Why You Should Make Your Valentine A Kalimotxo
It’s easy to overthink Valentine’s Day dinners. The food should be rich but not overly so, and drinks should flow but not be too stiff. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to bone your dinner. However, only some have the time to do that. You can fix the problem of drinks right now by serving your Valentine a Kalimotxo.
What is in a Kalimotxo
Kalimotxo consists of a 50/50 mix of Coca-Cola and dry red wine. It is not “classy,” but it’s European. Americans tend to think of European drinks as being classy. Initially created by the Basque region in Spain to sell soured wines, it is now popular among Spanish teenagers and some American college students.
It may not sound romantic, but please stick with me. The Kalimotxo will keep you awake and alert by reducing the ABV of your wine. It also provides a small amount of caffeine, making you feel good. You could call it “hydrating,” as soda is mainly water, which would push my luck.
There’s also the cool factor. It’s easy to buy a bottle of wine for $40, but it is much cooler to serve a mix of cola, Tempranillo, and a basque cocktail with a suave, “Oh, this is a Basque cocktail.” This is a great way to impress your date on Valentine’s Day, especially if it’s your first Valentine’s Day together. You don’t want them to think you’re overly excited. It’s best to use a cheap red wine (no more than $10) and spend the extra money on caviar or potato chips. This will make you look more sophisticated than you are.
It’s all about the taste: Kalimotxo is a Basque favorite not just because it’s an adorable party trick but also because it goes with everything. The red color keeps it from being too sweet, while the sugar and bubbles add to the fun. The soda is festive, sweet enough, and a great conversation starter.
You can make a Coca-Cola Classic by mixing equal parts of cheap, dry red wine with Coca-Cola Classic in a glass. If you want to add a garnish, an orange wheel will do. Blood oranges would fit in perfectly with the theme.
