A sign of the times?
Every year, it feels like there are multiple claimants to the title of “drink of the summer.” For the fancy, maybe 2025 is the year of the Hugo spritz. But if your finances are a little more stretched, which a lot of people’s are, you might be opting for this year’s more economical option: the Spaghett. Also known as the NASCAR spritz, the hobo Negroni, or the trailer park spritz, the drink consists of a bottled beer — often a Miller High Life — topped up with a splash of Aperol and maybe some lemon juice (a lot of people don’t bother with the last bit). It’s a way to fancy up your drink without fancying up the price tag too much. And the Spaghett’s popularity has been on the rise, as more drinkers feel increasing pressure on their wallets. Recession indicator? Maybe. Let’s call it the recession Aperol spritz.
Data from the payments platform Square shows that orders for Spaghetts in the first half of 2025 are up by 65% from last year, and since 2022, Spaghett orders are up by 1000%. The number of Spaghetts showing up on bar receipts has risen over the past five years, per Square’s data. Google searches for Spaghetts have spiked this summer.
Much of the interest is organic — Spaghetts are appearing more on menus, they’re easy to make at home, and the word is spreading about their existence, both on social media and in real life…Given that an Aperol spritz could easily run you $15, the cost of the knock-off beer version is part of the draw.
It sounds awful. But I think I’ll order one and see…
In all seriousness, it’s clear that prices of everything are starting to spike. But apparently, unless its eggs or gas it just doesn’t pierce the consciousness. Or maybe we’re all just fine with it as long as Orange Julius Caesar is making America great again.
Make it a double, barkeep…