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Last summer, during a visit to Baltimore, I stumbled upon a drink called Spaghett while perusing the happy hour menu at Wet City Brewing. The name immediately caught my attention, and at just $5, I decided to give it a try. What I discovered was not just a catchy name but one of the most refreshing summer drinks I’d ever had.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and the Spaghett has gained popularity across bars nationwide. This simple yet delightful cocktail combines Miller High Life, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice, all served straight in the beer bottle—no need for unnecessary garnishes or fancy glassware. It’s become my go-to drink as the temperature rises.

Taste Profile

The Spaghett can be thought of as a relaxed version of an Aperol spritz. Instead of prosecco, it uses lager, delivering a crisp and bubbly experience that’s just tart enough to keep you coming back for more. The beer ensures the drink remains refreshing while minimizing the boozy taste, making it perfect for hot weather.

How to Make a Spaghett

Makes 1 | Total Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients

1 (12-oz.) bottle of American-style lager, preferably Miller High Life, chilled
1½ oz. Aperol
1 oz. fresh lemon juice

Method

Take a big sip from the chilled beer bottle to create space (or pour out about 1½ oz.).
Pour in 1½ oz. of Aperol and 1 oz. of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice will cause some foam, so pour slowly.
Relax and enjoy—no stirring necessary; simply lift your bottle to mix!

Slush Version

For a refreshing twist, you can create a Spaghett slush. After sipping from the beer bottle, pour the remaining beer into a shallow dish and combine it with Aperol and lemon juice. Freeze for at least two hours, scraping the mixture every 30 minutes. Once it reaches a fluffy texture, serve it in a beer stein with a straw.

Tips and Variations

Can I use other beers? Yes, while Miller High Life is the classic choice, any crisp lager or pilsner will work well. Just avoid IPAs, which may overpower the flavors.
Keeping it cold: Ensure your ingredients are very chilled for the best experience. If it’s hot outside, serving over ice in a pint glass can be especially refreshing. Feel free to add a lemon wedge for garnish.
Substituting Aperol: While Aperol is the traditional choice, you can replace it with other bright aperitifs like Campari or Contratto Aperitif for a different flavor profile.
Why the name Spaghett? This quirky drink was invented in 2016 by bartender Reed Cahill, inspired by a recurring character from the comedy show Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
Making it in advance: For best results, mix the Spaghett right before serving. However, you can prepare the Aperol and lemon juice mixture up to six hours ahead for multiple servings.