, and totally refreshing. The kind of drink that does not try too hard, yet leaves a lasting impression on your mind and palate.

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What Exactly Is Kalimotxo?

Kalimotxo is a refreshing, fizzy, slightly sweet drink that is perfect for hot afternoons and house parties. And the best part is, Kalimotxo is super affordable. It is basically a 50-50 mix of regular red wine and cola, served over ice in a tall glass. That's it. No fancy garnishes, no muddling, no shaking. Just pour, stir, and sip.

The cola softens the tannins of the wine, while the wine gives the cola a grown-up twist, complementing each other perfectly. It is the kind of drink that grows on you, and fast.

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The Fascinating (And A Bit Quirky) History Of Kalimotxo:

While mixing red wine and cola had been around in Spain since the 1920s, it was not exactly mainstream. It was mainly because Coca-Cola was not widely available back then. The situation changed in 1953 when Spain got its first Coca-Cola factory, and suddenly, this unique combo started popping up under names like Rioja Libre, Tincola, and even Cuba Libre del Pobre (the poor man's rum and coke).

According to the official website of Instituto Hemingway, the real Kalimotxo moment came on 12th August 1972, during the St. Nicholas festival in the Old Port of Algorta (Getxo). A local group called Antzarrak had a problem: they had bought 2,000 litres of red wine that tasted "terrible". That is when they tried a hack - mixed it with cola to mask the flavour, and Voila! It worked like magic.

As for the name? The website reads that the name kalimtxo came from two friends - Kalimero (nicknamed Kali) and Motxo (a cheeky Basque word for 'ugly'). The drink became a hit across the Basque Country and Navarra, and by the 1980s, it had spread across Spain and beyond.

Fun fact: Coca-Cola eventually registered the name, and even the Royal Spanish Academy officially recognises Kalimotxo (also called Calimocho) as a legit drink.

Also Read: This Is What Your Wine Preference Says About You - Why Red Wine Is A Healthier Option

Want To Try Kalimotxo At Home? Here's The Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 part red wine (any affordable bottle will do)
• 1 part cola
• Ice cubes
• A slice of lemon or orange for garnish (optional)

Method:

• Fill a tall glass with ice.
• Pour in equal parts red wine and cola.
• Stir gently.
• Sip and enjoy.

So, the next time you are hosting a party or just want to try something new, skip the sangria and give Kalimotxo a shot. It might just become your new favourite guilty pleasure.