Paper Plane Cocktail

Bright, bittersweet and bourbon-forward, the Paper Plane cocktail has become one of the most popular modern whiskey cocktails of the last two decades. Created by bartender Sam Ross in 2007, the Paper Plane combines equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and fresh lemon juice for a cocktail that’s simultaneously citrusy, herbal and refreshing. Often described as a lighter, brighter alternative to spirit-forward classics like the Boulevardier, the drink has earned cult status on cocktail menus thanks to its perfectly balanced flavour and approachable equal-parts formula.

Think of it as a cross between a whiskey sour and a Boulevardier: bright and approachable like the former, but layered with the bittersweet complexity of Italian aperitifs and amaro.

Named after M.I.A.’s hit song “Paper Planes,” the cocktail is typically served in a chilled coupe glass and garnished with a miniature folded paper plane. Easy to shake up at home, it’s an excellent introduction to amaro-based cocktails and modern bourbon drinks alike.

Can’t find Amaro Nonino? Here are some options

Amaro Nonino is an Italian herbal liqueur known for its bittersweet flavour and notes of citrus, spice and botanicals. It’s one of the signature ingredients in a classic Paper Plane cocktail. Amaro Nonino’s balance of citrus, herbs and bitterness is difficult to replicate exactly, but several Italian amari make good substitutes. Montenegro tends to create a softer, sweeter cocktail, while Averna brings richer caramel notes. Cynar adds a more herbal bitterness, and Meletti leans brighter and more citrus-forward.

Paper Plane Cocktail

Bright, citrusy and bittersweet, the Paper Plane cocktail combines bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and fresh lemon juice into a perfectly balanced modern whiskey cocktail.

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Ingredients

• ¾ oz Bourbon like Angel's Envy
• ¾ oz Amaro Nonino
• ¾ oz Aperol
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice or one sugar cube

Instructions

 

• Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and fine-strain into a coupe glass.

Keyword Amaro, Aperol, Boulevardier, Paper Plane Cocktail, Whiskey Sour

More Bourbon Cocktail Recipes

• Golden Turmeric Bourbon Sour: A highly elegant, fruity drink featuring bourbon shaken with a homemade pineapple, ginger, and turmeric golden mix.
• Strawberry Bourbon Sour: A refreshing twist on the traditional sour, blending fresh strawberries, bourbon, lemon juice, lime juice, and a touch of vanilla simple syrup.
• Peach Mint Juleps: Grilled peaches add a summery take on the classic Mint Julep.