Spaghett

The Spaghett is the ultimate easy-drinking summer cocktail, brilliantly combining the crispness of a light beer with the bittersweet orange notes of Aperol and a bright kick of fresh lemon juice. Often served directly in the beer bottle, it's a low-fuss, high-reward drink that's both intriguing and incredibly sessionable. It represents a playful, modern take on the classic Italian spritz, swapping prosecco for beer. The result is a uniquely satisfying beverage that's perfect for warm weather.
Spaghett

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Spaghett is considered a modern cocktail, specifically a type of beer cocktail or a spritz variation. It falls into the category of simple, low-ABV aperitifs perfect for casual drinking.

Serving

The Spaghett is a cold, low-ABV drink typically served directly in its chilled beer bottle for a casual feel, though a highball glass also works. The serving size is equivalent to one bottle of beer plus the added ingredients.
Serving size
Approximately 375 ml / 12.7 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 4-5% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Beer bottle or Highball glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Spaghett was created around 2016 by bartender Reed Cahill at Wet City Brewing in Baltimore, Maryland. It was conceived as a simple, refreshing staff drink or 'shift drink'. The name is a fun, nonsensical portmanteau that stuck. Its popularity grew through word-of-mouth and social media, establishing it as a cult favorite in the American craft beer and cocktail scene.
Origin
Baltimore, Maryland, USA, circa 2016.

Spaghett

The drink is primarily known as Spaghett, a playful portmanteau of spritz and the 'ett' from Spaghetti. It is sometimes misspelled as Spagett. The name is a humorous nod to its Italian aperitif component, Aperol.
Original name
Spaghett
Alternative names
  • Spagett
  • Aperol Spaghett

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts a crisp, bubbly texture with a bittersweet orange and bright lemon flavor profile, making it exceptionally refreshing. Its pale orange hue and light-bodied feel position it as the perfect summer sipper.
Flavor
Citrusy, bittersweet orange, malty, crisp
Aroma
Orange peel, lemon, light beer malt
Taste balance
Bitter, sour, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, bitter, refreshing
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Pale orange, hazy golden, bubbly
Texture
Light-bodied, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Very refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Spaghett is moderately intense, with a balance of bitterness from Aperol and sourness from lemon, offset by slight sweetness and high carbonation. It's a low-alcohol drink with a pronounced fruity character.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need three simple ingredients for a Spaghett: a bottle of cold light lager like Miller High Life, the bittersweet aperitif Aperol, and a splash of fresh lemon juice.
  • Light Lager1 bottle or can (355 ml / 12 oz)
    Miller High Life is the classic choice, but any crisp, light American-style lager works well.
  • Aperol30 ml / 1 oz
    This provides the characteristic bittersweet orange flavor and color.
  • Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for brightness.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed; a simple jigger for measuring the Aperol and lemon juice is sufficient as the drink is built directly in the bottle.
  • Jigger for measuring

Instructions

The preparation is simple: take a sip of cold beer to make space in the bottle, add Aperol and lemon juice, and gently invert once to mix before serving.
1. Ensure your bottle of light lager is very cold. Open it carefully.
2. Take a sip from the bottle to make room for the other ingredients (about 1-2 oz).
3. Carefully pour 1 oz (30 ml) of Aperol directly into the bottle.
4. Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice into the bottle.
5. Gently place your thumb over the opening of the bottle and slowly invert it once to mix. Do not shake.
6. Serve immediately, straight from the bottle.

Garnishing

Garnish is typically omitted to maintain simplicity, but a small lemon wedge or wheel can be added for an extra citrus aroma if desired.
  • Lemon wedge or wheel (optional)

Dietary Information

This drink is vegan-friendly, dairy-free, and egg-free, but it is not gluten-free due to the beer base. A gluten-free beer can be substituted to accommodate dietary restrictions.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A Spaghett is relatively low in calories, with around 150-180 kcal per serving. Its sugar and carbohydrate content comes primarily from the Aperol and the beer.
Calories
Approximately 150-180 kcal / 628-753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10-14 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is ideal for casual, warm-weather occasions like backyard barbecues, summer parties, and lazy afternoon brunches. Its refreshing and low-alcohol nature makes it a perfect aperitif. It's the quintessential 'day drinking' cocktail.
  • Summer parties
  • Barbecues
  • Brunches
  • Casual get-togethers
  • Aperitif hour

Pairing suggestions

The Spaghett's bitter and refreshing profile pairs wonderfully with salty, casual foods. It's a great companion for pizza, grilled items from a barbecue, or simple snacks like potato chips and pretzels. It also works well with light brunch fare.
  • Salty snacks like potato chips or pretzels
  • Pizza
  • Grilled hot dogs and burgers
  • Light brunch foods like avocado toast

The Spaghett: A Modern Beer Spritz Sensation

The Spaghett is a modern beer cocktail that has rapidly gained popularity for its sheer simplicity and refreshing taste. By combining a crisp light lager with the iconic bittersweet notes of Aperol and a squeeze of fresh lemon, it creates a perfectly balanced and highly sessionable drink. It is often served unpretentiously in the beer bottle it's made in, embodying a spirit of casual, warm-weather enjoyment. More than just a drink, the Spaghett is a clever and fun take on the classic spritz, ideal for any relaxed social gathering.

Similar cocktails

Michelada

Another beer cocktail from Mexico, but with savory and spicy ingredients like lime juice, hot sauce, and assorted spices.

Aperol Spritz

The classic inspiration, which uses Prosecco and soda water instead of beer.

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