Aperol Lovers Unite!
The world of cocktails can feel intimidating, but we’re here to encourage you to move beyond the spirit + mixer combo into the world of simple mixology. We love the Paper Plane because it’s impressive to serve and so easy to make. This cocktail is a touch sour like its inspiration, the Last Word and also has bitter and herbal notes thanks to the Aperol and Amaro Nonino. If you’re an Aperol Spritz fan and also love bourbon-based drinks like the Old Fashioned or Mint Julep, the Paper Plane is for you!
What is Amaro Nonino?
Once you taste this perfect Paper Plane, you’ll understand why that expensive bottle of Amaro Nonino was worth the investment. It’s an Italian bitter liqueur that is made with a grappa base, giving it a fragrant profile unlike other amari. After you’ve made a batch of paper planes and have a bottle of Nonino on hand, it’s lovely in a spritz with soda water.
Paper Plane Cocktail Ingredients
Aperol
Bourbon
Amaro Nonino
Fresh lemon juice
How To Make A Paper Plane Cocktail
Sam Ross invented the career-making Paper Plane in 2007 for the opening of Chicago’s Violet Hour. You’re probably familiar with M.I.A.’s popular song Paper Planes, the namesake for this cocktail. If you’re hosting a cocktail hour, we hope you’ll give this popular drink a try:
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker (the bourbon, amaro, Aperol, and lemon juice).
Add ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, or until chilled.
Strain into a coupe glass. A rocks glass will also work, but a coupe glass is so alluring!
The original Paper Plane featured a small origami paper plane garnish on the rim of the glass, and we think it’s a fun project to make some to serve up with your drink.
Tips For Making The Best Paper Plane
Get yourself a simple home bartending kit. We love this small measuring cup that makes it easy to measure by the ounce, and a classic stainless steel shaker that’s easy to use and clean.
Best bourbon for paper plane: The Paper Plane is delicious without being dependent on a top shelf bourbon to drive the flavor. A widely available, affordable bourbon like Old Forester or Maker’s Mark will work great!
What is a substitute for Amaro Nonino in Paper Plane? If you can’t track down Amaro Nonino, you can give another amaro a try (Amaro Averna is a close sub), but it will definitely affect the taste.
Aperol and Campari are interchangeable, but Campari will result in a more bitter drink.
Batch paper plane cocktail for your next cocktail hour by scaling the ingredients up by whatever amount you’re planning on serving. The batch Paper Plane can be held chilled in a sealed container (like a Mason jar) over ice or in the freezer. It’s a great way to take the Paper Plane party on the road! Our Spiced Bourbon Cocktail makes a great batched cocktail recipe as well.
You May Also Like These Other Cocktails on The Modern Proper
Shake It Up With This Recipe For Paper Planes
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