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In Argentina it’s known as ‘Jesus juice’, and in Chile it’s called ‘black vulture’, but down here in South Africa we simply call it katemba.

Typically drunk by young people who want to make a rough red wine more palatable, red wine mixed with Coca-Cola has always been a controversial cocktail.

This unconventional blend of two classic drinks has finally emerged from the underground and is now making waves in the world of mixology and wine enthusiasts alike. Originating from the Spanish cocktail kalimotxo, the drink once thought to be wine-blasphemy is now being enjoyed by those looking for a sweet and refreshing alternative to traditional cocktails.

One of the experts sticking their neck out for this ‘student drink’, is sommelier, author, and mastermind behind the renowned restaurant owner, Vanessa Price.

“I think that wine is subjective and ultimately a pleasure that is best left to one’s sort of mentality. Certainly, if you’re drinking something that’s a finer quality that perhaps took a vintner backbreaking years to farm, produce, age, bottle, and sell … it might be a bit too much to mask that with a simple coke, but there are plenty of young fresh fruity wines that could go easily enough with an ice-cold Coca-Cola and perhaps a few ice cubes.”

While purists might hesitate to mix a fine Bordeaux or a vintage Pinot Noir with cola, the trend’s appeal lies in its ability to adapt to a wide range of wines. According to Price, young, fruity wines, such as Beaujolais or a Spanish Tempranillo, can harmonise surprisingly well with the sweetness of Coca-Cola.

The trend of mixing red wine with Coca-Cola certainly encourages wine lovers to think ‘outside the bottle’ and explore ‘new dimensions of flavour’. It’s a playful yet respectful nod to tradition, showing that even the most time-honoured customs can evolve to accommodate the ever-changing tastes of a new generation of boozers.

As Price suggests, “Don’t knock it till you try it!”

Finally, some legitimacy. I still have fond memories of getting trashed on Tassies and Coke as a student, so perhaps now that I’m a bit older, my wife won’t give me grief for topping up my Merlot with a splash of cola.

Sweet Jesus juice.

[source:tastingtable]