Kalimotxo: Ask people to name a kind of alcohol that mixes well with Coca-Cola, and most will say rum. A cocktail-loving friend might suggest
fernet, the bitter Italian amaro. But until recently, it’s unlikely anybody would mention red wine.
It may sound like an odd combination, but the Kalimotxo (pronounced
cali-MO-cho) is a perfect fall cocktail. The Spanish drink is a simple formula: a one-to-one mixture of inexpensive red wine and Coca-Cola. It’s been popping up on restaurant menus across the city.
At Logan Square’s Fat Rice, home to the city’s (and probably Illinois’) only Macanese cooking, the light, effervescent drink ($9) pairs especially well. Bartenders here combine Luberri Biga, a Spanish Rioja, with Coca-Cola and add a squeeze of lemon for a citrus zing. The result, served on ice, is reminiscent of sangria and blends the richness of the wine with the sweetness and spice notes of the cola. Fat Rice, 2957 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago; 773-661-9170
