In yet another instalment of ‘bastardisations that just work’ we are here to tell you that if you haven’t been adding Coca Cola to your red wine, you should be.

A simple mix of red wine, Coca Cola and lots of ice, the kalimotxo (pronounced cali-moe-cho) may well be your new favourite drink. And given that Australia is currently experiencing a glut of red wine thanks to unpredictable tariffs offshore, you can consider this your civic duty for summer.

The kalimotxo is far from a new thing, having been invented a century ago in Spain by its two creators’, Kalimero and Motxongo, and while a few very cool venues around Australia have been serving this ‘cocktail’ up for a few years now, the on-shore legacy lies elsewhere. 

Popularised by Spanish and Portuguese migrants, the kalimotxo has been a long-held favourite at clubhouses, RSLs and dog tracks, proving once again that fashion is purely a flat circle.

So, how do you make this sweet, tart, and utterly refreshing cocktail? It’s almost embarrassing to call this a ‘recipe’ but here goes.

Ingredients

120ml red wine, any sort
120ml Coca-Cola
Ice

Method

1. Add ice to the brim of a highball glass
2. Pour over red wine, then Coca-Cola
3. Garnish with an orange slice if you’re feeling fancy

Related story: Everybody chill: here’s why putting ice in your wine is completely fine