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Paper Plane
DifficultyBeginner
Learn how to make the Paper Plane cocktail, a modern classic that blends bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice in perfect harmony. With its bold, bittersweet character and citrusy zing, it’s an ideal pre-dinner sipper or conversation starter.
Garnish: Lemon twist (optional, often served ungarnished)
1
Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired — though the original is often served clean.
Pairing Suggestions
2
Charcuterie board with salty meats
Aged cheddar or Parmesan crisps
Crispy fried chicken sliders
Spicy tuna tartare
Dark chocolate truffles or orange zest cookies
Its bittersweet citrus base and bourbon kick pairs perfectly with bold, salty, and savory bites.
Tips & Notes
3
Use Amaro Nonino if possible — its herbal, slightly honeyed flavor is key.
Equal parts makes this recipe easy to scale and memorize.
Want more richness? Use a higher-proof or wheated bourbon for extra body.
Always use fresh lemon juice — bottled won’t give you the brightness needed.
Double strain to remove pulp and keep the texture smooth.
Side Info
4
Created in 2008 by New York bartender Sam Ross, the Paper Plane is a riff on the Last Word and the classic Corpse Reviver #2 — but with bourbon and Italian flair. It’s named after the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes," which Ross was listening to when crafting the drink. Now? It’s a bar menu staple around the world.
Garnish: Lemon twist (optional, often served ungarnished)
Directions
1
Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired — though the original is often served clean.
Pairing Suggestions
2
Charcuterie board with salty meats
Aged cheddar or Parmesan crisps
Crispy fried chicken sliders
Spicy tuna tartare
Dark chocolate truffles or orange zest cookies
Its bittersweet citrus base and bourbon kick pairs perfectly with bold, salty, and savory bites.
Tips & Notes
3
Use Amaro Nonino if possible — its herbal, slightly honeyed flavor is key.
Equal parts makes this recipe easy to scale and memorize.
Want more richness? Use a higher-proof or wheated bourbon for extra body.
Always use fresh lemon juice — bottled won’t give you the brightness needed.
Double strain to remove pulp and keep the texture smooth.
Side Info
4
Created in 2008 by New York bartender Sam Ross, the Paper Plane is a riff on the Last Word and the classic Corpse Reviver #2 — but with bourbon and Italian flair. It’s named after the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes," which Ross was listening to when crafting the drink. Now? It’s a bar menu staple around the world.
