The Paper Plane cocktail has become one of my go-to drinks when I want to impress guests without overcomplicating things. This modern classic combines bourbon, Italian bitters, and citrus in perfect harmony. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make a Paper Plane cocktail at home, from selecting the right ingredients to nailing the technique that makes this drink shine.
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What Is a Paper Plane Cocktail?
The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail created by Sam Ross in 2008 while he was bartending at Chicago’s Violet Hour. Named after the M.I.A. song that was popular at the time, this equal-parts drink has earned its place in the cocktail canon for good reason.
The drink follows the same template as the classic Last Word cocktail: four ingredients in equal proportions. The magic lies in the balance. You get the warmth of bourbon, the bitter-orange brightness of Aperol, the complex herbal depth of Amaro Nonino, and the tart freshness of lemon juice. Each element plays a distinct role, yet they blend seamlessly into something greater than the sum of its parts.
What makes the Paper Plane special is its approachability. Unlike some craft cocktails that require obscure ingredients or complicated techniques, this one delivers sophistication through simplicity. The result is a drink that works equally well as an aperitif before dinner or a nightcap.
Paper Plane Cocktail Ingredients
You’ll need four ingredients, measured in equal parts. Here’s what goes into the glass and why each matters:
- 3/4 ounce bourbon – The backbone of the drink. Look for a corn-forward bourbon with notes of vanilla and caramel. I’ve found that bourbons with red fruit and cinnamon notes work beautifully. Avoid anything too peanut-forward.
- 3/4 ounce Aperol – This bright orange Italian aperitif brings bitterness and citrus sweetness. It adds that distinctive orange hue and balances the whiskey’s heat.
- 3/4 ounce Amaro Nonino Quintessentia – The secret weapon. This Italian digestif contributes complex herbal, honey, and caramel notes that elevate the drink from simple sour to something special.
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice – This is non-negotiable. Bottled lemon juice will ruin the balance. Fresh juice provides the necessary acidity to tie everything together.
The equal parts ratio is critical. Resist the urge to tweak the measurements until you’ve tried the classic version first. The balance is carefully calibrated.
What You’ll Need
Beyond the ingredients, gather these tools:
- Cocktail shaker – A standard Boston shaker or cobbler shaker works perfectly
- Jigger or measuring tool – Precision matters here since all ingredients are equal parts
- Hawthorne strainer – For keeping ice out of the finished drink
- Coupe glass – The traditional vessel for this cocktail, though a rocks glass works
- Vegetable peeler or knife – For the lemon twist garnish
How to Make a Paper Plane Cocktail
Follow these steps for the perfect Paper Plane:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Measure out 3/4 ounce of each ingredient. Juice your lemon fresh right before mixing. The aromatic oils in freshly squeezed lemon juice are essential to the drink’s character.
Step 2: Add to Shaker
Combine the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice in your cocktail shaker. Add ice until the shaker is about two-thirds full. Use large ice cubes if possible, they chill more efficiently without over-diluting.
Step 3: Shake Until Well-Chilled
Seal your shaker and shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds. You want the outside of the shaker to frost over. This achieves proper dilution and aeration, giving the drink its silky texture.
Step 4: Strain and Garnish
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass using your Hawthorne strainer. The fine mesh catches small ice chips. Express a lemon twist over the surface to release the oils, then drop it in as garnish.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This cocktail is best enjoyed right away while cold. The first sip should hit you with citrus brightness, followed by herbal complexity, and finishing with the warm bourbon notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen these errors trip up home bartenders:
- Using bottled lemon juice – It lacks the fresh aromatics and often contains preservatives that throw off the flavor. Always squeeze fresh.
- Choosing the wrong bourbon – Some bourbons with heavy hazelnut or peanut notes clash with the amaro. Stick to corn-forward options with vanilla and fruit profiles.
- Under-shaking – A weak shake results in insufficient dilution and a harsh drink. Shake with conviction until the shaker is ice-cold.
- Over-shaking – Too much shaking over-dilutes and waters down the flavors. Aim for that 12 to 15 second sweet spot.
- Skipping the garnish – The lemon twist isn’t just for looks. Those expressed oils contribute significantly to the aroma and first impression.
If your Paper Plane tastes too sour, check your lemon juice measurement and make sure you’re using fresh juice. If it tastes flat, you likely need to shake longer for proper aeration.
Ingredient Substitutions
Amaro Nonino can be pricey and hard to find. Here are alternatives that work:
- Amaro Averna – Sweeter and heavier than Nonino, with prominent caramel notes. Use the same amount.
- Amaro Montenegro – More citrus-forward and slightly milder. Works well if you want a brighter profile.
- Ramazzotti – Drier and more bitter. Consider using slightly less if substituting.
For bourbon, any quality whiskey will do. Rye makes an interesting variation, adding spice that plays well with the bitter elements. I’ve also tried it with Japanese whisky, which creates a lighter, more delicate version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients of a Paper Plane cocktail?
A Paper Plane cocktail contains four equal parts: bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, and fresh lemon juice. Each ingredient contributes 3/4 ounce to the final drink.
What can I use instead of Amaro Nonino in a Paper Plane?
You can substitute Amaro Averna, Amaro Montenegro, or Ramazzotti for Amaro Nonino. Averna is sweeter and heavier, Montenegro is more citrus-forward, and Ramazzotti is drier and more bitter. Each will create a slightly different but delicious variation.
How do you make a Paper Plane cocktail in 3 steps?
First, combine 3/4 ounce each of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Second, shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds until well-chilled. Third, strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Learning how to make a Paper Plane cocktail at home is worth the small investment in ingredients. This drink rewards attention to detail, from fresh juice to proper shaking technique. Once you nail the classic version, feel free to experiment with different amari or bourbon styles. The Paper Plane proves that the best cocktails don’t need to be complicated, just balanced.