If I say “party” and “Spain,” do you think “sangria”? Let me introduce you to its rebellious and equally popular cousin: Kalimotxo.
In a few words…
You’re probably used to enjoying a good glass of wine with cheese or a fine cut of meat… But what if I told you to mix it with soda? Blasphemy, some might say! Intriguing, think the more adventurous. Yet this unlikely pairing is a true Basque specialty: the Kalimotxo (pronounced calimocho)!
Always eager to explore new flavor combinations, I couldn’t resist trying this curious concoction. And to think — when I was in China some time ago, I was horrified to see people mixing wine with Coca-Cola! What an outrage, I thought… not realizing it was actually a European invention dating back to 1973.
A Happy Accident
The Kalimotxo (or Calimocho) was born in Spain’s Basque Country. During a local festival, a group of friends known as Antzarrak decided to save a spoiled batch of red wine by mixing it in equal parts with cola. To their surprise, the result was delicious — and the crowd loved it.
The origin of the name: Kali and Motxo
The name comes from a playful combination: “Kali,” a nickname for a friend called Kalimero, and “motxo,” which means “ugly” in Basque. Together, they created Kalimotxo.
Growing popularity and varied names
From there, the drink spread throughout Spain and across the globe, taking on new names wherever it went — jote in Chile, bambus in the Balkans, catemba in Mozambique, and many more.
Often made with inexpensive red wine and cola, the Kalimotxo is a festive, budget-friendly cocktail — popular at student parties, concerts, and underground gatherings. In France, it’s often associated with the punk or free party scene.
There are similar variations, such as blanc limé or la Jacqueline. In Chile, it’s even nicknamed “bird liquor,” in reference to the red-headed buzzard, whose colors mirror those of the drink.
Classic Kalimotxo Recipe
Prep time: 2 minutes
Type: Aperitif, drink, cocktail
Origin: Spain
Serves: 1 glass
Ingredients:
• 120 ml red wine
• 120 ml cola
• 7.5 ml lemon juice
• 1 lemon wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. Pour in the red wine and cola.
3. Add the lemon juice.
4. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wedge.
And there you have it — your Kalimotxo is ready! 🍷
Kalimotxo Variations
Limonacho
Ingredients:
• 120 ml red wine
• 120 ml lemonade
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the red wine.
3. Top with lemonade.
4. Stir gently and add a lemon slice if you like.
Ginger-mucho
Ingredients:
• 120 ml red wine
• 120 ml ginger ale
• Ice cubes
• Slice of ginger or lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add the red wine.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Stir gently and garnish with ginger or lemon zest.
Cherry-mucho
Ingredients:
• 120 ml red wine
• 120 ml cherry soda
• Ice cubes
• Maraschino cherry (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the red wine.
3. Add the cherry soda.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Why try Kalimotxo ?
The Kalimotxo and its colorful variations are perfect for surprising your guests and shaking up your usual drinking habits. Simple, quick, and unexpectedly delicious — these cocktails are a true invitation to curiosity.
Don’t pass it by! And give them a try! 🍷
Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.