The Spaghett: Cheap, Cheerful, and Trending
A cold bottle of Miller High Life with a bright splash of amaro poured inside, sunlight catching the orange hue. Consider the Step Bro Mike—from Uncle Leo’s in Cincinnati, OH that features deep amber-red tones from See the Elephant Amaro, Cynar, lemon juice, and Peychaud’s bitters standing out against a casual bar top. The vibe feels approachable yet stylish: half dive bar, half Italian aperitivo.
What’s a Spaghett?
Dubbed everything from the “hobo Negroni” to the “NASCAR spritz,” the Spaghett is this summer’s unexpectedly trendy, cost‑friendly cocktail. It’s a simple mix: a bottle of Miller High Life topped with a splash of Aperol, sometimes with a dash of lemon, if you’re feeling fancy.
The origins of the Spaghett which are widely noted as being born into the cocktail world in 2016 at Wet City Brewing in Baltimore, Maryland, where it was invented by bartender Reed Cahill. Bon Appétit written by amaro aficionado Alex Delany.
Rising Popularity and What It Might Signal
Despite its humble nature, the Spaghett’s popularity has exploded:
65% increase in orders in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024.
A staggering 1,000% surge since 2022 Food & Wine.
Defined by affordability and easy prep, it’s capturing the zeitgeist and spotted more on menus, lighting up social media.
As inflation bites and wallets tighten, consumers and bartenders alike are gravitating toward cheaper yet still satisfying options:
According to Square, people are shifting toward low‑ABV, beer‑based mixes when cutting back on spending.
Bartenders typically tack on just $1–$2 to the beer price, or simply charge double the beer, clearly cheaper than a $15 Aperol Spritz Business Insider.
This trend isn’t just anecdotal it's rooted in economic patterns. Historically, spikes in sales of affordable staples like pasta or canned goods often precede recessions.
Summer Spaghett Menu at Uncle Leo’s in Cincinnati, OH Showcases Versatility
We have been loving on the new Spaghett menu at Uncle Leo’s in the OTR neighborhood of Cincinnati, OH.
Step Bro Mike featuring See the Elephant Amaro
0.25oz - See the Elephant Amaro
0.25oz - Cynar
Bar spoon of Lemon Juice
2 Dashes of Peychauds Bitters
1 Miller High Life
Add ingredients to mixing tin. Remove 1oz of beer from bottle. Add all ingredients to beer. Optional garnish with lemon or grapefruit.
Culture and Convenience Unite
The Spaghett resonates with Gen Z and budget-conscious drinkers for several reasons:
Low cost ~$5 vs. $15+ for a traditional Spritz
Low alcohol content allowing longer, lighter consumption New York Post.
Irreverent charm—whether you call it “hobo luxury” or “trailer‑park spritz,” it adds “a little special” without costing much financefoggle.com.
For bartenders, making a Spaghett is quick, which is critical during busy service hours financefoggle.com.
So, will you be trying a Spaghett sometime soon?
If you’re looking to sip on something simple and smart, consider the Spaghett—not just a drink, but a little cultural and economic commentary in a bottle. With hundreds of variations possible using Miller High Life as the base this is a fun way to enjoy different drinks and experiment with different flavors.