This paper plane cocktail is easy to make with equal parts bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and lemon juice. A modern classic, it's boozy, bright, and delicious!
Have you ever tried a paper plane cocktail? Invented in 2008 by New York City bartender Sam Ross, it consists of equal parts of four ingredients: bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. Bitter, sour, citrusy, and deliciously complex, this drink has become a modern classic, and I’m here for it.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t actually get on the paper plane bandwagon until last year. Jack and I were snowed in at home for the week after Christmas, and for a fun, festive, and cozy activity, we made a new classic cocktail every night.
This paper plane recipe was our favorite—so simple, sophisticated, and balanced. It’s since become a staple in our at-home drink rotation, and we’re making it for New Year’s Eve this year. If you’re looking for a bar-worthy drink for your celebration, I think you’ll love it too!
A Little History
As classic cocktails go, the paper plane is a new kid on the block, developed in just 2008.
The drink was created by Sam Ross for the menu of the cocktail bar The Violet Hour in Chicago (less than a mile from our house!). Ross named it after the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” a 2007 hit.
The paper plane is a twist on the Prohibition-era cocktail the Last Word, an equal parts drink made with gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. Ross replaced the gin with bourbon, the lime with lemon, and added Campari and Amaro Nonino for bitter, herbal notes.
He soon replaced the Campari with Aperol to make the drink slightly less bitter, creating the cocktail as we know it today!
Paper Plane Cocktail Ingredients
This paper plane cocktail recipe is easy to make with 4 ingredients:
- Bourbon – The base spirit of this drink. It adds warmth, but it isn’t overpowering. Feel free to use your favorite brand. Our go-tos are Bulleit and Woodford Reserve.
- Aperol – You probably know this Italian aperitif from the famous Aperol spritz. Made with a secret blend of fruits, herbs, and roots, it has a bold, bitter, citrusy flavor that works beautifully in this drink.
- Amaro Nonino – This Italian amaro adds herbal notes to the cocktail.
- Fresh lemon juice – For a sour kick! Always use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Replace the Aperol with Campari to taste the original paper plane! Campari is more bitter than Aperol, so you may want to use slightly less or sweeten to taste with simple syrup.
- Use a different amaro if you don’t have Amaro Nonino on hand. The cocktail won’t taste quite the same, but it should still be delicious.
- Use rye instead of bourbon for a spicier drink.
How to Make a Paper Plane Cocktail
This paper plane recipe is one of the easiest cocktails to make at home!
Just combine 3/4 ounce of each ingredient in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake until chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass before serving.
Tip: I like to garnish my glass with an orange or lemon twist to bring out the drink’s citrus flavor.
Cheers!
More Classic Cocktails to Try
If you love this paper plane cocktail recipe, try one of these classic drinks next:
Paper Plane Cocktail
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce bourbon
- ¾ ounce Aperol
- ¾ ounce Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
- ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
- Ice
- Orange or lemon peel, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a piece of orange or lemon peel and serve.
