La Vita Alta

Crafted at Saint John’s Bar & Eatery in Seattle, Wash.

Saint John’s is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Wash., where tallboy scenesters collide daily with the more refined palates of aging hipsters. Although typically we go with a ’hood-favorite lager like Miller High Life, and combine it with a little Italian class, a light Pale Ale can also work here. It’s tangy with a DIY element that excites some, perhaps a bit more than it should. It’s easy to create and with Aperol Apertivo at only 11 percent, you’ll be able to hold your own with that drunk uncle who comes to every party, invited or not.

2 oz Aperol
splash of orange juice
12 oz Fremont Brewing Company’s Universale Pale Ale (or a bottle of Miller High Life)
lime

In a pint glass, muddle a quarter to a half of a lime with some ice. Top with ice, add Aperol and OJ. Open a fresh beer, and top ’er off. Serve cocktail in tandem with the beer, and encourage folks to keep their cocktail topped off as they drink it down. ■