Paper Plane Cocktail: The Ultimate Guide to Making It Right

Paper Plane Cocktail: Have you ever tasted a drink that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and bitter notes in a way that’s both sophisticated and utterly refreshing? That’s precisely what you get with the Paper Plane Cocktail, a modern classic that has taken the cocktail world by storm. This equal-parts concoction is more than just a drink; it’s an experience.

Created in 2008 by bartender Sasha Petraske at Milk & Honey in New York City, the Paper Plane was originally conceived as a variation on the Last Word cocktail. Its name is a tribute to the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” reflecting the playful and innovative spirit of its creation. While it doesn’t have centuries of history behind it, the Paper Plane has quickly become a staple in cocktail bars worldwide, a testament to its incredible flavor profile and ease of preparation.

People adore the Paper Plane Cocktail for its harmonious blend of flavors. The bourbon provides a warm, comforting base, while Aperol adds a bittersweet orange complexity. Amaro Nonino brings herbal and caramel notes, and fresh lemon juice provides a zesty brightness that ties everything together. The result is a drink that’s both complex and incredibly easy to enjoy. It’s the perfect cocktail for impressing guests, unwinding after a long day, or simply celebrating the art of mixology. Join me as we explore how to make this delightful drink!

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce bourbon whiskey (I prefer a good quality bourbon with a bit of spice)
• 1 ounce Aperol (that vibrant orange Italian aperitif)
• 1 ounce Amaro Nonino Quintessentia (this is key for the unique flavor profile, but you can substitute with another similar amaro if needed)
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (freshly squeezed is a must!)
• Lemon twist, for garnish (optional, but adds a nice touch)
• Ice cubes (plenty!)

Preparing the Cocktail:

1. Chill your coupe or martini glass. This is an important step to keep your cocktail cold for longer. You can do this by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
2. Gather your ingredients and tools. Make sure you have your bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, lemon juice, a jigger or measuring spoons, a cocktail shaker, a strainer, and your chilled glass ready to go. Having everything within reach will make the process much smoother.
3. Add the ingredients to the shaker. Pour 1 ounce of bourbon, 1 ounce of Aperol, 1 ounce of Amaro Nonino, and 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice into your cocktail shaker. Accuracy is important for this cocktail, so use your jigger or measuring spoons to ensure you get the proportions right.
4. Add ice to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice cubes. You want enough ice to chill the cocktail quickly and thoroughly, but not so much that it dilutes the drink too much. About ¾ full is usually a good amount.
5. Shake vigorously. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. You should feel the shaker getting very cold. This is crucial for chilling and diluting the cocktail properly. Don’t be afraid to really shake it!
6. Double strain into your chilled glass. Remove the ice water (if you used it) from your chilled coupe or martini glass. Use a Hawthorne strainer (the one with the spring) to strain the cocktail into the glass. Then, use a fine-mesh strainer to double strain the cocktail. This will remove any small ice shards and pulp, resulting in a smoother, more elegant drink.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist. Cut a thin strip of lemon peel using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Express the oils from the lemon peel over the drink by twisting it between your fingers, then rub the rim of the glass with the peel. This releases the aromatic oils and adds a lovely citrus scent. Finally, drop the lemon twist into the glass or drape it over the rim.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy! The Paper Plane is best enjoyed immediately after it’s made, while it’s still cold and the flavors are fresh. Sip slowly and savor the complex and balanced flavors.

Tips and Variations:

• Use high-quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your cocktail. Use a good quality bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and the best Amaro Nonino you can find.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cocktail, you can add a small amount of simple syrup (about ¼ ounce). If you prefer a more tart cocktail, you can add a bit more lemon juice.
• Experiment with different amari. While Amaro Nonino is the traditional choice for a Paper Plane, you can experiment with other similar amari, such as Averna or Montenegro. Each amaro will impart a slightly different flavor profile to the cocktail.
• Make a batch. If you’re making Paper Planes for a group, you can easily make a batch ahead of time. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want to make, and combine them in a pitcher. Store the mixture in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. When serving, shake each portion with ice and strain into chilled glasses.
• Try a smoky variation. For a smoky twist, try using a peated Scotch whisky instead of bourbon. This will add a layer of smoky complexity to the cocktail.
• Consider the ice. The type of ice you use can also affect the cocktail. Large, slow-melting ice cubes will help keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.

Understanding the Ingredients:

Bourbon Whiskey:

The bourbon provides the base of the cocktail, offering notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. I recommend using a bourbon with a slightly higher proof and a bit of spice to stand up to the other ingredients. Look for bourbons that are around 90-100 proof and have a mash bill that includes a good amount of rye.

Aperol:

Aperol is an Italian aperitif with a vibrant orange color and a bittersweet flavor. It adds a touch of sweetness and a refreshing citrusy note to the cocktail. It’s less bitter than Campari, making it a more approachable option for many people.

Amaro Nonino Quintessentia:

Amaro Nonino is a key ingredient in the Paper Plane, and it’s what gives the cocktail its unique and complex flavor profile. It’s an Italian amaro made with a blend of herbs, spices, and botanicals. It has a bittersweet flavor with notes of orange, caramel, and gentian. If you can’t find Amaro Nonino, you can try substituting with another similar amaro, such as Averna or Montenegro, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Fresh Lemon Juice:

Fresh lemon juice is essential for balancing the sweetness of the Aperol and Amaro Nonino and adding a bright, citrusy note to the cocktail. Do not use bottled lemon juice! It simply doesn’t have the same fresh, vibrant flavor as freshly squeezed juice. Squeeze the juice just before you make the cocktail for the best results.

Why This Cocktail Works:

The Paper Plane is a modern classic for a reason. It’s a perfectly balanced cocktail that combines sweet, bitter, and sour flavors in a harmonious way. The bourbon provides a solid base, the Aperol adds a touch of sweetness and citrus, the Amaro Nonino contributes a complex and bittersweet flavor, and the lemon juice provides a refreshing tartness. The equal parts ratio of the ingredients ensures that no single flavor overpowers the others, resulting in a well-rounded and delicious drink.

The cocktail’s name is inspired by the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” and it was created by bartender Sam Ross at the Milk & Honey bar in New York City. It quickly gained popularity and has become a staple on cocktail menus around the world.

Serving Suggestions:

The Paper Plane is a great cocktail to serve as an aperitif before dinner or as a digestif after a meal. It’s also a perfect choice for a cocktail party or a casual get-together. Serve it in a chilled coupe or martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist for an elegant presentation.

Pair it with appetizers such as cheese and crackers, olives, or charcuterie. It also goes well with light salads or seafood dishes.

Troubleshooting:

• Too sweet: Add a little more lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
• Too tart: Add a small amount of simple syrup to sweeten it up.
• Not enough flavor: Make sure you’re using high-quality ingredients and that your lemon juice is fresh. You can also try adding a dash of bitters to enhance the flavor.
• Too watery: Make sure you’re using enough ice and shaking the cocktail vigorously. You can also try using larger ice cubes that melt more slowly.

Storage:

The Paper Plane is best enjoyed immediately after it’s made. However, if you need to make it ahead of time, you can combine the ingredients in a pitcher and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Do not add ice until you’re ready to serve. When serving, shake each portion with ice and strain into chilled glasses.

Equipment Needed:

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Coupe or martini glass
• Vegetable peeler or paring knife (for lemon twist)

Conclusion:

This Paper Plane Cocktail isn’t just another drink; it’s an experience. The perfectly balanced blend of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s tart, it’s sweet, it’s bitter, and it’s undeniably delicious. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it’s become a modern classic. It’s a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast looking to elevate their home bartending game.

But why is this particular recipe a must-try? It’s all about the balance. I’ve meticulously tested and tweaked the proportions to ensure that each ingredient shines without overpowering the others. The result is a cocktail that’s complex yet approachable, sophisticated yet easy to drink. It’s the kind of drink that impresses your guests without requiring you to spend hours behind the bar. It’s the perfect balance of effort and reward.

Looking for serving suggestions? The Paper Plane is fantastic served as an aperitif before dinner, stimulating the appetite and preparing the palate for the meal to come. It’s also a wonderful choice for a casual gathering with friends, offering a sophisticated alternative to beer or wine. For a truly elegant presentation, serve it in a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist. The bright citrus aroma will enhance the overall drinking experience.

And don’t be afraid to experiment! While the classic recipe is divine, there’s always room for a little creativity. If you prefer a slightly sweeter cocktail, try adding a dash of simple syrup. For a bolder flavor, consider using a different type of bourbon, such as a high-rye bourbon. You could also experiment with different amari; Cynar, for example, would add a more pronounced bitterness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try infusing your bourbon with herbs or spices for a truly unique twist. A vanilla bean infused bourbon would be amazing!

Another variation I enjoy is using grapefruit juice instead of lemon juice. It gives the cocktail a slightly different citrus profile that is equally refreshing. You can also play around with the ratios of the ingredients to find your perfect balance. Some people prefer a slightly more bitter cocktail, while others prefer a sweeter one. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easily customizable to your personal preferences.

The key to a great Paper Plane is using high-quality ingredients. Don’t skimp on the bourbon or the Amaro Nonino. These ingredients are the foundation of the cocktail, and using inferior products will only result in a subpar drink. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is also essential. Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t have the same bright, vibrant flavor.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your shaker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a flavor journey. I’m confident that you’ll love this Paper Plane Cocktail as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to any cocktail repertoire.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you experiment with variations? What did you think of the balance of flavors? What did your friends and family think? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’re putting their own spin on my recipes. Let’s create a community of Paper Plane enthusiasts! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. Happy mixing!