The first encounter with mixing wine and soda often evokes vivid memories, like those from childhood, where a family matriarch might mix Chianti with cream soda. Though I initially disapproved of the taste, it opened the door to discussing the varying preferences that people, including celebrities, have for their beverages. Lady Gaga has recently faced some mixed reactions on social media for the way she enjoys her red wine, mixing it with Diet Coke and maraschino cherries.

This revelation came to light when USA Today shared a video of people trying and enjoying this unusual blend. The comments, however, were harsh, with critics mocking the drink. One user remarked, “They just make that s*** up to get y’all to drink nasty s***," while another cruelly dubbed it "Lady gag gag." Yet, TikTok users appear to have a more forgiving stance, with one describing the combination as "mayhem in a glass" but still palatable, even rating it a respectable seven out of ten.

It’s important to note that Lady Gaga isn’t setting a new trend with her preference. The combination of red wine and cola has historical roots in Spanish culture and is known as Kalimotxo, which dates back to the 1920s. The drink gained popularity in the 1970s as a way to mask the taste of spoiled wine during festivals, cleverly named after a festival organizer.

Beyond the Kalimotxo, there are other refreshing wine and soda concoctions, like tinto de verano, which blends red wine with lemon-lime soda for a summertime treat. These drinks are not only designed to be enjoyable in warm weather but also come in with lower alcohol content, making them perfect for casual gatherings. This lighter mix might be particularly appealing to health-conscious individuals like Lady Gaga.

For those wanting to explore unique drink recipes, there’s more culinary inspiration to discover.