master-cooks | Classic Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

The Classic Paper Plane cocktail is a modern creation that has quickly become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. This delightful concoction is known for its perfect balance of flavors, combining sweet, sour, and bitter notes in a harmonious blend. The cocktail is made with equal parts of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, making it both simple to prepare and complex in flavor. The bourbon serves as the robust backbone of the drink, while the Aperol adds a slightly bitter, citrusy sweetness. Amaro Nonino, a unique Italian liqueur, contributes herbal and bittersweet flavors, enhancing the overall depth of the cocktail. Fresh lemon juice provides the necessary acidity to tie all the ingredients together, resulting in a refreshing and invigorating taste. When crafting the Paper Plane, it is essential to shake the ingredients thoroughly with ice to ensure they are well-mixed and chilled. The cocktail is typically served straight up in a coupe glass, allowing its vibrant amber hue to shine. Garnishing is often unnecessary, as the drink's complex flavors stand beautifully on their own, offering a sophisticated and satisfying experience for any cocktail lover.

Gather the ingredients for a Paper Plane cocktail

The key to crafting the ideal paper plane cocktail lies in achieving the perfect balance of ingredients. The recipe for this spirit-forward drink is quite straightforward: begin with a high-proof bourbon such as Buffalo Trace or Maker's Mark, then combine it with equal parts of Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. If Amaro Nonino is unavailable, we provide a list of suitable substitutes in our frequently asked questions section. To garnish, a simple twist of orange will beautifully complement the stunning orange-peach hue.

Step 1: Add ice

Add ice to a cocktail shaker.

Step 2: Add ingredients

Add the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice to the cocktail shaker.

Step 3: Shake

Shake energetically for 10 to 15 seconds.

Step 4: Pour into glass

Carefully pour the mixture into a chilled martini or coupe glass, using a fine strainer.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Present with an orange twist and a paper airplane on the side, if you like.

What is Amaro Nonino and what can you swap it out for in this Paper Plane cocktail recipe?

Amaro Nonino is a high-quality Italian bitter liqueur produced by the Nonino family in Friuli, Italy. It is crafted from grappa, a grape brandy that is infused with a mix of herbs, spices, and alpine flowers, creating a rich flavor profile that harmonizes bitterness with sweetness and herbal undertones. With its golden amber hue and 35% ABV, Amaro Nonino enhances the Paper Plane cocktail with depth, complexity, and a touch of alcohol.

If you can't find Amaro Nonino or wish to try something different, there are several other Italian amari that can serve as alternatives. Options such as Ramazzotti, Montenegro, Averna, Meletti, or Cynar can be great substitutes, each bringing its own distinct flavors to the cocktail. Keep in mind that the final drink may taste a bit different from the original, but these subtle variations are unlikely to be noticed by those unfamiliar with the drink. Regardless of the amaro you choose, remember to double-strain your cocktail. If you're feeling adventurous with substitutions, you can also experiment with the Aperol that contributes to the drink's signature color.

What can you use in place of lemon juice in this cocktail recipe?

Lemon juice is a key ingredient in the classic Paper Plane cocktail, imparting a zesty and refreshing quality to the drink. Our admiration for the Paper Plane has inspired us to experiment with various citrus juices, leading to intriguing variations that subtly yet captivatingly change the drink's flavor profile.

Using orange juice creates a sweeter, less tangy cocktail that harmonizes with the bitter notes of amaro and Aperol, resulting in a smoother, more rounded taste. However, it does not possess the bright acidity found in lemon juice. Grapefruit juice strikes a balance, offering more bitterness and acidity than orange juice while being less sharp than lemon. This substitution accentuates the amaro's qualities, yielding a more intricate bitter-sweet flavor.

Mandarin juice results in an even sweeter cocktail than orange juice, featuring a gentle flavor and aroma that makes it more appealing to those who find the original too tart. However, it falls short in balancing the other ingredients due to its lack of acidity, making it a better fit for those who prefer sweeter drinks.

Classic Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe