01 Jun Paper Plane a modern favorite
The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail built with bourbon, Aperol, Amaro and fresh lemon juice. It follows a simple equal parts structure, creating a perfectly balanced drink with bitterness, sweetness and acidity.
Fresh, slightly bitter and easy to drink, the Paper Plane has quickly become one of the most popular modern cocktails.
The history of the Paper Plane
The Paper Plane cocktail was created in 2008 by bartender Sam Ross at the bar Milk & Honey in New York.
It was developed as a modern take on the Last Word, a classic cocktail known for its equal parts structure. By using bourbon as the base spirit and combining it with Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon juice, Ross created a cocktail that felt both approachable and complex.
The name “Paper Plane” comes from the M.I.A. song Paper Planes, which was popular at the time the drink was created.
Unlike many older classics, the Paper Plane was created in the modern cocktail revival, which is why the recipe has remained consistent. It is also recognized by the IBA, using the same equal parts formula that made it popular in the first place.
Today, the Paper Plane is considered a staple in cocktail bars around the world. It stands out as one of the best examples of how modern cocktails can achieve the same level of balance and longevity as the classics.
Related Recipe
The Last Word
With Green Chartreuse, Gin, Luxardo Maraschino and Lime juice
Choosing the ingredients
The Paper Plane is built on an equal parts structure, which means every ingredient plays an equally important role. Small changes will noticeably affect the balance of the cocktail.
Bourbon:
We use Evan Williams as the base spirit. It provides a solid structure with notes of vanilla, caramel and light spice that work well with both citrus and bitter elements.
In a Paper Plane, the bourbon should be present without overpowering the drink. A balanced and approachable bourbon ensures the cocktail remains smooth and easy to drink.
Aperol:
Aperol brings a light bitterness and bright orange notes to the cocktail. It adds freshness and helps tie the drink together.
Its lower bitterness compared to other aperitifs makes the Paper Plane more accessible while still maintaining complexity.
Amaro:
Traditionally, the Paper Plane is made with Amaro Nonino. However, we use Amaro Montenegro as an alternative.
Montenegro is slightly sweeter and more citrus forward, which makes the cocktail softer and more rounded. While it differs from the original, it still creates a well balanced and approachable variation.
Lemon Juice:
Fresh lemon juice is essential. It provides the acidity that balances the sweetness and bitterness in the cocktail.
Bottled lemon juice will not give the same result. It lacks brightness and will make the drink feel flat.
Garnish
There is a lot of different possibilities in terms of garnish for the Paper Plane.
We recommend serving it straight with no garnish.
Paper Plane recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill the glass with chrushed ice or by placing it in a freezer for a couple of minutes. Remove ice before serving.
- Add bourbon, amaro, Aperol and fresh lemon juice to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 8-12 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve.
What to Remember
- Keep it simple - Use fresh ingredients and quality spirits. Nothing more is needed.
Use equal parts - The Paper Plane is built on equal parts. Keeping the proportions precise is key to balance.
- Chill the cocktail glass - A cocktail served without ice, it warms quicly. A chilled glass prevents that.
Shake properly - A solid shake chills and dilutes the cocktail, bringing all elements into balance
FAQ
- What glass should I use for serving? - Serve the Paper Plane in a chilled Nick & Nora or cocktail glass. It's always served straight up, without ice.
- What is in a Paper Plane cocktail? - A Paper Plane is made with bourbon, Aperol, amaro and fresh lemon juice, typically in equal parts
- What is the alcohol percentage of a Paper Plane? - The alcohol content typically ranges between 18 and 22% ABV, depending on dilution
- Can I use a different amaro than Nonino? - Yes. Amaro Nonino is the classic choice, but alternatives like Montenegro can be used. This will make the cocktail slightly sweeter and less complex
- Why is the Paper Plane made with equal parts? - The equal parts structure creates a perfect balance between sweetness, bitterness and acidity. Changing the ratios will noticeably affect the drink
Other Recipes
Explore more classic cocktails below.
Carl-Ditlev is a bartender and co-founder of EOW Magazine, dedicated to keeping cocktails simple with quality spirits, fresh juice, and homemade syrups.
No Comments