Paper Plane Cocktail
Learn to make the perfect Paper Plane cocktail with bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice. A modern classic cocktail recipe.
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Ingredients
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The Paper Plane cocktail is a modern classic that has captivated cocktail enthusiasts since bartender Sam Ross created it in 2007 at New York's Milk & Honey. This sophisticated drink combines equal parts bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice to create a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and citrusy flavors that dance on your palate.
What makes the Paper Plane truly special is its harmonious complexity - the rich, smoky bourbon provides a robust foundation, while the bright orange notes of Aperol add gentle bitterness. Amaro Nonino contributes herbal depth with its unique blend of spices and citrus peels, and fresh lemon juice ties everything together with vibrant acidity. This cocktail is both refreshing and sophisticated, making it perfect for any occasion from intimate gatherings to upscale cocktail parties.
Instructions
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Prepare the glass
Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer for 15 minutes, or fill it with ice water and let it sit while you prepare the cocktail.
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Combine ingredients
Add 3/4 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino, 3/4 oz Aperol, and 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
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Fill the shaker with ice cubes until about 2/3 full.
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Shake and strain
Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold and frosty.
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Empty any ice water from the chilled glass if you used that method.
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Double strain the cocktail through both the shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass to remove any ice chips or pulp.
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Garnish and serve
Express a lemon twist over the drink by holding the peel skin-side down and giving it a firm twist to release the oils, then drop it into the glass and serve immediately.
Tips
Use high-quality bourbon as it forms the backbone of the cocktail and significantly impacts the overall taste.
Always squeeze lemons fresh for bright, vibrant acidity - bottled lemon juice will dull the cocktail's flavor.
Chill your glassware by placing it in the freezer for 15 minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
Shake vigorously for a full 15-20 seconds to ensure proper dilution and temperature - the cocktail should be ice-cold when served.
Use a fine-mesh strainer when pouring to remove any ice chips or pulp for a crystal-clear presentation.
Measure all ingredients precisely using a jigger - the equal-parts formula depends on accurate measurements for perfect balance.
Express the lemon twist over the drink before garnishing to release the citrus oils and enhance the aroma.
Serve immediately after preparation to maintain the cocktail's fresh, vibrant flavors and optimal temperature.
The Story Behind the Paper Plane Cocktail
The Paper Plane cocktail emerged during the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s, created by Australian bartender Sam Ross in 2007 while working at the legendary Milk & Honey in New York City. Ross, who also created the Penicillin cocktail, drew inspiration from the classic Last Word cocktail's equal-parts formula but wanted to create something uniquely his own using bourbon as the base spirit.
The drink's name pays homage to the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes," which was popular at the time of its creation. Like the song, the cocktail quickly gained cult status and spread from New York's cocktail scene to bars around the world. Today, it's considered a modern classic and appears on cocktail menus from Tokyo to London.
Understanding the Ingredients
Each ingredient in the Paper Plane plays a crucial role in creating its signature flavor profile. Bourbon provides the drink's backbone with its corn-forward sweetness and vanilla notes. Aperol, an Italian bitter liqueur, contributes bright orange flavors and a gentle bitterness that never overwhelms. Amaro Nonino, perhaps the most distinctive component, is an Italian digestif made from herbs, spices, and citrus peels that adds complexity with notes of caramel, honey, and warming spices.
Fresh lemon juice is essential - never use bottled - as it provides the bright acidity needed to balance the sweet and bitter elements. The magic happens when these four ingredients combine in equal proportions, creating a drink that's simultaneously familiar and surprising.
Perfect Paper Plane Variations
While the classic Paper Plane is perfection in its simplicity, bartenders have created numerous variations. Substituting rye whiskey for bourbon adds spicy complexity, while using different amaros can dramatically change the flavor profile. Averna brings more sweetness and citrus notes, while Montenegro offers floral brightness. Some bartenders experiment with different citrus juices - grapefruit creates a more bitter profile, while lime adds tropical notes.
For a smokier version, try using a peated Scotch whisky, or create a "Paper Plane 2.0" by adding a dash of chocolate bitters. The equal-parts formula makes experimentation easy - just maintain the balance and adjust to your taste preferences.
Serving and Presentation
The Paper Plane is traditionally served "up" in a chilled coupe glass, though a rocks glass works equally well for a more casual presentation. The drink's beautiful amber color deserves to be showcased, making the coupe the preferred choice for special occasions. A lemon twist garnish not only adds visual appeal but also releases citrus oils that enhance the drink's aroma.
For the best presentation, ensure your glassware is properly chilled and your ingredients are at the right temperature. The cocktail should be strained carefully to achieve a clear, bright appearance without ice shards.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
While the Paper Plane is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare larger batches for parties. Pre-batched Paper Planes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours - simply multiply the recipe by the number of servings needed and add 25% water to account for dilution that would normally come from shaking with ice.
Store opened bottles of Aperol and Amaro Nonino in a cool, dark place. Aperol should be refrigerated after opening and used within 3 months for best flavor, while Amaro Nonino can be stored at room temperature for up to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the Amaro Nonino?
While Amaro Nonino is preferred for its unique flavor profile, Averna, Montenegro, or Ramazzotti can work as substitutes. Each will create a slightly different flavor profile, so adjust according to your taste preferences.
What type of bourbon works best?
Any good-quality bourbon will work, but avoid overly high-proof or heavily flavored bourbons that might overpower the other ingredients. Brands like Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, or Woodford Reserve work excellently.
Can I make this drink without fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is crucial for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright acidity and fresh taste that makes this cocktail shine. Always squeeze fresh lemons for optimal results.
