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Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Learn how to make the perfect Paper Plane cocktail at home with this easy craft cocktail recipe. With equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, this modern classic balances sweet, bitter and sour notes for a sophisticated homemade cocktail that rivals the best bars.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal coupe glass captures a vibrant amber-orange Paper Plane cocktail photographed from a 45-degree angle, showcasing its silky texture against dramatic backlighting. Golden hour light illuminates the edges of the liquid, highlighting its translucent quality while creating warm reflections in the premium glassware. A simple paper plane garnish rests on the rim, its crisp white edges contrasting against the drink's rich color. Droplets of condensation cling to the outside of the glass, suggesting refreshing coldness, while the background features blurred amber bottles of bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino - hinting at the equal-parts composition that creates this perfectly balanced cocktail.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">22.5ml bourbon whiskey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">22.5ml Aperol</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">22.5ml Amaro Nonino (or Amaro Montenegro as alternative)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">22.5ml fresh lemon juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Paper plane garnish (optional)</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Coupe glass</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and cold water, then set aside. This ensures your finished cocktail stays colder longer and enhances the drinking experience. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Measure precisely 22.5ml each of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice using your jigger. The equal-parts ratio is crucial to achieving the perfect balance that makes this cocktail special. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add all measured ingredients to your cocktail shaker. The fresh lemon juice should always be added last as its acidity can affect certain spirits if left in contact too long. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Fill your shaker 3/4 full with fresh, clean ice cubes - preferably larger ones that will melt more slowly during shaking. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. This isn't just for mixing - the proper shake aerates the drink while providing precise dilution and temperature, bringing the drink to around -7°C for optimal serving temperature. The shaker should become frosty on the outside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Empty the ice water from your coupe glass and dry quickly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Double-strain the cocktail through both your Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass. This technique catches tiny ice shards and citrus pulp, resulting in a silky-smooth texture. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> For an optional authentic touch, fold a small paper plane from white paper and balance it carefully on the rim of your glass. The cocktail should have a beautiful amber-orange hue and appear slightly hazy from the shaking process. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and sour flavors at their peak. The Paper Plane cocktail is best enjoyed fresh while maintaining its ideal temperature and vibrant flavors. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Paper Plane Cocktail?

The Paper Plane Cocktail requires equal parts (22.5ml each) of bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Amaro Nonino (or Amaro Montenegro as an alternative), and fresh lemon juice. It's an equal-parts cocktail where balance is key to its distinctive flavour profile.

How to make Paper Plane Cocktail at home?

Learn how to make Paper Plane Cocktail by combining equal measures (22.5ml each) of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until properly chilled, then double-strain into a chilled coupe glass for optimal texture and temperature.

Can I substitute Amaro Nonino in a bourbon-based Paper Plane?

Yes, Amaro Montenegro works as the best substitute for Amaro Nonino. Other alternatives include Amaro Meletti or Ramazzotti, though these will slightly alter the flavour profile. The ideal substitute should balance bittersweet notes with herbal complexity to maintain the cocktail's character.

Why is proper shaking technique important for citrus-based cocktails?

Proper shaking (12-15 seconds) is crucial for citrus cocktails as it achieves optimal dilution, temperature (-7°C), and aeration. This creates the silky texture and balanced integration of flavours while ensuring the acidic lemon juice properly blends with the spirits for a harmonious drinking experience.

What's the history behind this equal-parts bourbon cocktail?

Created by bartender Sam Ross in 2007, this cocktail was named after the M.I.A. song "Paper Plane." It follows the Last Word template (equal parts of four ingredients) and represents modern classic mixology. Its perfectly balanced profile of bitter, sweet, and sour notes has made it a staple in craft cocktail bars worldwide.

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This isn't just for mixing - the proper shake aerates the drink while providing precise dilution and temperature, bringing the drink to around -7°C for optimal serving temperature." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare glass", "text": "Empty the ice water from your coupe glass and dry quickly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Strain", "text": "Double-strain the cocktail through both your Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass. 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The equal parts formula creates something truly magical that I can't get enough of!", "name": "Perfect Balance", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Takashi Yamamoto", "datePublished": "2024-05-18", "reviewBody": "I've been looking for a new bourbon cocktail and this Paper Plane is now my absolute favorite. The Amaro Nonino adds such wonderful complexity that elevates it above other drinks.", "name": "Bourbon Masterpiece", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amélie Fournier", "datePublished": "2024-05-20", "reviewBody": "Such an impressive drink that requires minimal effort! The double straining technique creates the most velvety texture. My friends think I've become a professional mixologist overnight!", "name": "Restaurant Quality", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Carlos Mendoza", "datePublished": "2024-05-22", "reviewBody": "The notes from the Aperol work absolute magic in this cocktail. I love how the citrus brightens everything up. This rivals anything I've had at expensive cocktail bars in the city.", "name": "Better Than the Bar", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Ibrahim", "datePublished": "2024-05-25", "reviewBody": "The Paper Plane is now my signature cocktail for dinner parties! The amber color is gorgeous and everyone always requests seconds. The paper plane garnish is such a cute touch too!", "name": "Crowd Pleaser", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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