The paper plane cocktail is a modern classic cocktail that proves simple ingredients can make an unforgettable drink. With just four parts (Aperol, Amaro Nonino, bourbon, and lemon juice) it strikes a beautiful balance of sweet, tart, and bitter flavors. This delicious cocktail is normally served in coupe glasses and with it's bright color, it’s as beautiful to look at as it is to sip.
Created in 2007 by bartender Sam Ross in New York City, and named after the M.I.A. song, "Paper Planes", this boozy drink quickly earned its spot on cocktail menus around the world. It’s smooth, refreshing, and a great choice for whiskey lovers or anyone who enjoys the bright, citrusy kick of Aperol.
If you love the flavor of Aperol, you should also give my Aperol Gin cocktail a try!
Ingredient Notes
This delicious cocktail uses equal parts of each ingredient to build a complex flavor you will love. That also makes it really easy to make into a batch recipe.
- Bourbon - Bourbon is made up of a grain mixture and aged in charred oak barrels. It provide the rich flavor base for this delicious cocktail. Woodford Reserve is by favorite brand, but any quality Bourbon will work fine here.
- Aperol - Who doesn't love this popular Italian aperitif? With its bright orange color and bitter yet sweet citrus flavor. Aperol is made from a secret blend of herbs and spices and gives this cocktail is stunning orange color.
- Amaro Nonino Quintessentia - This full bodied Italian liqueur gives the paper plane cocktail a hint of bitterness and balances out any sweetness from the Aperol. Amaro Nonino is made from a combination of herbs and spices, including saffron and quinine.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - Adding a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice gives any cocktail a refreshing citrus twist. Not only does it balance out the sweetness of a classic cocktail but it adds a hint of bitterness.
See the recipe card below for the ingredient list with measurements.
Best Bourbon For Paper Plane Cocktail
We love talking all about Bourbon, whether that's making one of my favorite bourbon cocktails, the Gold Rush Cocktail, or discussing all the best things to mix with Bourbon.
When it comes to choosing the best bourbon for any cocktail recipe it all depends on personal preference. For the paper plane cocktail, it is best to use a Bourbon with a flavor profile that works well with all of the other ingredients. A smooth yet slightly sweet Bourbon would be ideal. Some great options include:
- Woodford Reserve
- Basil Hayden's
- Buffalo Trace
- Bulleit Bourbon
How To Make A Paper Plane Cocktail
This easy cocktail requires a jigger, cocktail shaker and strainer. Shake the drink with ice helps it stay cold when served.
- STEP 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- STEP 2: Add the Aperol, lemon juice, Bourbon and Amaro Nonino.
- STEP 3: Shake the cocktail shaker for 15-30 seconds.
- STEP 4: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon peel.
Garnish Suggestions
The classic garnish for a paper plane cocktail is a lemon twist. This can be achieved my peeling a strip of lemon rind and twisting it over the top of the drink. Alternatively, try using an orange peel or grapefruit peel.
Here are some other ideas to try:
- Sage Leaves - Top the paper plane cocktail with a few fresh sage leaves for a beautiful herby touch.
- Dehydrated Orange Slice - For a beautiful garnish option, add a dehydrated orange or lemon slice to the top of the cocktail. This gives the cocktail an intense citrus flavor and adds a slight crunchy texture.
- Cinnamon Stick - Adding a cinnamon stick to your glass can give this cocktail a warm and spicy flavor. This is ideal when making this cocktail in cooler months.
Cocktail Variations
- Paper Plane Royale - Add a splash of champagne or Prosecco to give this cocktail a bubbly twist for celebrations.
- Paper Boat - Swap out the bourbon for rye whiskey and add a few dashes of bitters to give this cocktail a spicy twist.
- Mezcal Paper Plane - Garnished with grapefruit, this smoky twist is easy to make. Simply swap out the Bourbon for Mezcal and finish it off with a grapefruit twist.
- Replace the Amaro Nonino - You can simply swap it for another bitter liqueur like Campari or Aperitivo Cappelletti.
More cocktail recipes to try:
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Recipe
Paper Plane Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 1 ounce Bourbon
- 1 ounce Amaro Nonino
- 1 ounce Lemon Juice
- Lemon Twist
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker with ice cubes.Ice Cubes
- Add the aperol, bourbon, amaro nonino, and lemon juice.1 ounce Aperol, 1 ounce Bourbon, 1 ounce Amaro Nonino, 1 ounce Lemon Juice
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.Lemon Twist
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