Red wine mixed with cola might sound strange, but this unexpected combo creates a tasty drink that people love.
The simple mix of red wine and cola in equal parts makes a sweet and fizzy cocktail that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
This drink goes by many names around the world. In Spain, people call it Kalimotxo or Calimocho. In Croatia, it’s called Bambus. Germans know it as Korea.
The drink started in Spain in the 1970s. Young people found that mixing cheap red wine with cola made both drinks taste better. The drink became popular and spread to other countries.
Red Wine & Cola Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large wine glass or highball glass
- Ice bucket
- Measuring jigger (optional)
- Long spoon for stirring.
Ingredients
- 4 oz dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
- 4 oz cola
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour the red wine into the glass first.
- Add the cola slowly to prevent too much fizzing.
- Stir gently with a long spoon to combine the drinks without losing carbonation.
- Garnish with an orange slice if desired.
- Serve right away while the drink is cold and bubbly.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Red Wine & Cola cocktail has a uniquely sweet and complex taste profile. The cola adds caramel and vanilla notes while complementing the wine’s natural fruit flavors.
Dark berry flavors from the red wine mix with the familiar fizzy cola taste. The combination creates layers of cherry, plum, and spice notes that blend smoothly together.
The drink starts sweet and ends with a mild tannic finish from the wine. The carbonation from the cola adds a pleasant bubbling sensation that makes each sip refreshing.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Sweet caramel
- Dark berries
- Cherry and plum
- Light spice
- Vanilla undertones
Temperature affects the taste balance. When served cold, the cola’s sweetness stands out more. At room temperature, the wine flavors become more prominent.
The drink has a medium body with a silky mouthfeel. The carbonation level depends on how fresh the cola is when mixed.
Substitute
Red wine and cola fans can try different alternatives when making this cocktail. The most common swap replaces cola with diet cola to reduce sugar and calories.
Other wine options work too. Light-bodied Spanish wines like Tempranillo make good substitutes for traditional red wine choices. Dry red blends also mix well with cola.
Non-alcoholic versions use grape juice instead of wine. This creates a sweet drink that everyone can enjoy. Dark grape juice gives the most wine-like taste.
Alternative cola brands to try:
- Mexican Coca-Cola
- Pepsi
- RC Cola
- Store brand cola
- Cherry cola
Some people add a splash of lime juice or lemon juice for extra flavor. A dash of vanilla extract can make the drink taste more complex.
Black cherry soda creates a fruity twist on the classic recipe. The cherry flavor matches well with both red wine and grape juice versions.
