Okay, confession time: if I could only pick ONE cocktail to have for the rest of my life, it would *have* to be The Paper Plane. Seriously, this drink is pure magic in a glass! It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you close your eyes with the first sip and think, “Wow, just… wow.” What makes it so special? It’s all about that perfect trifecta: sweet, sour, *and* bitter, all playing together in harmony. It sounds complicated, right? But trust me, it’s surprisingly simple and utterly delicious. I first tried it years ago at a little Italian place downtown, and it was love at first sip. It’s become my go-to for everything from casual weeknight treats to fancy dinner parties.

What is The Paper Plane Cocktail?

So, what exactly *is* this amazing drink? The Paper Plane is a relatively modern classic, and its beauty lies in its simplicity and perfect balance. It’s built on an equal-parts formula, meaning you use the same amount of each key ingredient. This magical mix usually includes bourbon for warmth, Aperol for a touch of bittersweet orange, Amaro Nonino for a wonderfully complex bitter-sweet herbal note, and fresh lemon juice to bring that essential sour kick. It’s a delightful dance on your palate, hitting all the right spots. You can learn more about where to find a great recipe here, or check out another handy guide here!

Gather Your Ingredients for The Paper Plane

Alright, so to whip up your very own Paper Plane, you’ll need just a few things. It’s honestly this simple equal-parts magic that makes it so great! You’ll need:

0.75 oz Bourbon: Grab your favorite, nothing too fancy needed here!
0.75 oz Aperol: That gorgeous reddish-orange liqueur.
0.75 oz Amaro Nonino: This is the secret sauce for that lovely bitter depth.
0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice: Make sure it’s fresh, trust me!

And for the finishing touch? A little lemon twist is perfect. See? Super easy!

Crafting The Paper Plane: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, get ready to make some magic! Making this drink is seriously satisfying, and it all comes down to a few simple steps. First things first, grab your cocktail shaker. Pour in your bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and that super important fresh lemon juice. Make sure you measure accurately – that equal-parts magic is key here!

Next, fill that shaker up with ice. And I don’t mean just a few cubes, really pack it in there. Now, for the fun part: shake it like you mean it! You want to shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside of your shaker feels frosty cold. This is what chills everything down perfectly and adds that little bit of dilution we need.

Once it’s super cold, grab a fine-mesh strainer (this is your double straining part!) and pour the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. The double strain catches any tiny ice shards or bits of lemon pulp, giving you the smoothest drink possible. Finally, take a small strip of lemon peel, give it a little twist over the drink to release its oils, and drop it in. Ta-da! Your perfect Paper Plane is ready to enjoy. If you’re looking for more bourbon inspiration, check out these bourbon cocktails or some other quick ideas.

Tips for The Perfect Paper Plane Cocktail

You know, making a truly *great* Paper Plane is all about paying attention to the little things. It’s not super fussy, but these few tweaks make a world of difference! First off, use good quality ingredients. It sounds obvious, but your bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino really shine here, so pick ones you genuinely enjoy the taste of. And please, *please* use fresh lemon juice. Bottled stuff just doesn’t have that bright, zingy punch.

Ice is another big one. Don’t skimp! Use plenty of good, solid ice in your shaker. It chills the drink faster and dilutes it just enough for that perfect smooth texture. Speaking of chilling, make sure your coupe glass is COLD! Seriously, pop it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before you start. A warm glass just ruins the whole experience. You can find some cool ideas for chilling glasses here, or check out these techniques from another guide. Trust me, a frosty glass makes all the difference!

Variations and Substitutions for The Paper Plane

While the classic Paper Plane is just perfection, sometimes it’s fun to play around, right? If you’re out of bourbon, try a nice rye whiskey for a spicier kick. Or, maybe you don’t have Amaro Nonino on hand? You could try Cynar for a bit more of a vegetal bitterness, or even a different amaro you love, just know it will change the flavor profile a bit. Some people like to swap out the Aperol for Campari if they’re feeling extra bold, but that’ll make it *much* more bitter, so proceed with caution!

You can also experiment with the citrus. While lemon is classic, a touch of grapefruit juice can add a different kind of tang. And hey, if you’re looking for a seriously smooth whiskey sour vibe, you might check out some ideas over here. Don’t be afraid to get creative, but always remember the equal parts! You can find more bourbon cocktail recipes for more inspiration too!

Serving and Storing The Paper Plane

Alright, so you’ve made this gorgeous Paper Plane – now for the best part! You’ll want to serve it up in a chilled coupe glass, seriously, the colder the better. That frosty glass just elevates the whole experience. And that little lemon twist? It’s not just for looks; give it a little squeeze over the drink before you drop it in to release those aromatic oils. It smells amazing!

As for storing, the best approach is to make them fresh. The lemon juice can get a bit funky if it sits around too long. But hey, if you happen to have a splash of Aperol or Amaro Nonino left, just pop those bottles back in the cabinet. They’re pretty shelf-stable!

Frequently Asked Questions about The Paper Plane

Got questions about this beautiful drink? I get it! The Paper Plane is so good, you’ll remember every sip. Here are some things folks often ask:

What’s the best bourbon to use for The Paper Plane?

Honestly, you don’t need to break the bank here! The Paper Plane is all about balance, and a good mid-range bourbon works wonderfully. I love using something like Buffalo Trace or Four Roses. They have a nice depth without being overpowering. If you tend to like your drinks a little less sweet, a higher-proof bourbon can add a nice backbone. Just avoid anything *too* smoky or intensely flavored, as it can throw off that delicate balance. You can find some great ideas for bourbon cocktails that might give you inspiration!

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of The Paper Plane?

This one’s tricky! Because the magic is in the balance of spirits and liqueurs, a truly identical non-alcoholic version is tough. You can try using non-alcoholic bourbon alternatives, a splash of non-alcoholic amaro substitute, and maybe a non-alcoholic orange aperitif. You’ll also need something to give it that sou– maybe a bit more lemon juice or a touch of non-alcoholic flavored syrup. It won’t be exactly the same, but you might get something interesting! It’s definitely an experiment!

What’s the difference between Amaro Nonino and other amaros?

Great question! Amaro Nonino is lovely because it’s a bit sweeter and has these wonderful notes of orange peel, caramel, and even a hint of apple. Many other amaros can be much more bitter, sometimes leaning towards medicinal or intensely herbal flavors. For example, Montenegro is often a bit lighter and sweeter than something like Fernet-Branca, which is super intense and minty! Nonino is just *perfectly* balanced for the Paper Plane, giving it that gentle, complex backbone without being too aggressive. You can usually find more info on these types of recipes when you look at a quick guide.

Can I make The Paper Plane ahead of time?

For the best flavor and freshest taste, I always recommend making The Paper Plane right before you plan to drink it. The fresh lemon juice is key, and it’s best when it hasn’t been sitting around. If you *really* wanted to prep, you could pre-batch the bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino in a bottle and store it in the fridge. Then, just measure out your portion, add the fresh lemon juice and ice, and shake it up before serving. That way, you’re only like 30 seconds from sipping! You can find more ideas here.

Nutritional Information for The Paper Plane

Now, let’s talk about what’s actually *in* this delicious drink. Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates and can totally change depending on the exact brands of bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino you use, and even how much sweetener might be in them! But as a general idea, one Paper Plane (made with standard amounts) usually rings in at around 250 calories, with about 20g of carbohydrates and 15g of sugar. It’s pretty much fat-free and protein-free, which is pretty neat for a cocktail!

The Paper Plane

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

Print Recipe

Description

A classic cocktail with a balanced sweet, sour, and bitter profile.

Ingredients

Scale

0.75 oz Bourbon
0.75 oz Aperol
0.75 oz Amaro Nonino
0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice.
Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Notes

Garnish with a lemon twist.

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drink
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

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