The kalimotxo combines red wine and soda for a refreshing summer sipper. (Photo by Kristen Hartke)
Drink of the week: Kalimotxo
Where to get it: Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Estadio, Jaleo, Agua 301
The humid weather is continuing its annual descent on the region, and refreshing drinks are the answer. Usually hot-weather choices are limited to light wheat beers, rosé wine, or, here in D.C., a Gin Rickey if you’re feeling fancy. But there is another far underrated option: the kalimotxo.
A Spanish and Basque drink made from mixing red wine with cola, the kalimotxo sounds weird. It does. I know. But give it a chance. It’s a surprisingly refreshing way to get a red wine fix during hot months: the wine cuts the sweetness of the soda and they all play together in the best way.
Kalimoxtos (also commonly spelled calimocho) are easy to make at home and great options for summer barbecues. It’s also a cheap option — just snag a bottle of your preferred Charles Shaw or affordable Tempranillo. They’re also common orders at Spanish restaurants including Estadio (1520 14th Street NW) and Jaleo (multiple locations), and you can get a version made with Mexican Coke at Agua 301 (301 Water Street SE). It’ll also be a menu fixture at this summer’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which is celebrating Basque culture: the frozen kalimoxto slushie will definitely be a clutch option on the hot, sunny Mall during late June and early July.
Small bites:
Free D.C. booze and Game of Thrones party
Local producer Jos. A Magnus is teaming up with Songbyrd Record Cafe (2475 18th Street NW) for a free liquor tasting, concert, and Game of Thrones watch party. It all starts at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 26th. Distillery staff will be on hand to answer questions and there will be free tastings of whiskey, bourbon, and gin, and food pairings as well, culminating in a Game of Thrones watch party at 9 p.m. Guests can RSVP via Facebook.
The Royal Turns One
The Royal‘s (501 Florida Avenue NW) cozy coffehouse vibe and killer arepas have made it feel like an old friend in the LeDroit Park neighborhood. However, it’s only been a year since they opened their doors, and they’re celebrating their first anniversary on Monday with all-day festivities. Look for free cold-brew pops and the debut of the bar’s new rosita vermouth for $5. Happy hour will run from 11 a.m to 1 a.m., including $7 cocktails and wine and $2 Rolling Rock pony bottles.
New late-night Italian eats
Michael Schlow’s buzzy Italian spot Alta Strada (475 K Street NW) is rolling out a new late-night eats menu starting this weekend, with specials on Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. (less helpful if you’re stranded by SafeTrack, so plan accordingly). Bites like crunchy meatballs, creamy burrata and pizzas will be available for under $10, including the cheesy bianca and the proscuitto and arugula pie.
Barbecue takes over downtown
This weekend marks the 24th annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. Tickets are $15 each day, which includes tastings, live music, cooking demonstrations, and a hot dog eating contest sponsored by Nathan’s. The event is located on Pennsylvania Ave NW between 9th and 14th Streets.
