Looking for a sophisticated cocktail that's simple to prepare? The paper plane cocktail combines bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and lemon juice in equal measures. This contemporary classic delivers a perfect balance of bold flavors—bitter, sour, and refreshingly bright!

Discover the Paper Plane Cocktail

Crafted in 2008 by renowned NYC bartender Sam Ross, this modern masterpiece features four ingredients in perfect harmony: bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The result? A complex yet approachable drink with layers of bitterness, acidity, and citrus notes that has earned its place among today's most beloved cocktails.

I have to confess—I was late to the paper plane party. It wasn't until last year that Jack and I finally gave it a try. During a snowbound week after Christmas, we decided to make it our mission to craft a different classic cocktail each evening.

The paper plane quickly emerged as our hands-down favorite. Its elegant simplicity and impeccable balance won us over immediately. Since then, it's become a regular fixture in our home bar repertoire, and we're definitely including it in our New Year's Eve celebration lineup. If you're searching for a cocktail that rivals what you'd find at a high-end bar, this is the one!

The Story Behind the Drink

In the world of classic cocktails, the paper plane is relatively young, having made its debut just in 2008.

Sam Ross developed this signature drink for The Violet Hour, a legendary cocktail bar in Chicago (conveniently located just a few blocks from where we live!). He drew inspiration from M.I.A.'s hit song "Paper Planes," released the previous year.

The paper plane represents a creative reimagining of the Last Word, a Prohibition-era cocktail that also uses equal parts of four ingredients—gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. Ross made several strategic substitutions: swapping gin for bourbon, lime for lemon, and introducing both Campari and Amaro Nonino to add depth with bitter and herbal characteristics.

He later refined the recipe by replacing Campari with Aperol, dialing back the bitterness slightly and creating the perfectly balanced version we enjoy today.

What You'll Need

This paper plane cocktail comes together with just four key ingredients:

• Bourbon whiskey – Serves as the foundation of the drink, providing warmth and depth without overwhelming the other flavors. Choose any quality bourbon you enjoy—Bulleit and Woodford Reserve are our personal favorites.
• Aperol – This Italian aperitif, famous for its role in the Aperol spritz, brings a distinctive bitter-orange flavor. Crafted from a proprietary blend of fruits, herbs, and roots, it adds complexity and brightness to the cocktail.
• Amaro Nonino – An Italian herbal liqueur that contributes subtle herbal and floral notes to the drink's profile.
• Fresh lemon juice – Essential for providing the cocktail's signature sour element. Always opt for freshly squeezed juice to achieve the brightest, most vibrant flavor.

Scroll down for the complete recipe with precise measurements.

Customization Options

• Want to experience the original version? Substitute Campari for Aperol. Keep in mind that Campari has a more intense bitterness, so you might want to adjust the quantity or add a touch of simple syrup to balance it out.
• Don't have Amaro Nonino? Any quality amaro will work as a substitute. While the flavor profile will shift slightly, the cocktail will still be delicious.
• Prefer more spice? Swap bourbon for rye whiskey to add a peppery kick to the drink.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making a paper plane cocktail at home is incredibly straightforward!

1. Add 3/4 ounce of each ingredient to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
2. Strain the cocktail into a pre-chilled glass and serve immediately.

Pro tip: For an elegant presentation, garnish with a twist of orange or lemon peel to accentuate the citrus notes in the drink.

Enjoy responsibly!

Explore More Classic Cocktails

If the paper plane has sparked your interest in classic cocktails, here are some other iconic drinks worth trying:

• Old Fashioned – The quintessential bourbon cocktail featuring sugar, aromatic bitters, and a twist of orange peel
• Margarita – A crisp and refreshing tequila-based drink with fresh lime juice and orange liqueur
• Manhattan – An elegant whiskey cocktail combining sweet vermouth and bitters
• Negroni – A sophisticated Italian classic made with gin, vermouth, and Campari
• Mojito – A light and refreshing rum cocktail featuring fresh mint, lime, and sparkling water