Paper Plane

The Paper Plane is a sophisticated and accessible modern cocktail known for its vibrant orange hue and harmonious flavor profile. It masterfully combines the richness of bourbon with the bitter orange notes of Aperol, the complex herbal sweetness of Amaro Nonino, and the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. This equal-parts formula makes it easy to remember and prepare, resulting in a consistently delicious drink that is simultaneously bitter, sour, and slightly sweet.
Paper Plane

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Paper Plane is a contemporary alcoholic cocktail, now widely considered a modern classic due to its popularity and influence since its creation. It is typically served as an aperitif, designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal with its balanced bitter and sour notes. It falls squarely in the category of sophisticated, shaken cocktails.

Serving

The Paper Plane is a relatively small, spirit-forward cocktail served straight up (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It has a moderate alcohol content, making it flavorful but not overwhelmingly strong.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 22-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Paper Plane was created in 2008 by renowned bartender Sam Ross for the opening menu of The Violet Hour in Chicago. Ross, who also created the Penicillin, developed this cocktail as a riff on the classic Last Word. He named it after the popular M.I.A. song "Paper Planes," which was constantly playing on the radio during the summer he invented the drink.
Origin
Chicago, USA, circa 2008.

Paper Plane

The drink is almost universally known as the Paper Plane, its original name. Occasionally, it might be referred to by the slightly more formal name Paper Aeroplane, but this is uncommon. The name is straightforward and doesn't have hidden meanings or significant variations.
Original name
Paper Plane
Alternative name
Paper Aeroplane

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a beautiful balance of bitter, sour, and sweet flavors with a prominent citrus and herbal aroma. It has a silky-smooth texture and a clean, lingering bitter finish, making it a refreshing cocktail suitable for any season.
Flavor
Bitter-sweet, citrusy, herbal, orange peel, complex, whiskey backbone
Aroma
Bright citrus, orange, herbal notes, hints of vanilla and oak
Taste balance
Bitter, sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering bitterness, clean, herbal, warming
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, warm orange, coral hue
Texture
Silky, smooth, well-integrated
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season, slightly summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely balanced, led by high levels of sourness and bitterness that are perfectly countered by a subtle sweetness and fruity character. It's a non-carbonated, moderately strong cocktail with a complex and assertive profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is an equal-parts cocktail requiring four key ingredients: bourbon whiskey, the Italian aperitif Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Using the specific Amaro Nonino is crucial for the authentic taste.
  • Bourbon Whiskey22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A higher-proof bourbon (around 100 proof / 50% ABV) works well to stand up to the other bold ingredients.
  • Aperol22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Provides the characteristic bitter orange flavor and vibrant color.
  • Amaro Nonino Quintessentia22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    This specific amaro is key to the original recipe for its unique bittersweet, grappa-based flavor profile.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness and acidity.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking

Mixing equipments

To make a Paper Plane, you will need a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the ingredients, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a double-straining setup (Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer) to ensure a smooth texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients
  • Strainer (Hawthorne and fine mesh) for a clean pour
  • Citrus juicer for fresh juice

Instructions

The method is straightforward: combine equal parts of all four liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until cold, and double-strain into a chilled coupe glass. Finish with your choice of garnish before serving.
1. Prepare the garnish (a lemon twist or a tiny paper plane) and chill your coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Measure and pour all four ingredients—bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice—into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Double-strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your pre-chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or a miniature paper plane on the rim of the glass and serve immediately.

Garnishing

The drink is often garnished with a simple lemon twist, which adds a complementary citrus aroma. For a more playful and literal presentation, a small, folded paper plane can be placed on the glass rim.
  • Lemon twist: Express the oils over the drink's surface and drop it in or place it on the rim.
  • Miniature paper plane: For a whimsical touch, perch a tiny folded paper plane on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, provided the specific brands of spirits used are confirmed to be vegan.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugars in the liqueurs. The carbohydrate and sugar content is present but not excessive, stemming from the Aperol and Amaro Nonino.
Calories
Averagely 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11-13 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is an excellent aperitif, making it perfect for pre-dinner drinks or happy hour. Its sophisticated yet approachable nature also makes it a great choice for cocktail parties or social gatherings with friends. The refreshing balance of citrus and bitterness is especially enjoyable on a warm evening.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Happy hour
  • Summer evening

Pairing suggestions

The Paper Plane's bittersweet and sour profile makes it an excellent aperitif that pairs well with savory and salty foods. It beautifully cuts through the richness of charcuterie boards, aged cheeses, and salty snacks like marinated olives or roasted nuts. Its acidity also complements light appetizers, preparing the palate for a meal.
  • Salty snacks like olives or nuts
  • Charcuterie and cheese boards
  • Light appetizers like bruschetta

The Paper Plane: A Modern Classic Takes Flight

The Paper Plane is a testament to the elegance of simplicity in mixology. Its equal-parts recipe creates a complex yet perfectly harmonious drink that is both refreshing and thought-provoking. With its beautiful coral color and a delightful balance of bitter, sour, and sweet notes from bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon, it has rightfully earned its place as a modern classic. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it's a sophisticated choice for any cocktail enthusiast.

Variations

Final Ward

A variation of The Last Word, but with a similar structure. It uses equal parts rye whiskey, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice.

You May Also Like

Alexander

A creamy and elegant classic cocktail made with gin, crème de cacao, and cream.

El Guapo

A smoky, spicy, and herbaceous tequila and mezcal cocktail balanced with refreshing cucumber and floral elderflower.

Sea Breeze

A refreshingly tart and fruity highball cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.

Green Tea Shot

A popular and deceptively smooth shot that balances sweet peach and sour citrus with the smoothness of Irish whiskey.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Vermouth Cobbler

A refreshing, low-alcohol classic combining sweet vermouth with citrus and seasonal fruit over crushed ice.

Pampanito

A sophisticated and spicy twist on the classic daiquiri, featuring aged rum, allspice dram, and Angostura bitters.

Montenegro Flip

A rich, velvety, and complex cocktail featuring Amaro Montenegro, rye whiskey, and a whole egg, creating a luxurious after-dinner drink.

Cardamaro Sour

An elegant and complex sour cocktail featuring the wine-based amaro, Cardamaro, balanced with fresh lemon and a silky texture.