Spaghett Cocktail: Origin, Recipe, and Why This Viral Beer Drink Is Taking Over
What Is the Spaghett Cocktail?
The Spaghett cocktail is a delightfully simple and refreshing drink that has taken both dive bars and social media by storm. At its core, it’s a cold bottle of light lager (traditionally Miller High Life) enhanced with a splash of Aperol and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The result? A crisp, citrusy, bitter-sweet ‘beer cocktail’ that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Think of it as the lovechild between an Aperol Spritz and a classic shandy — but with a playful, no-frills personality that makes it stand out from traditional cocktails.
The Origin of the Spaghett
Unlike most cocktails with polished backstories and upscale beginnings, the Spaghett comes from the DIY spirit of dive bar culture. The indie rock band Parquet Courts first popularized the idea as a fun, low-maintenance way to elevate a cheap beer with Aperol and citrus.
From there, bartenders embraced the idea, and the drink quickly spread beyond barroom banter. Thanks to TikTok, Instagram Reels, and cocktail blogs, the Spaghett became a viral trend, celebrated for being both quirky and delicious.
Its offbeat name, “Spaghett,” only adds to the charm. It doesn’t pretend to be classy — it’s fun, approachable, and a little rebellious, just like its roots.
Spaghett Cocktail Ingredients
Making a Spaghett requires just three simple ingredients:
- 1 light lager (Miller High Life is the classic choice)
- 1 oz (30ml) Aperol
- Juice of ½ fresh lemon
Optional: lemon wedge for garnish.
How to Make a Spaghett Cocktail (Step-by-Step)
- Chill your beer until it’s ice-cold — this is key for maximum refreshment.
- Open the bottle and take a sip to create room for the additions.
- Add 1 oz of Aperol directly into the bottle.
- Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
- Swirl gently to mix (avoid shaking, or you’ll end up with foam).
- Sip straight from the bottle for authenticity — or pour into a glass for presentation.
Which Glass Is Best for a Spaghett?
The traditional way to enjoy a Spaghett is right from the beer bottle — part of its charm is that it feels casual and effortless. But if you’d like to serve it more elegantly, pour it into a tall pilsner glass or collins glass. The vibrant orange-pink hue shines in glassware, and you can add a lemon wedge for garnish to make it photo-ready for Instagram.
Spaghett Variations Worth Trying
The classic version is iconic, but part of the Spaghett’s appeal is its flexibility. Here are some delicious twists:
- Grapefruit Spaghett – Replace lemon with grapefruit juice for a tangy, slightly sweeter kick.
- Campari Spaghett – Swap Aperol for Campari if you prefer a bolder, more bitter edge.
- Tropical Spaghett – Add a splash of pineapple juice with the lemon for a summery, tiki-inspired version.
- Spaghett Spritz – Pour into a wine glass with ice and top with soda water for a lighter, spritz-style cocktail.
- Batch Spaghett – Hosting friends? Mix several beers with Aperol and citrus in a pitcher, then serve over ice.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Spaghett
- Use fresh lemon juice — bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same bright flavor.
- Stick to light lagers like Miller High Life, Coors Banquet, Heineken, Polar, Amstel, Stella Artois, Perino or Modelo Especial; heavier beers overwhelm Aperol.
- Chill everything in advance for a crisp, refreshing finish.
- Want to impress? Serve some in bottles and some in glasses for a fun mix of casual and polished vibes.
Why the Spaghett Is the Drink of the Moment
From its humble dive-bar beginnings to its explosion on TikTok and Instagram, the Spaghett has proven that great cocktails don’t need to be complicated. With just beer, Aperol, and lemon juice, you can create a drink that’s refreshing, affordable, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you sip it straight from the bottle for its authentic charm or pour it into a glass to show off its color, the Spaghett is a modern classic that’s perfect for summer parties, casual hangouts, or just a fun night in.
👉 Ready to try it? Grab a cold lager, some Aperol, and fresh lemons, and make your own Spaghett today. Experiment with variations, share your creations online, and join the growing community that’s turning this quirky beer cocktail into an international favorite.
