Smoky Paper Plane

The Smoky Paper Plane is a contemporary variation of the well-loved Paper Plane cocktail. It maintains the original's equal-parts structure but introduces a bold, smoky character by using mezcal as its base spirit. This swap creates a complex interplay between the earthy agave notes, the bittersweet orange of Aperol, the herbal tang of Amaro Nonino, and the bright acidity of lemon juice. The result is a beautifully balanced and intriguing drink for those who appreciate a smoky twist on a modern classic.
Smoky Paper Plane

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Smoky Paper Plane is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It's a contemporary variation, or "riff," on the original Paper Plane, which itself is a modern classic. This places it firmly in the category of sophisticated, craft cocktails developed in the 21st century.

Serving

Served 'straight up' in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this is a sophisticated, cold cocktail with a moderate alcohol content that is sipped rather than drunk quickly.
Serving size
Approximately 100 ml / 3.5 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Estimated 20-24% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is a direct descendant of Sam Ross's "Paper Plane," which was created around 2008. As mezcal's popularity surged in the cocktail world, bartenders naturally began substituting it into classic recipes. The Paper Plane, with its robust flavor profile, proved to be a perfect candidate for this treatment. This led to the creation of this smoky and compelling variation that is now a staple in many craft cocktail bars.
Origin
United States, circa early 2010s. It's a variation on a modern American classic and its creation is attributed to the collective innovation of the craft cocktail scene rather than a single individual.

Smoky Paper Plane

This drink is a modern twist on the classic Paper Plane, often called the Mezcal Paper Plane. The name directly reflects its key modification: swapping bourbon for smoky mezcal. This simple change transforms the cocktail's profile significantly, creating a distinct and memorable experience.
Original name
Smoky Paper Plane
Alternative name
Mezcal Paper Plane

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a vibrant, hazy orange hue with a captivating aroma of smoke and citrus. The flavor is a masterful balance of sour and bittersweet, with a smooth texture and a lingering smoky aftertaste that makes it memorable.
Flavor
Smoky, bittersweet, citrusy, herbal, orange, earthy
Aroma
Smoky agave, orange peel, herbal botanicals, fresh lemon
Taste balance
Sour, bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering smoke, gentle bitterness, clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy orange, orangey-pink, vibrant, cloudy
Texture
Smooth, silky, medium-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is flavor-forward, defined by a prominent sourness and a pleasant bitterness that is balanced by moderate sweetness and fruitiness. It has no carbonation and a noticeable but well-integrated alcohol strength and smokiness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is a perfectly balanced, equal-parts cocktail requiring smoky mezcal, the bitter orange aperitif Aperol, the herbal Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Mezcal22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A joven (unaged) mezcal with a moderate level of smoke is recommended to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Aperol22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    This bitter orange aperitif is essential for the drink's flavor profile and color.
  • Amaro Nonino Quintessentia22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    While other amari can be substituted, Amaro Nonino provides a unique grappa base with notes of orange and spice that is key to the original Paper Plane family.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness and to avoid the dull taste of bottled juice.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set to prepare this drink. A jigger ensures accurate measurements, and double straining provides a clean, smooth texture.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Instructions

The method is simple: chill your glass, combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake hard until chilled, and double strain into the prepared glass before garnishing with a lemon twist.
1. Place your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes.
2. Measure and pour all ingredients (mezcal, 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 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted and well-chilled.
5. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, cut a swath of lemon peel. Twist it over the surface of the drink to express the citrus oils, then drop it into the glass or place it on the rim.

Garnishing

The drink is best garnished with a lemon twist. Expressing the peel's oils over the glass adds a fragrant citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's flavors.
  • Lemon peel twist, expressed over the drink to release aromatic oils.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic and generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, as all ingredients are plant-based.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is moderately caloric, with around 170 kcal per serving, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. Its carbohydrate and sugar content are relatively low for a cocktail of this type.
Calories
Averagely 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a wonderfully versatile cocktail, perfect for sipping before dinner as a complex aperitif or enjoying during a social gathering. Its unique flavor profile makes it a great conversation starter at cocktail hour or on a warm evening.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Aperitif
  • Social Gatherings
  • Summer Evening

Pairing suggestions

The smoky and citrus-forward profile of the Smoky Paper Plane pairs wonderfully with salty or spicy appetizers that can stand up to its bold flavors. It is an excellent match for flavorful Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor or grilled seafood, as it cuts through richness and complements the char.
  • Salty snacks like Marcona almonds
  • Spicy nuts
  • Tacos al pastor
  • Grilled shrimp skewers

The Smoky Paper Plane: A Modern Classic Takes Flight with a Smoky Twist

The Smoky Paper Plane is a brilliant and popular riff on the modern classic Paper Plane cocktail. By swapping bourbon for mezcal, the drink takes on a complex, smoky dimension that perfectly complements the bittersweet orange and herbal notes of its other components. It's a sophisticated, balanced, and spirit-forward cocktail that is both refreshing and thought-provoking, ideal for adventurous palates. This equal-parts wonder is easy to make yet delivers a deeply satisfying and memorable flavor experience.

Originals

Paper Plane

The original recipe, created by Sam Ross, uses bourbon instead of mezcal, resulting in a cocktail with notes of vanilla and oak instead of smoke.

Similar Cocktails

The Last Word

The historical inspiration for this style of equal-parts, shaken cocktail. It uses gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.

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