Moonriver #23 - Ixtapa

While we were out tempting fate and stupid people that can't wear masks in NY, my in-laws bought for me some red wine that they professed was "sweet like Stella Rosa."  
  Well, considering that most of Stella Rosa's award-winning libations are carbonated and based on more fruity striations, a "sweet red" would not suffice.  
  Sure enough, though it wasn't bad, this "red" wasn't really up to snuff in either direction.  And before you get on your snide horse about the merits of my Stella versus you Pinot, you can shove it.
  We took the wine home with us, and it sat in our fridge for awhile.  Still hopped and hankering for something to do with it, I did the UNTHINKABLE.  

​I poured some in soda and took a sip.

Kalimotxo

Turns out blending wine and cola has been done before.
  Branching paths bled out from the origins of Sangria and gaining A LOT of popularity in the 1970s, messing around with soda and wine ain't nothin' new, no matter how weird it may sound.  
To make the original Spanish version of this drink, called the Kalimotxo, you'll need some red wine and Coca-Cola.  Mix 1 part each and enjoy.

Three Variations On A Theme

Not one to let the red cap lie, I continued down this rabbit hole and tried this three more ways.

BENJIN'S BINGE 
1 part White Wine
1 part Sprite
1.5 oz Vodka

RAYPH'S RIPOSTE
1 part Red Wine
1 part Ginger Ale
1.5 oz Gold Tequila

IZZY'S IXTAPA
1 part Stella Rosa Black
1 part Dr. Pepper
1.5 oz Amaretto

Yes.  These three variations are indeed based on a trio of bounty hunters from the first campaign of Gray Owls.  Yes, only one of them is still alive.

...That has nothing to do with the quality of these drinks.  
I promise.


No.  I will not share which one of these three lived.
Because you shouldn't be worried.  Seriously.  Nothing to worry about.  Stop asking.

Enjoy your dumb wine.
-Adamus