The Basque mixed drink known as kalimotxo might be familiar to you without even knowing it. It is actually a cocktail made from red wine and cola, which in Czechia is often prepared under the more colloquial name “houba” (“mushroom”). I must admit, as a poor student, I made it more than once in my college dorm. Typically, cheap wine is used, with cola masking its less-than-stellar taste.
In Spain, however, even inexpensive wine is great, and kalimotxo should definitely be on your list of drinks to try in the Basque Country (alongside the local wine txakoli and Basque cider). A chilled kalimotxo is a perfect complement to Basque pintxos in the summer.
Basque Kalimotxo
The History of Kalimotxo
According to legend, kalimotxo first appeared in 1972 at the Puerto Viejo festival in the Basque town of Getxo, near Bilbao. A group of young people, known as “los Kalimotxos,” was tasked with selling wine at the festival. The wine they had was cheap and not very tasty. To make it more drinkable and sell more, they decided to mix it with cola. And so, a drink was born that quickly gained popularity throughout Spain and later in other parts of the world. The mix of red wine and cola can also be found in other countries: in Croatia (known as “bambus”), in Germany (known as “Korea”), or in Argentina (known as “Jote”).
🇪🇸 Tip: After enjoying Basque pintxos and txakoli wine, a bit of passive relaxation is in order. Check out these boat cruises in Bilbao or San Sebastián. You will recharge for more tastings! ⛵
How to Make Kalimotxo
Making kalimotxo is very simple. Just mix red wine and cola in a 1:1 ratio. It’s important to use good quality red wine, and the cola should be well-chilled. Kalimotxo is traditionally served in tall glasses with ice. You can garnish it with a slice of lemon or lime. It’s the perfect drink for a summer party or a gathering with friends.
Variations of Kalimotxo
Although the classic Basque kalimotxo is, in my opinion, unbeatable, there are several interesting variations worth trying:
- White Kalimotxo – made with white wine and lemon soda or Sprite.
- Rosé Kalimotxo – uses rosé wine instead of red.
- Cava-motxo – made with Spanish sparkling wine cava instead of red wine.
- Coffee-motxo – for coffee lovers, made with red wine, cola, and a shot of espresso.
You can find kalimotxo at every Basque fiesta, in bars, and on beaches. For many Basques, kalimotxo is a symbol of summer, fun, and the joy of life. When you’re in the Basque Country, try ordering it, even if it’s not on the bar or restaurant menu. They will have all the ingredients for kalimotxo and will be happy to prepare it for you.
If you enjoy kalimotxo, be sure to order tinto de verano (“summer red wine”) anywhere in Spain. It’s a drink made from red wine and lemon soda or sparkling water. Unlike kalimotxo, it has a lighter, more refreshing taste and isn’t as “touristy” as sangria.
Cheers, or as they say in the Basque Country, “osasuna“!
🇪🇸 Tip: After a great Spanish meal, also go for authentic Spanish flamenco. I went to a performance of Las Carboneras tablao flamenco in Madrid, which I definitely recommend. Performances are held throughout Spain, and you can buy tickets in advance online.
2 Comments
The Rose kalimotxo is sometimes referred to in the Basque Country as “kaligorri” as ardo gorri is the Basque name for rose wine,preferably a kaligorri should be made with rose wine from Navarra or Rioja.
Hello Josu, thank you very much for the info!