A modern classic created in 2007 by bartender Sam Ross, the Paper Plane is a perfectly balanced, equal-parts cocktail. It combines bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice for a tart, slightly bitter, and subtly sweet drink with a bright, orangey hue.
🍸 Style: Modern Classic / Equal Parts
🌿 Flavor Profile: Citrusy, bittersweet, smooth
🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
🥃 Glassware: Coupe or Nick and Nora glass
🧊 Method: Shaken
Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Fine mesh strainer
Citrus juicer or reamer
Coupe glass
Place the coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while preparing the cocktail.
In a cocktail shaker, combine:
¾ oz bourbon
¾ oz Aperol
¾ oz Amaro Nonino
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
Discard the ice water from the glass.
Fine strain the cocktail into the chilled glass to remove ice shards and achieve a smooth texture.
Express the oils from a lemon twist over the glass and drop it in.
For a playful touch, cut a small paper plane garnish and clip it to the rim of the glass.
Stronger Kick: Use a high-proof bourbon or rye for a bolder profile.
Bittersweet Variation: Substitute Campari for Aperol for a more intense bitterness.
Spicy Paper Plane: Add a dash of chili bitters or muddle a thin slice of jalapeño for a spicy twist.
Fruit-Forward: Add ½ oz of pineapple juice to introduce a tropical note.
Low-ABV Version: Reduce the bourbon to ½ oz and increase the lemon juice slightly for a lighter, more refreshing cocktail.
Appetizers: Charcuterie board, smoked almonds, or prosciutto-wrapped melon
Snacks: Spiced nuts, marinated olives, or aged cheese
Dessert: Lemon bars, dark chocolate truffles, or almond biscotti
0 servings