Okay, so picture this: you’re craving a truly *great* cocktail, something with a little bit of complexity but nothing that requires a chemistry degree to make. That’s where classic cocktails shine, right? And let me tell you, the Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe – Easy Classic is one that you absolutely NEED in your life. It’s got this brilliant balance of sweet, sour, and bitter that just works. Seriously, the first time I tried one, I was skeptical – equal parts of four different things? How could that possibly taste good? But one sip and I was hooked. It’s become my go-to when I want something sophisticated but don’t want to fuss with weird measurements. It’s elegant, surprisingly simple, and always a crowd-pleaser (even if the crowd is just me on my couch!). Forget complicated syrups or hard-to-find liqueurs, this is pure, unadulterated cocktail magic.

Why You’ll Love This Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Seriously, this isn’t just another cocktail recipe; it’s your new favorite easy win. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for this Paper Plane:

It’s ridiculously easy! We’re talking equal parts here, folks. No complicated math required.
It’s a true modern classic. This isn’t some obscure drink; it’s got serious cred in the cocktail world for a reason.
The flavor is SO balanced. Sweet, sour, bitter, boozy – it all plays together beautifully. It’s complex without being overwhelming.
It’s lightning fast to make. From bottle to glass in about 5 minutes. Perfect for when that cocktail craving hits *now*.

Trust me, once you make one, you’ll see why it’s a keeper!

Ingredients for a Perfect Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Okay, let’s talk about what actually goes INTO this magical drink. The beauty of the Paper Plane is its elegant simplicity – just four ingredients, all in equal measure. It’s like a perfectly balanced quartet!

Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

1 ounce of your favorite Bourbon
1 ounce Aperol
1 ounce Amaro Nonino
1 ounce freshly squeezed Lemon Juice (and yes, it *has* to be fresh!)

That’s it! See? I told you it was easy. Now, let’s dive a little deeper into those key players.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Alright, while the equal parts thing makes it easy, the *quality* of your ingredients really matters here. Think of them as the main characters in your cocktail story!

First up, Bourbon. You want something decent, but you don’t need to break the bank. A good mid-range bourbon with a nice balance of sweetness and oak works perfectly. Avoid anything too high-proof or overly aggressive, it’ll overpower the other flavors.

Aperol is that bright orange Italian aperitif. It brings a lovely bittersweet note and that gorgeous color. There isn’t a direct substitute that gives the exact same profile, but some people experiment with other amari, though the result will be quite different.

Amaro Nonino is the other Italian star. This is where things get a little more unique. Nonino is an amaro (an Italian herbal liqueur) with notes of orange, caramel, and herbs. It’s crucial for that specific Paper Plane flavor. Finding a *perfect* substitute is tricky; other amari like Averna or Montenegro are sometimes used, but they will definitely change the drink’s character. If you can’t find Nonino, maybe try a different cocktail? Just kidding… mostly!

And finally, fresh Lemon Juice. I cannot stress this enough: use *freshly squeezed* lemon juice. The bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same vibrant acidity, and it will make a noticeable difference in the balance of the cocktail. Trust me on this!

How to Prepare the Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe – Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, you’ve got your fantastic ingredients lined up. Now for the fun part – actually making this beauty! The process is super straightforward, but paying attention to a couple of details will make all the difference. Here’s exactly how I whip up my perfect Paper Plane:

Get Your Glass Ready: First things first, if you’re using a coupe glass (which is traditional and looks lovely!), pop it in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you’re getting everything else together. A chilled glass keeps your drink colder longer.
Measure Everything Out: Grab your jigger (that’s the little measuring tool!) and carefully measure out 1 ounce of *each* of your four ingredients: bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. Pour them one by one into your cocktail shaker.
Add the Ice: Fill your shaker about two-thirds full with good, solid ice cubes. Don’t be shy! More ice cools the drink down faster and dilutes it less overall.
Shake It Like You Mean It: Secure the lid on your shaker and give it a really vigorous shake. We’re talking 15-20 seconds here. You want to hear that ice rattling and feel the outside of the shaker get super cold – maybe even frosty! This chills the drink and gives it a nice bit of dilution and aeration.
Strain and Serve: Pop open your shaker (carefully!) and use a fine-mesh strainer *and* the shaker’s built-in strainer (this is called a double strain) to pour the perfectly chilled cocktail into your pre-chilled glass. This catches any tiny ice shards or citrus pulp, giving you a silky smooth drink.
Garnish (Optional but Recommended!): A twist of lemon peel is the classic garnish, or if you’re feeling fancy, fold a little paper airplane and perch it on the rim!

See? Easy peasy! Now, let’s chat about making sure it’s absolutely perfect every single time.

Tips for Success with Your Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Making a great Paper Plane is simple, but a few little tricks can elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. Pay attention to these!

Always Chill Your Glass: I mentioned it in the steps, but it’s worth repeating. A cold glass makes a *huge* difference in keeping your cocktail at the perfect temperature while you’re sipping.
Fresh, Fresh, Fresh: Seriously, use fresh lemon juice. No shortcuts here. The bright, natural acidity is key to balancing the flavors.
Don’t Be Afraid to Taste and Adjust: Once you’ve made one, take a tiny sip. Is it a little too tart for your liking? Next time, maybe add just a tiny splash more Aperol or Amaro. Too sweet? A touch more lemon juice. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to tweak slightly after your first go!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be shaking up perfect Paper Planes in no time!

Equipment Needed for This Easy Classic Paper Plane Cocktail

You don’t need a fancy home bar setup to make a killer Paper Plane. You probably have most of this stuff already! Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

A good cocktail shaker (metal is best for chilling!)
A jigger (for accurate measuring – crucial for that equal parts balance!)
A strainer (either a Hawthorne strainer for your shaker or a fine-mesh one for a double strain)
A coupe glass (or whatever pretty glass you like!)
Ice (lots of it!)

That’s pretty much it! See? Simple.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, you’ve got the steps, but maybe a few questions are still buzzing around in your head? Perfectly normal! Here are some common things people ask about the Paper Plane:

Q1. What exactly IS Amaro Nonino?

Great question! Amaro Nonino is an Italian liqueur, part of a family of drinks called amari (plural of amaro). It’s made with a blend of herbs, spices, and roots, but Nonino is known for being a bit lighter and more subtly sweet than some other amari. It has lovely notes of orange, vanilla, and a hint of bitterness. It’s really key to the unique flavor of the Paper Plane!

Q2. Can I really use a different bourbon?

You *can*, but it will change the flavor profile. Since bourbon is one of the four equal parts, its character really shines through. Using a very spicy or very sweet bourbon will impact the overall balance. I recommend starting with a good, balanced bourbon that you enjoy drinking neat or in an Old Fashioned. Once you get a feel for the drink, you can experiment if you like, but stick to a decent quality one!

Q3. Why is it called a Paper Plane cocktail?

The story goes that the drink was created by Sam Ross (a super famous bartender!) for the opening of a bar called The Violet Hour in Chicago. The name is apparently a nod to the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” which was popular at the time. So, it’s got a cool, modern origin story!

Q4. Is it okay if my Paper Plane tastes a little different each time?

Totally! That’s the beauty of using fresh ingredients and making things by hand. The sweetness of your lemon can vary, the exact temperature of your ice, even the specific bottle of bourbon might have subtle differencesbatch to batch. As long as you’re using equal parts and fresh ingredients, you’re doing it right! Just enjoy the little variations.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, so while we’re mostly focused on deliciousness here, I know some folks like to have an idea about what they’re sipping. Just a heads-up though: this nutritional information is really just an estimate! The exact numbers can totally swing depending on the specific brands of bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino you use, and even how sweet your lemon is. Think of it as a rough guide, not a strict rulebook!

Enjoying Your Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Alright, you’ve done it! You’ve shaken up a perfect Paper Plane. Now for the best part – enjoying it! This cocktail is best served immediately, ice cold, in that lovely chilled glass you prepared. The classic garnish is a simple twist of lemon peel, which adds a little burst of citrus aroma with every sip. Or, if you’re feeling playful, fold a little paper airplane and perch it on the rim – it’s kitschy fun! Seriously, give this easy classic Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe a try. I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too! Let me know how yours turns out!

Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe—Easy Classic Win

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Make the classic Paper Plane cocktail at home. This easy recipe uses equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ounce bourbon
1 ounce Aperol
1 ounce Amaro Nonino
1 ounce fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or paper airplane.

Notes

Use good quality bourbon for the best flavor.
Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Chill your glass beforehand for a colder drink.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drink
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Paper Plane cocktail, bourbon cocktail, Aperol cocktail, Amaro Nonino cocktail, classic cocktail