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The classic Paper Plane Cocktail is a delicious combination of bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and lemon juice. The drink is complex and boozy with just enough sweetness to balance the bitter and sour flavors.
about this paper plane cocktail
Have you ever heard of a paper plane cocktail? While it’s a modern classic, there are many people I know who have never tried it. I randomly stumbled upon it at a cocktail bar when the bartender asked what spirits I liked. The first words out of my mouth were bourbon and Aperol, and then this cocktail appeared in front of me.
I am a sucker for any cocktail with a vibrant hue, but it’s the delicious balance of flavors and depth to this cocktail that have me consistently coming back for more. It’s become a new go-to for happy hour at home, and I especially like whipping one up for guests.
The bourbon provides a rich, warm base, while Aperol adds a touch of bittersweet orange. Amaro Nonino brings depth with its herbal notes, and fresh lemon juice ties it all together with a bright, citrusy taste. It’s no wonder that the paper plane is one of the more popular drinks at bars now.
Even though this is what I would call an “elegant” cocktail, it’s super simple to make. With just four ingredients in equal parts, it’s pretty darn easy to memorize and keep in your back pocket for any occasion. No fancy equipment or techniques required – just a shaker, some ice, and a few minutes of your time. Cheers!
cocktail ingredients
bourbon. Select your favorite bourbon whiskey for this recipe! We like to use Bulleit.
aperol. This liqueur is citrusy and botanical with a vibrant color. It brings notes of grapefruit to the cocktail.
amaro nonino. A sweet liqueur that adds a unique flavor profile to pair with the aperol and bourbon.
lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best possible flavor.
this recipe’s must-haves
To make this cocktail, use your typical barware tools including a jigger, cocktail shaker, and cocktail strainer.
We like to use coupe glasses for this recipe. The ones you see pictured here are Viski Beau Cocktail Coupe Glasses.
here’s how to make a paper plane cocktail
shake
Combine bourbon, aperol, amaro nonino, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice. Shake well for at least 15 seconds to combine and chill the drink.
strain
Strain into a cocktail glass (we prefer a chilled coupe glass). Garnish with a lemon peel or orange peel.
tips and tricks
don’t have Aperol? You can use Campari instead of Aperol for this cocktail. Note that the flavor will be more bitter. If it is too bitter, add a bit of simple syrup to balance it out.
garnish ideas. We keep it simple with a lemon twist, but you could also use an orange twist! If you want to go over-the-top, make mini paper planes and pierce them with cocktail picks.
More delicious Aperol cocktails to sip on: Aperol Sour | Aperol Spritz | Aperol and Soda | Aperol Negroni
what is a substitute for Amaro Nonino?
It can be hard to find Amaro Nonino, and you may have to order it only. The bottle also can be a bit expensive, around $50. Therefore you might want to find a different substitute for this cocktail. Note that not all Amaros are made the same, so do not simply select a random bottle of Italian amaro from the liquor store. Instead, you can use any of the following for this cocktail:
- Amaro Averna
- Amaro Montenegro
- Boutique Italian Sweet Vermouth
- Cynar
can you use any amaro for a paper plane drink?
No, do not simply use any amaro for this recipe. Amaro Nonino is a specific type of amaro, so it’s flavor is unique.
who invented the paper plane cocktail?
The paper plane cocktail was invented by bartender Sam Ross in 2008 for Chicago bar The Violet Hour. It was actually inspired by the last word cocktail. The new cocktail rose in popularity over the recent years. Ross actually named the drink after the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes” which had recently released at the time (and happens to be one of my favorite songs!). Apparently he was a fan of the song too, which led to naming the cocktail in its honor. The cocktail is equal parts bourbon, amaro nonino, aperol, and fresh lemon juice.
how do I chill a coupe glass?
You can either pop it in the freezer while you make the cocktail, or fill the coupe glass with ice cubes while you make the cocktail.
Need some inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!
what to serve with a paper plane cocktail
A paper plane cocktail is best served as an aperitif since it pairs so well with meats and cheeses. The best pairing for this cocktail is therefore a charcuterie board! Here are some seasonal options to choose from:
Very Merry Christmas Cheese Board
more easy favorite bourbon cocktails to enjoy
A tart and sweet cherry bourbon sour is only three ingredients and super refreshing, especially during the summer months!
Enjoy a fall bourbon pumpkin smash with a homemade pumpkin spice simple syrup and a touch of bubbles.
Everyone loves the kick of this bourbon mule, also known as a kentucky mule.
Finally, if you make this paper plane cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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paper plane cocktail
ingredients
- 1 oz bourbon
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz Amaro Nonino
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice. Shake well, for about 15 seconds, until combined and chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
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