Red Wine and Coke: A Surprising Global Favourite
Yes, you read that right—red wine mixed with Coca-Cola. It might sound like a teenage experiment gone wrong, but this bold combo is a legit cultural drink known as Kalimotxo (pronounced cal-ee-motch-oh), originating from the Basque region of Spain.
It’s typically a 50/50 mix of cheap red wine and cola, served over ice, and sipped in warm weather as a refreshing, fizzy alternative to sangria or spritzers. But is it any good?
Where Did Red Wine and Coke Come From?
The story goes that in the 1970s, Spanish partygoers needed to serve up some poor-quality wine at a local festival. To mask the off taste, they poured in Coke—and people loved it. Kalimotxo was born and has been a staple in Spain and parts of Latin America ever since.
Why Do People Like It?
- It’s refreshing – Served cold over ice, it’s more approachable than straight red wine in summer.
- It’s cheap – Great way to use leftover or inexpensive wine.
- It’s nostalgic – For many, it’s tied to uni parties, travel, or European holidays.
Best Wines to Mix with Coke
Stick with simple, fruity reds. Think dry but juicy wines like young Grenache, Shiraz, or Tempranillo. Avoid aged reds or anything oaky or tannic—it clashes with the cola’s sweetness.
We recommend something like: our fruit-forward red wine collection — perfect for experimenting with Kalimotxo-style drinks.
How to Make It
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour in half red wine and half Coke (about 100ml each).
- Gently stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge if you like.
It’s surprisingly balanced—dry wine meets fizzy sweetness for a drink that’s more than the sum of its parts.
Would a Sommelier Approve?
Probably not. But you’re not at a tasting—this is about fun, summer sipping, and discovering that wine can be both serious and not-so-serious. We say: try it once. You might just enjoy it more than expected.
Looking for reds that work well chilled or in Kalimotxo? Check out our Red Wine Collection or get a personal recommendation from Matt.
FAQ: Red Wine and Coke
Is it OK to mix red wine with Coke?
Yes! While unconventional, it’s a recognised drink called Kalimotxo. It’s popular in Spain and great for warm weather.
What wine works best with Coke?
Choose young, fruity red wines like Grenache or Tempranillo. Avoid anything too dry or oaky.
Does red wine and Coke taste good?
It depends on your taste! It’s sweet, fizzy, and slightly tangy—more refreshing than you'd expect.
