Paper Plane
Discover the Paper Plane, a modern classic cocktail known for its perfect balance of bitter, sour, and herbal notes. Created by renowned bartender Sam Ross, this equal-parts cocktail combines Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino (or a similar Italian bitter liqueur like Campari if Nonino is unavailable), and fresh lemon juice. It's a sophisticated yet accessible drink, visually appealing with its vibrant colour and often served in a coupe glass. Learn how to craft this delightful bourbon-based cocktail that's quickly become a favourite worldwide.
Ingredients
- 2 cl bourbon
- 2 cl Aperol
- 2 cl Campari
- 2 cl lemon juice
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
Combine the Bourbon, Aperol, Campari (as Amaro Nonino substitute), and fresh lemon juice in a shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled.
Discard the ice from the chilled coupe glass.
Double strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass to remove any ice shards or citrus pulp.
Garnish optionally with a small paper plane folded from paper or a lemon twist.
Trivia
- What does a Paper Plane cocktail taste like?
A Paper Plane cocktail offers a complex and balanced flavour profile. It's simultaneously bitter from the Aperol and Campari (or Amaro Nonino), sour from the fresh lemon juice, and carries the underlying warmth and sweetness of bourbon. The result is a refreshing, slightly bitter, citrus-forward cocktail that is surprisingly smooth and easy to drink.
- Who invented the Paper Plane cocktail?
The Paper Plane cocktail was created in 2007 by the acclaimed Australian bartender Sam Ross while he was working at The Violet Hour in Chicago. It's named after the M.I.A. song 'Paper Planes,' which was popular at the time. It quickly gained popularity and is now considered a modern classic.
- What is Amaro Nonino and can I substitute it in a Paper Plane?
Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is a specific Italian herbal liqueur (amaro) known for its bittersweet flavour with notes of orange, caramel, and spice. It's the traditional amaro used in a Paper Plane. If you can't find Amaro Nonino, common substitutes include other amaros like Amaro Montenegro or Cynar, although these will alter the taste. Some recipes suggest Campari or even Aperol in a pinch, but using Campari alongside Aperol, as in this recipe variation, creates a distinctly more bitter profile compared to the original.
- What kind of Bourbon is best for a Paper Plane?
A good quality, standard proof (around 40-45% ABV) bourbon works best for a Paper Plane. You don't need a high-rye or overly oaked bourbon, as its nuances might get lost amongst the other strong flavours. A smooth, well-balanced bourbon like Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, or Elijah Craig Small Batch provides a solid foundation without overpowering the Aperol, amaro, and lemon.
- Is the Paper Plane cocktail strong?
The Paper Plane is moderately strong in terms of alcohol content. It contains three alcoholic components (Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro/Campari) and one non-alcoholic component (lemon juice). While the Aperol and Amaro are typically lower proof than bourbon, the combination results in a drink that is spirit-forward but balanced by the citrus, making it potent yet palatable.
- What glass do you serve a Paper Plane in?
A Paper Plane is traditionally served straight up (without ice) in a chilled coupe glass. The elegant shape of the coupe complements the cocktail's sophisticated character. Occasionally, it might be served in a Nick & Nora glass or even over a large ice cube in a lowball glass for a slightly different experience.