What Is a Kalimotxo Cocktail?

Last Updated on September 21, 2025 by Tracy

Discover the Kalimotxo cocktail, a refreshing Spanish drink made with red wine and cola. This easy-to-make cocktail balances fruity, citrus, and vanilla flavors for a unique twist on classic cocktails. Perfect for warm evenings and casual gatherings!

Have you ever heard of a Kalimotxo cocktail? If not, let me introduce you to this super simple, totally unexpected, and surprisingly delicious drink. It’s just two ingredients—red wine and cola—but somehow, it just works. Some say it tastes like a carbonated sangria, others compare it to a cherry Coke or Dr. Pepper with a little extra kick. Either way, if you like wine and you like soda, this is one cocktail you’ve got to try.

This cocktail actually dates back to the 1920s in Spain, but it really gained popularity in the 1970s when a group of festival organizers in Getxo, Spain, found themselves with cases of really bad wine. Instead of tossing it, they got creative—mixing it with cola to make it more palatable. And guess what? People loved it. In the 70s in Spain, the kalimotxo cocktail became much more popular after being served at a festival in Getxo, Spain after the event organizers found themselves with cases of unpalatable wine to serve attendees.  Fast forward to today, and the Kalimotxo (pronounced cal-ee-MO-cho) is still a go-to drink in Spain and beyond.

How to make a Kalimotxo

The Kalimotxo cocktail combines equal parts of cola and red wine over ice. This cocktail is most commonly served in a highball glass. To make one at home, gather your glass and fill it with ice. This drink is made with a one-to-one ratio so pour 4 ounces of French Blue Bordeaux Rouge and 4 ounces of cola over the top of your ice. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top and add a slice of lemon to your glass.

The Best Wine and Cola for a Kalimotxo

Since this cocktail is all about balance, choosing the right ingredients matters. You want a dry, fruity red wine to offset the sweetness of the cola—nothing too heavy or oaky. And for the soda, classic Coca-Cola is the traditional choice, but if you want a more natural sweetness, try Mexican Coke or a craft cola. Feeling fancy? Add a splash of bitters, a sprig of rosemary, or even a few frozen cherries for an extra twist.

Why You Should Try the Kalimotxo Cocktail

If you’re looking for a refreshing, easy-to-make cocktail with a unique flavor profile, the Kalimotxo cocktail is the perfect choice. This Spanish classic is both unexpectedly delicious and incredibly simple, making it a great go-to drink for casual gatherings or a laid-back night at home. The combination of red wine and cola creates a smooth, slightly fruity taste with hints of spice, citrus, and vanilla. Whether you’re a wine lover, a soda enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys experimenting with new cocktails, this drink is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.

This drink is so easy to make, and honestly, it’s a perfect way to use up a bottle of wine to try something new. It’s also a lower-alcohol option, since the wine is cut with cola, making it great for casual sipping on a warm evening. Not a fan of super sweet drinks? The citrus helps balance everything out, keeping it crisp and refreshing.

Alright, let’s make a Kalimotxo shall we?

Do you think this is a wine cocktail you would enjoy? I think that you’ll love it if you give it a chance. It’s unique and the perfect option for when you want something a little different from more traditional cocktails, and they are so easy to make too!

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