Paper Plane Cocktail: A Modern, Well-Balanced Whiskey Classic

The Paper Plane Cocktail is a modern classic known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. Created in 2007 by bartender Sam Ross, this cocktail has quickly become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts for its refreshing and approachable flavor profile. The drink combines bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice to create a well-rounded cocktail that’s both complex and easy to enjoy.

Named after the M.I.A. song Paper Planes, this cocktail is a perfect example of how four simple ingredients can come together to create something exceptional. The Paper Plane is bright, citrusy, slightly bitter, and deliciously smooth, making it an excellent choice for both whiskey lovers and those new to the spirit.

Quick Facts: Paper Plane Cocktail

Method: Shaken
Flavor profile: Sweet, sour, slightly bitter, and citrusy
How to serve it: Straight up (without ice)
Glassware: Coupé glass
Alcohol content: ~ 22-25% ABV, depending on the amount of whiskey used

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Ingredients

The Paper Plane features just four ingredients, but they come together to create a cocktail that’s perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ¾ oz Bourbon (A smooth, high-quality bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace works well)
• ¾ oz Aperol (For a slightly bitter, citrusy sweetness)
• ¾ oz Amaro Nonino (For a touch of herbal complexity)
• ¾ oz Fresh lemon juice (Always use freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• Ice (For shaking)
• Lemon twist (Optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Notes:

• Bourbon: A smooth bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak complements the sweetness of Aperol and the herbal bitterness of Amaro Nonino. A bourbon with balanced, light flavors works best here.
• Aperol: This Italian aperitif brings a citrusy, slightly bitter note to the cocktail, which pairs beautifully with the bourbon and lemon juice.
• Amaro Nonino: Amaro Nonino is an Italian herbal liqueur that adds a layer of complexity with its bittersweet and slightly spicy notes. It’s key to achieving the unique flavor of the Paper Plane.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness and bitterness in the cocktail.

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Equipment Needed

To make the perfect Paper Plane, you’ll need the following bar tools:

• Shaker: For mixing and chilling the ingredients.
• Jigger: To measure the bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and lemon juice.
• Strainer: To strain the cocktail into the glass, keeping ice shards out.
• Coupé glass: The classic choice for serving this elegant cocktail.
• Ice: For shaking and chilling the drink.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to create the Paper Plane in just a few simple steps:

1. Shake the Ingredients

In a shaker, combine ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, and ¾ oz fresh lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.

2. Strain into a Coupé Glass

Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into a chilled coupé glass. The drink should have a light, peachy-orange hue and a smooth, velvety texture.

3. Garnish and Serve

For a simple garnish, you can add a lemon twist to the rim of the glass or place it on top of the cocktail for a bright, citrusy aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Paper Plane Cocktail!

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Paper Plane is a beautifully balanced cocktail that offers layers of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. Here’s what to expect from each sip:

1. Initial Taste: The first sip is bright and refreshing, with a burst of citrus from the lemon juice and Aperol. The sweetness of Aperol is balanced by the bourbon’s smooth caramel and vanilla notes.
2. Mid-Palate: As the flavors blend, the herbal complexity of Amaro Nonino comes through, adding a slightly bitter, spicy note that complements the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the Aperol.
3. Finish: The finish is clean and slightly dry, with a lingering bittersweet note from the Amaro Nonino. The bourbon adds warmth and depth, making each sip satisfying and complex.

Overall, the Paper Plane is a refreshing yet sophisticated cocktail with a perfect balance of flavors. Its citrusy brightness and bittersweet complexity make it a delightful drink for any occasion.

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Garnishing and Presentation

The Paper Plane is simple yet elegant in its presentation. Here are some garnishing ideas to enhance the look of your drink:

1. Lemon Twist: A classic garnish, a lemon twist adds a pop of color and a fresh citrus aroma that complements the lemon juice in the cocktail. Twist the peel over the drink to release the oils before placing it on the rim.
2. Edible Flower: For a more sophisticated presentation, add an edible flower to float on top of the cocktail. This adds a delicate touch to the drink and enhances its visual appeal.
3. Dehydrated Lemon Slice: For a modern, stylish garnish, use a dehydrated lemon slice on the rim of the glass. This adds texture and a visual contrast to the drink’s smooth surface.

Serve the Paper Plane in a chilled coupé glass to highlight its bright color and smooth texture. The garnishes not only enhance the cocktail’s visual appeal but also add subtle aromatic elements to each sip.

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Pairing Suggestions

The Paper Plane pairs well with a variety of light, citrusy dishes and snacks. Here are some pairing ideas to complement the cocktail’s bright and bittersweet flavors:

1. Cheese Board: Pair the Paper Plane with a selection of cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or manchego. The cocktail’s citrusy brightness cuts through the richness of the cheese.
2. Seafood: Light seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail, oysters, or grilled fish pair beautifully with the refreshing and slightly bitter notes of the Paper Plane.
3. Cured Meats: A charcuterie board with prosciutto, salami, or chorizo complements the herbal and citrusy flavors of the cocktail, making it a great appetizer pairing.
4. Citrus Desserts: The bright, tangy flavors of lemon bars, citrus tarts, or orange sorbet pair well with the Paper Plane’s citrusy and slightly bitter profile.
5. Spicy Dishes: The refreshing and bittersweet nature of the Paper Plane makes it a great pairing for mildly spicy dishes, such as spicy tuna rolls or grilled chicken with chili-lime seasoning.

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Paper Plane Cocktail was created in 2007 by Sam Ross, a renowned bartender from New York City, at the bar Milk & Honey. The drink was named after the popular M.I.A. song Paper Planes, which was a hit at the time. Ross designed the Paper Plane as a modern variation of the Last Word, another classic cocktail known for its equal-parts recipe.

Despite being a relatively new creation, the Paper Plane has quickly gained popularity in the cocktail world due to its balance of flavors and simple, equal-parts formula. Its versatility and refreshing profile make it a favorite among both whiskey lovers and fans of lighter, citrus-forward cocktails.

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Serving Suggestions

The Paper Plane is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to elegant cocktail parties. Here are some ideas for serving it:

1. Cocktail Hour: The Paper Plane’s balanced, refreshing flavor makes it an excellent choice for cocktail hour. Serve it alongside light appetizers to impress your guests.
2. After-Dinner Drink: The bittersweet nature of the Paper Plane makes it a great after-dinner drink. Serve it as a palate cleanser or as part of a dessert course.
3. Brunch: The bright, citrusy flavors of the Paper Plane make it a perfect brunch cocktail. Pair it with light, citrus-forward dishes like fruit salad or avocado toast.
4. Holiday Parties: The Paper Plane’s striking color and balanced flavors make it a standout cocktail for holiday parties. Serve it in elegant glassware to elevate your event.
5. Mocktail Version: For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with iced tea, the Aperol with a non-alcoholic bitter, and the amaro with an herbal syrup. This creates a refreshing mocktail with a similar flavor profile.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

The Paper Plane Cocktail typically has an ABV of around 22-25%, depending on the type of whiskey and liqueurs used. The combination of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice creates a well-balanced cocktail with moderate strength, perfect for slow sipping.

For a lighter version, reduce the amount of bourbon or use a lower-proof whiskey. You can also experiment with different types of amari or liqueurs, such as Campari or Cynar, to create variations of the cocktail with different flavor profiles.

For a non-alcoholic alternative, make a Citrus Tea Mocktail by combining iced tea, lemon juice, and a non-alcoholic bitter. This creates a refreshing, alcohol-free drink with similar citrusy and bitter notes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other types of whiskey in the Paper Plane?
Yes! While bourbon is traditional, you can experiment with other types of whiskey, such as rye or Scotch. Rye whiskey will give the cocktail a spicier flavor, while a light Scotch can add a subtle smoky note.

Can I substitute Amaro Nonino with another amaro?
Amaro Nonino is key to the Paper Plane’s flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with another amaro like Montenegro or Averna. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still achieve a similar bittersweet complexity.

Do I need to garnish the Paper Plane?
Garnishing is optional, but a lemon twist adds a bright citrus aroma and enhances the presentation of the drink. You can also leave the drink ungarnished for a more minimalist approach.

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Conclusion

The Paper Plane Cocktail is a modern classic that brings together the bright, citrusy flavors of Aperol and lemon with the herbal complexity of Amaro Nonino and the smooth warmth of bourbon. Whether you’re sipping it during cocktail hour, after dinner, or at a special gathering, this perfectly balanced cocktail is sure to impress. Cheers to enjoying a drink that’s as refreshing as it is sophisticated!