10 Best Paper Plane Cocktail Kits (September 2026) – Expert Guide

If you have ever ordered a Paper Plane at a cocktail bar and thought “I need to make this at home,” you are not alone. The Paper Plane is one of those modern classics that hits every note — sweet, bitter, sour, and boozy — all in perfect balance. Created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in 2007, this equal-parts cocktail combines bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice into something dangerously easy to drink.

The challenge? Building a great Paper Plane at home means tracking down multiple bottles and ingredients that you might not have in your liquor cabinet. That is exactly where the best paper plane cocktail kits come in. These kits bundle the essentials — mixers, bitters, syrups, garnishes, and sometimes even smoker tops — so you can skip the guesswork and start mixing.

Our team spent weeks comparing 10 different cocktail kits to find the ones that actually deliver on flavor, value, and gifting potential. Whether you want a complete all-in-one set, a compact travel kit, or just the right bitters to finish your drink, we found options that work for every budget and skill level.

Top 3 Picks for Best Paper Plane Cocktail Kits

Best Paper Plane Cocktail Kits in 2026

1. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Best Overall Mixer for Paper Plane Variations

I have been using Strongwater for over a year now, and it is the one bottle I always keep stocked. The flavor is remarkably balanced — you get real orange zest, organic cherries, and a warm spice that blends with bourbon like they were made for each other. Just pour a quarter ounce of syrup, add your bourbon, stir with ice, and you have a bar-quality drink in about 30 seconds.

What sets this apart from cheaper mixers is the ingredient quality. Strongwater uses organic Demerara sugar, real bitters, and actual fruit extracts rather than artificial flavorings. You can taste the difference immediately — the sweetness is layered, not one-note. It holds a SIP Awards Platinum medal, which tells you the pros recognize it too.

At 8 ounces per bottle, this syrup makes roughly 32 cocktails. That works out to far less per drink than you would spend at a bar. I have tested it with several bourbons — it works beautifully with Eagle Rare 10 Year, Woodford Reserve, and even budget-friendly Four Roses. The syrup does most of the heavy lifting, so even mid-shelf bourbon tastes elevated.

One thing to know: this syrup is on the sweeter side. If you prefer a drier Paper Plane style, you might want to use slightly less and compensate with extra lemon juice or an extra dash of bitters. But for most home bartenders, the balance straight out of the bottle is excellent.

Who Should Buy This

This is the kit for anyone who wants restaurant-quality cocktails at home without the learning curve. If you entertain frequently or just want a reliable weeknight drink, Strongwater delivers consistent results every time. It is also an excellent gift for bourbon lovers who are new to mixology.

What to Keep in Mind

The syrup is thick and pours slowly, which can be a small annoyance. Some users report it tastes slightly too sweet when paired with sweeter bourbons. If you are watching your sugar intake, keep in mind this uses real Demerara sugar — delicious, but not low-calorie.

2. Bartender’s Secret Sauce Old Fashioned Kit – Best Complete Cocktail Kit

The Bartender’s Secret Sauce kit is the closest thing to a complete cocktail setup in a single box. You get a 16-ounce bottle of organic Old Fashioned syrup (double what most competitors offer), a jar of Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries, and a silicone ice cube mold for 2-inch slow-melting spheres. Open the box, add bourbon, and you are set for months.

I tested this over a weekend dinner party and was impressed by how well each component works together. The syrup has a rich spice-forward profile with citrus notes that pair nicely with rye or bourbon. The cherries are genuinely premium — firm, tart, and far better than the neon ones at the grocery store. The ice mold creates spheres that melt slowly, keeping drinks cold without watering them down too fast.

The value proposition is strong here. With 64 cocktails per bottle, you are paying a fraction of what a single bar cocktail costs. Even accounting for the bourbon you supply, the cost per drink stays very reasonable. The syrup is USDA Organic, which is rare at this volume and a nice bonus if ingredient sourcing matters to you.

One small complaint: the syrup is quite thick, almost like a reduction. This means it takes a moment to blend with cold spirits, but a good stir solves that. I also noticed the ice mold felt a bit flimsy, and one reviewer mentioned receiving a mold with a small hole. Ours was fine, but something to check when it arrives.

Who Should Buy This

Anyone who wants a true all-in-one kit that covers every component of a great cocktail. This is ideal for new homeowners setting up their bar, hosts who want consistent drinks at parties, or gift-givers looking for a premium unboxing experience.

What to Keep in Mind

The cherries come in a separate jar and need refrigeration after opening. The syrup is thick — if you prefer a lighter mixer, you may want to dilute slightly with a splash of water. And the ice mold needs to be filled carefully to avoid spills in your freezer.

3. Collins Old Fashioned Kit – Best Gift Set Presentation

Collins Chicago put together a gift set that actually looks like a gift set. The presentation is excellent — a 32-ounce bottle of Old Fashioned mix, bourbon-soaked cherries, candied orange garnish, and cocktail picks all in a well-designed package. If you are giving this to someone, they will be impressed before they even open it.

The mix itself is solid. It uses real sugar and actual citrus rather than high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. I found the flavor lands somewhere between a classic Old Fashioned and a whiskey sour — sweet enough for casual drinkers but complex enough for cocktail enthusiasts. The bourbon cherries are a highlight, adding a rich, dark sweetness that regular maraschinos cannot match.

At this price point, the Collins kit offers strong value. You are getting four distinct components that would cost significantly more if purchased separately. The recipe printed on the lid is a thoughtful touch — no hunting for instructions or Googling ratios after a couple of drinks.

The candied orange garnish is the one weak point. Several users describe it as more jelly-like than actual fruit slices. It adds flavor, but if you are particular about your garnish aesthetics, you might want to pick up fresh oranges separately for presentation. For flavor purposes, though, it works fine.

Who Should Buy This

Anyone looking for a gift for a bourbon enthusiast. The presentation, variety, and ease of use make this a safe bet for birthdays, Father’s Day, housewarmings, or holiday gifts. It is also great for someone just starting to build a home bar.

What to Keep in Mind

The set includes the mixer and garnishes but no spirits or ice mold. You will need to supply your own bourbon or rye. The 32-ounce mix bottle is large, so make sure you have shelf space. The orange garnish is best thought of as a flavor enhancer rather than a visual garnish.

4. Woodford Reserve Bourbon Bitters Bundle – Best Bitters Variety Pack

Woodford Reserve is a name that carries weight in the bourbon world, and their bitters bundle lives up to the reputation. You get four 2-ounce bottles — Aromatic, Spiced Cherry, Orange, and Chocolate — each barrel-aged in actual Woodford Reserve bourbon barrels. The result is a set of bitters that add real depth and complexity to any cocktail.

I found myself reaching for the Aromatic and Spiced Cherry most often. The Aromatic bitters bring a warm, baking-spice quality that works perfectly with bourbon-based drinks. The Spiced Cherry adds a subtle fruitiness without being cloying. The Orange bitters are bright and zesty, and the Chocolate adds an unexpected richness that works surprisingly well in a Paper Plane variation with a darker amaro.

The dropper bottles deserve a mention. Unlike dasher tops that can be inconsistent, these let you add exactly the amount you want. One or two drops of the Spiced Cherry bitters can change the entire profile of a drink. That precision matters when you are trying to nail the balance of a cocktail like the Paper Plane.

With 1,063 reviews and a 4.7 average, the community feedback backs up what I experienced. Eighty-five percent of reviewers give this bundle 5 stars. The main complaint is the bottle size — 2 ounces each means you will eventually run out, but bitters are used in small quantities, so they last a good while.

Who Should Buy This

Home bartenders who want to elevate their cocktail game with professional-quality bitters. If you already have a solid bourbon collection and want to experiment with different flavor profiles, this bundle gives you four distinct tools to work with. It also makes a sophisticated gift for the cocktail enthusiast who has the basics covered.

What to Keep in Mind

This is a bitters set only — no mixers, syrups, or spirits included. Bitters are accents, not the main event. If you are starting from scratch, you will want to pair this with a mixer kit. The Chocolate variety is an acquired taste and does not work in every cocktail, but the other three are universally useful.

5. Manhattan Cocktail Kit with Luxardo Cherries – Best Premium Garnish Kit

There are cocktail cherries, and then there are Luxardo Maraschino Cherries. If you have only ever had the bright red grocery store variety, you are in for a revelation. These are dark, dense, slightly tart, and packed with real marasca cherry flavor. Pair them with Regan’s Orange Bitters, and you have two ingredients that can transform a basic cocktail into something special.

I have used Luxardo cherries for years, and they are consistently the single biggest upgrade you can make to a bourbon cocktail. The syrup from the jar is almost as valuable as the cherries themselves — a teaspoon of it in a Paper Plane or Old Fashioned adds a luxurious sweetness that regular simple syrup cannot replicate.

Regan’s Orange Bitters complement the cherries perfectly. They bring a bright, citrus-forward bitterness that cuts through the richness of bourbon and amaro. In a Paper Plane variation, a few drops of Regan’s alongside Aperol adds an extra layer of orange complexity that is hard to achieve otherwise.

This kit earns the highest rating in our roundup at 4.8 stars across 585 reviews. Eighty-six percent of reviewers give it 5 stars, which is exceptional. The main criticism is the price — but when you consider that Luxardo cherries alone cost about this much, getting Regan’s bitters included makes it a genuine value.

Who Should Buy This

Anyone serious about their cocktail garnishes. If you already know how to mix drinks and want to take the finishing touches to the next level, this pairing is essential. It is also an excellent gift for experienced home bartenders who appreciate premium ingredients.

What to Keep in Mind

This kit contains just two items — cherries and bitters. There are no mixers, syrups, spirits, or tools included. The Luxardo cherries need refrigeration after opening. And at this price point, it is an investment in quality rather than quantity.

6. The Cocktail Box Co. Old Fashioned Kit – Best Travel Cocktail Kit

This is the kit that goes wherever you go. The Cocktail Box Co. packed everything you need for on-the-go cocktails into a tin smaller than a paperback book. At just 4.33 by 3.35 inches and under 6 ounces, it fits in a carry-on, a backpack, or even a large jacket pocket. It is TSA-approved, so you can actually bring it on a plane.

I tested this on a weekend trip to visit friends, and it was a conversation starter at the airport and at the hotel. The tin contains bitters and Old Fashioned sugar cubes — you just add whiskey and ice. The quality is solid for the size, and the compact packaging feels surprisingly premium for the price.

The biggest selling point is portability. Whether you are heading to a cabin, a hotel, or a friend’s house, having a cocktail kit that fits in your bag is genuinely useful. It also makes a great stocking stuffer or groomsmen gift — practical, compact, and packaged well enough to hand directly to someone.

Quality control is the main issue. Several reviewers report bitters bottles arriving partially empty or the sugar cubes being crumbled. My unit arrived in good condition, but it is worth checking your order when it arrives. Also, the sugar cubes run out faster than the bitters, so you may want to supplement with your own.

Who Should Buy This

Travelers, campers, and anyone who wants cocktail-making capability away from their home bar. It is also a fun and affordable gift for groomsmen, birthdays, or anyone who appreciates clever packaging. If you fly frequently and miss having a proper cocktail on the road, this is built for you.

What to Keep in Mind

This is a minimal kit — bitters and sugar cubes only. You need to bring or buy your own whiskey and find ice. The portions are small and designed for a few drinks, not a party. Check the bottle fill levels when it arrives, as quality control seems inconsistent.

7. ComboJoy Cocktail Smoker Kit – Best Smoker Kit for Elevated Cocktails

If you have ever had a smoked Old Fashioned at a cocktail bar and wondered how to recreate it, the ComboJoy kit is your answer. This set includes a stainless steel smoker top, a butane torch, and six different flavors of wood chips — apple, cherry, hickory, oak, pecan, and mesquite. It works with any glass, turning a regular cocktail into something theatrical and aromatic.

I tested this with a Paper Plane variation using cherry wood smoke, and the results were outstanding. The smoke adds a layer of complexity that you cannot get any other way — it deepens the bourbon notes and plays beautifully with the bitter orange of Aperol. Even a basic Old Fashioned becomes a memorable experience when you add smoke.

The kit comes in an elegant gift box, which makes it an impressive present. The smoker top fits standard rocks glasses and coupes, and the wood chips are all natural with no additives. You get enough chips for dozens of cocktails from each flavor. The variety is nice because different woods pair better with different spirits — cherry with bourbon, oak with rye, apple with lighter cocktails.

The torch is the weak link. It requires butane fuel, which is not included, and some users report it does not stay lit consistently. I had to refill mine twice during an extended testing session. If you already own a kitchen torch, you might want to use that instead and just use the smoker top from this kit.

Who Should Buy This

Cocktail enthusiasts who want to add a dramatic finishing touch to their drinks. If you enjoy entertaining and want to impress guests, the smoker effect is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It also works with coffee, cheese, and seafood, so it has uses beyond the bar.

What to Keep in Mind

You need to buy butane fuel separately, which adds to the cost. The torch quality is average — serious users may want to upgrade. The smoking process adds a few minutes to each drink, so it is better for special occasions than quick weeknight cocktails.

8. Craftly Italian Spritz Infusion Kit – Best DIY Aperitivo Experience

The Craftly Italian Spritz Infusion Kit is for people who enjoy the process as much as the result. This is a DIY kit that lets you create your own bitter orange liqueur at home — think of it as a craft alternative to buying Aperol off the shelf. You get dried botanicals, a Venetian Summer infusion blend, Sunset Blossom natural coloring, a glass bottle, and a funnel.

Setting it up is straightforward: add the botanicals and coloring to a bottle of neutral spirit or vodka, seal it, and wait about a week. The result is a bright, bitter-orange liqueur with a vibrant hue that you made yourself. I found the flavor more complex and layered than commercial Aperol — less sweet, more botanical, with a longer finish.

This kit is handcrafted in the EU and climate neutral, which will appeal to anyone who values sustainability. The packaging is thoughtful and gift-worthy. If you are building a Paper Plane and want to replace the Aperol component with something more personal and handmade, this kit lets you do exactly that.

The downside is patience. This is not a mix-and-drink-immediately product. You need to plan about a week ahead. Some users also feel the ingredient quantity is limited for the price, and experienced DIYers note that sourcing individual botanicals would be cheaper. But for convenience and presentation, this kit does the job well.

Who Should Buy This

Cocktail hobbyists who enjoy the craft and process of making ingredients from scratch. If you like infusion projects, home brewing, or experimental mixology, this kit offers a satisfying weekend project. It is also a unique gift for the person who already has everything.

What to Keep in Mind

This kit does not include alcohol — you need to provide your own base spirit. The infusion takes about a week, so plan ahead. The yield is two bottles of liqueur, which is enough for roughly 20-25 cocktails. If you want immediate gratification, this is not the right pick.

9. McKinnon’s Dry Craft Cocktails – Best Dehydrated Infusion Kit

McKinnon’s takes a different approach to cocktail kits — instead of liquid mixers, you get dehydrated cherries, oranges, rosemary, and a maple-syrup-infused sugar cube packed in a glass mason jar. You add 12 ounces of bourbon or whiskey, refrigerate for three days, then shake and strain. The result is a uniquely flavored infusion that tastes unlike anything you can buy pre-mixed.

I let mine infuse for the full three days and was happy with the balance of citrus, cherry, and subtle rosemary. The maple sugar cube adds a warm sweetness that complements the bourbon without overwhelming it. Each jar can be used for two infusions — the first makes about 8 drinks, and the second adds another 8 with a lighter flavor profile.

The mason jar presentation is charming and gift-ready. It has a handmade-in-the-USA quality that stands out from mass-produced kits. If you are gifting this, the recipient gets both a cocktail experience and a reusable jar. The price is accessible, making it an easy recommendation for someone curious about infusion but not ready to commit to a larger kit.

Timing matters. Leave the infusion too long and it becomes overly bitter and strong. I found three days to be the sweet spot — four days pushed it into unpleasant territory for my taste. Also, the clove notes are quite pronounced, so if you are sensitive to that flavor, start with a shorter infusion time.

Who Should Buy This

Curious home bartenders who want a hands-on infusion experience without buying a lot of equipment. If you enjoy DIY projects and like the idea of making something unique, this is a fun weekend experiment. The price makes it a low-risk introduction to cocktail infusion.

What to Keep in Mind

You need to plan three days ahead before you can drink anything. The infusion strength varies based on timing, so you may need to experiment to find your preference. The actual drink yield may be less than the advertised 8-16, depending on your pour size. No spirits included.

10. Thoughtfully Global Cocktail Mixer Set – Best Variety Sampler Pack

The Thoughtfully Global Cocktail Mixer Set is not a single-recipe kit — it is a world tour in a box. You get 12 pre-measured bottles inspired by cocktails from around the globe: Appletini, Peach Bellini, Mai Tai, Mojito, Blue Hawaiian, and more. Each bottle makes one drink, so you can sample widely and discover what you actually like before committing to full-size bottles.

I tried the entire set over a couple of weeks, and it is a fun experience. The pre-measured bottles take the guesswork out of mixing — just shake with your spirit of choice and ice, pour, and garnish. The flavors are true to their names and deliver a surprisingly solid cocktail for the convenience factor. Some of the standouts were the Mai Tai and the Mojito.

This set is particularly good for parties. Everyone can pick their own flavor, and the small bottles mean you are not stuck with leftovers of something nobody liked. It is also vegan and vegetarian friendly, and you can use the mixers with sparkling water for mocktails if you want a non-alcoholic option.

The bottles are small — each one is essentially a single serving. Some users feel the portion size does not allow for a full drink experience, and I agree. Think of this as a sampler or tasting flight rather than a full cocktail kit. For the variety and fun factor, though, it is hard to beat.

Who Should Buy This

Anyone who wants to explore different cocktails without buying 12 full-size bottles of mixers. It is perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or as a gift for someone just getting into cocktails. If you enjoy variety and sampling, this set delivers that experience at a reasonable price.

What to Keep in Mind

Each bottle makes one drink — this is a sampler, not a supply kit. No alcohol is included, so you need to have spirits on hand or buy them separately. The bottles are small and may feel underwhelming if you are expecting full-size mixers. Best approached as a fun tasting experience.

How to Choose the Right Cocktail Kit for Your Home Bar

Picking the right cocktail kit depends on what you want to get out of it. Are you building a dedicated Paper Plane setup? Looking for a gift? Starting a home bar from scratch? Here is what to consider before you buy.

Kit Type: Mixer, Bitters, or Infusion

Cocktail kits fall into a few categories. Syrup and mixer kits like Strongwater and Bartender’s Secret Sauce are the most straightforward — pour, stir, drink. Bitters bundles like the Woodford Reserve set are accents that elevate existing cocktails rather than making them from scratch. Infusion kits like McKinnon’s and Craftly require patience but reward you with unique, personalized flavors. Smoker kits like ComboJoy add a finishing technique rather than a base ingredient.

For Paper Plane specifically, you need bourbon, Aperol (or a bitter orange liqueur), Amaro Nonino (or a substitute), and fresh lemon juice. A kit that provides the mixer or bitter components saves you from buying full bottles of ingredients you might not use otherwise.

Number of Servings and Value

Pay attention to how many drinks each kit makes. The Bartender’s Secret Sauce kit produces 64 cocktails from a single 16-ounce bottle, which is exceptional value. Strongwater makes 32 drinks per 8-ounce bottle. Infusion kits like McKinnon’s make 8 to 16 depending on whether you do a second infusion. The Thoughtfully sampler gives you 12 single-drink portions.

Do the math on cost per drink before deciding. A kit that seems expensive upfront may actually cost less per cocktail than a cheaper alternative that makes fewer servings.

Skill Level and Convenience

If you are new to cocktail making, go with a syrup-based kit that requires minimal effort. Strongwater and Bartender’s Secret Sauce are nearly foolproof — pour and stir. If you have some experience and want to experiment, bitters and infusion kits offer more creative control. And if you are an experienced home bartender looking for that next-level presentation, a smoker kit adds theatrical flair.

Gift-Worthiness

For gifting, presentation matters as much as contents. The Collins Old Fashioned Kit comes in a polished package with multiple components that create a satisfying unboxing experience. The ComboJoy Smoker Kit arrives in an elegant gift box. The Cocktail Box Co. travel tin is compact and clever. For someone who seems to have everything, the Craftly Infusion Kit offers a unique experience they probably have not tried.

Ingredient Quality and Dietary Needs

Check for organic, non-GMO, vegan, or gluten-free certifications if those matter to you. Strongwater uses organic ingredients. Bartender’s Secret Sauce is USDA Organic. The Thoughtfully mixer set is vegan and vegetarian. Most kits in this roundup use natural ingredients, but it is worth reading the labels if you have specific dietary requirements.

Amaro Nonino Substitutes

Amaro Nonino is a key Paper Plane ingredient, but it can be expensive and hard to find. Good substitutes include Amaro Montenegro (more accessible, slightly sweeter), Bruto Americano (more bitter, domestically produced), and Don Ciccio and Figli Ambrosia (Italian, complex). For a budget-friendly approach, some home bartenders use a blend of Averna and a touch of orange bitters to approximate the Nonino flavor profile.

FAQ

Final Thoughts on the Best Paper Plane Cocktail Kits

Finding the right cocktail kit comes down to what you value most. If you want the best overall mixer that works every time, Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix is hard to beat with its organic ingredients and award-winning flavor. For a complete all-in-one package, the Bartender’s Secret Sauce Kit gives you syrup, cherries, and an ice mold in a single box. And if gifting is the goal, the Collins Old Fashioned Kit delivers a polished presentation at a fair price.

The best paper plane cocktail kits make it possible to enjoy bar-quality drinks at home without tracking down a dozen specialty bottles. Whether you are a seasoned home bartender or just getting started, any of these 10 options will help you pour something worth savoring in 2026.