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Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

By What’s Baking

A perfectly balanced modern classic with bright citrus, herbal complexity, and bittersweet notes that dance across the palate with each sip.
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>

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>
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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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 315 calories
🥑 Fat: 18 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 11 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 34 g
🍭 Sugar: 14 g
🍗 Protein: 5 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 95 mg
🧂 Sodium: 160 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

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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