i <3 kalimotxo!!!

wtf is kalimotxo?? how the hell do u even pronounce it?!?!

if you've been hanging out with me long enough, you know how much i LOVE love love to drink kalimotxos. especially in the summer time. pronounced cali-mo-cho, it's a popular 'cocktail' from spain (esp. in basque country). it's basically red wine and coke over ice. wikipedia even told me that in germany, it's called korea (MUST find out why!)

americans look at me in horror if i start mixing my own or ask for one when i'm out. but really, it's mildly sweet, refreshing and earthy all at the same time. it's especially nice with bitters, an orange slice, or a cinnamon stick as well. it's like....as the spaniards call it, poor man's sangria. i first discovered it in spain when i studied abroad in high school, and started drinking it again 3 or so years ago when the wash post food section featured it in their wine/spirits section. i have only seen it in ONE dining establishment thus far- some random pizza joint in denver i visited while on a business trip.

i was pleasantly surprised on my recent vacation to mexico when i ordered it (albeit, as a meek question, assuming they would think i was crazy) and the bartender, shocked to hear this yellow american order such an obscure latin drink, immediately began making one!

i typically use rojo mojo shiraz so i can keep the drink cheap, traditional and spanish. i think riojas are typically what you're supposed to use, but really, any cheap red works for this. i like something with more tannins and boldness so that i can really taste the presence of wine. here's how i like to make mine:

1. use a tall glass (i like to use a beer pint glass for mine)
2. fill with ice (i prefer cubed to crushed for this drink)
3. fill halfway with red wine
4. fill the rest of the way with coke
5. DRINK!!!!

*image courtesy r. ray magazine aka queen mediocrity