Sure, “estate grown wine” sounds chic, but once you’ve got a happy buzz going, does it really matter how you got there? An inexpensive bottle (looking at you, Trader Joe’s) can be just as memorable—desirable, even—once it’s spiked with the caramelly complexity of cola, lots of ginger, fresh lemon, and some choice spices to tame any sharp edges and excess acidity. If someone is being a snob, just tell them those in the Basque region call a non-spiced version of this drink kalimotxo/calimocho and drink it by the jugful. It’s like your college hangover but more refined. Choose a fruity, easy-drinking red like Merlot, Malbec, or Pinot Noir.
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What you’ll need
Medium Pot with Lid
$160 At Amazon
Mesh Sieve
$16 At Amazon
Glass Pitcher
$13 At Target
Recipe information
Yield
8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Combine 2 large lemons, sliced, two 3" pieces ginger, peeled, thinly sliced, six 2"-long cinnamon sticks, 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed, ¼ tsp. kosher salt, and two 750-ml bottles dry red wine in a medium pot, cover, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, still covered, adjusting heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer, 10 minutes.
Step 2
Pour wine mixture into a large bowl; cover and chill until very cold, at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
Step 3
Just before serving, strain wine mixture into a large pitcher; discard solids. Pour into tall ice-filled glasses, filling about halfway. Pour in four–six 12-oz. cans chilled Coca-Cola to fill the rest of the way; garnish with lemon wedges.
