by Gary / 2 comments - Orginally published:20th September 2017

A Spanish summer in a glass

This drink immediately conjures memories of our Spanish road trips when the car's safely parked up.

We discovered it whilst researching our 2016 trip, and set about ticking that box early on.

We actually ticked it in Bilbao, where it's commonly known as Kalimotxo in Basque.

Now, we know it's not the drink of a connoisseur, but it is a great way to turn a young, cheap, red wine into a long drink for a summer's day and an alternative to Sangria.

The Pin image of our post - 'Calimocho, or Kalimotxo – A taste of Spain'
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Why not try a Calimocho

It tastes better than you'd think
So the thought of red wine and coke didn't sound that appealing on paper, but in the glass, it tasted surprisingly better than expected. So, if I aimed to replicate it, would it take me back to that trip?
Janis enjoying her Calimocho, a taste of spain, in our garden in Kent, England
Janis enjoying her Calimocho

How to make a Calimocho

So what's the recipe?
Two large straight glasses , two bottles of coke, a bottle of spanish red wine and a bucket of ice, the basic ingredients for a kalimotxo or calimocho, on a table in our garden
Kalimotxo or Calimocho - The basic ingredients
Well it's not that complicated, but I've created three different options based on your location.

Bottle of Coke 330ml
A glass of Spanish red wine 125ml
Ice
Large glass (500-600ml)

Two large straight glasses of homemade Calimocho on a wicker table in our garden in Kent, Egland
Kalimotxo for two

Tips for making calimocho

  • Use a cheap red wine. The flavour of the wine is not as important as the flavour of the cola, so you can save money by using a less expensive wine.
  • Use a good quality cola. The cola will make up half of the drink, so it is important to use a cola that you enjoy.
  • Serve calimocho over ice. This will help to keep the drink cold and refreshing.
  • You can arnish calimocho with a slice of lemon or orange. This will add a bit of citrus flavour to the drink.

A drink to take you back to Spain

So does it work?
Yep, it took us straight back to Bilbao. Granted, I needed to buy LSA Internationals GIO Tumblers (the large ones) to complete the look, but I guess you can use any large beer glass.
Janis holding out her Calimocho, a taste of spain, in our garden in Kent, England
Cheers to Kalimotxo or is it Calimocho?
The drink is refreshing, slightly sweet and great in the sunshine - give it a try, and if you're in Spain, you've no excuse.

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  1. Red wine mixed with lemonade is nice too popular again in Spain My brother told me about it as he lived in Spain with his wife, it is also a summer drink

    1. Mmmm that sounds lovely too, I think I may just have to give that one a go as well.

      Does it have a Spanish name?

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