Slaying vampires is naturally thirsty work, so let’s quench our thirst with something appropriately devastating as we celebrate this incredibly cool interactive art piece. The drink is, naturally, deep blood red thanks to a base of robust red wine. The drink’s origins are from Spain, where the simple but delicious combination of red wine and cola has been popular for a hundred years. In 1972, during the festival of St Nicholas in Algorta, as the story goes, Coca-Cola became the official mixer, and the concoction was dubbed the Kalimotxo in loving tribute to one of the festivity organizers, Kalimero. “Motxo” in basque means “ugly”, which was also this nice person’s nickname. The drink remains extremely popular.

Robby Dow and Ally Marrone from Brooklyn’s Grand Army bar, have updated the classic with their moody, delicious take, which reconstructs the basic flavors and augments them further. The addition of two Italian amaros gives the drink a bracing body it typically lacks, and the cola syrup amps those sweet flavors further. Cola, which was originally made from an infusion of roots and herbs, is a perfect compliment for amaro in general. Be careful with this cocktail, as it might lure the creatures of the night to your window. Cheers, and happy hunting!

Vampire’s Kiss by Robby Dow and Ally Marrone

1 ½ oz medium dry red wine

½ oz Punt e Mes

¼ oz Fernet-Branca

¾ oz cola syrup (1:2 cola:sugar)

½ oz lime

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 oz soda water

Shake ingredients except soda water with ice and strain into a favorite glass filled with ice. Top with the soda and garnish with orange slices.

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