The Paper Plane cocktail is a modern classic known for its zesty, well-balanced flavors and intriguing blend of ingredients.
Despite its widespread popularity among mixologists and in cocktail bars, the Paper Plane is a surprisingly recent creation, not an age-old classic. It was invented in 2008 by Sam Ross, an acclaimed bartender and co-owner of Attaboy and Diamond Reef in New York City.
The Paper Plane is a contemporary twist on the Last Word, a well-known cocktail that traditionally combines equal parts of gin, lime, maraschino liqueur, and green Chartreuse in a harmonious blend. While at first, the bourbon-infused Paper Plane might seem quite different, it actually shares the Last Word’s fundamental structure.
It is made with equal parts bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and lemon juice. Both cocktails are lauded for their exquisite balance of bitter, sour, and herbal flavors, making them favorites in the world of mixology.
Paper Plane Cocktail Ingredients
The allure of the Paper Plane cocktail lies in the careful selection of essential ingredients. To create the perfect Paper Plane cocktail, you’ll need the following components:
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Bourbon: Bourbon serves as the heart of the cocktail, providing smoky, woody, and caramel notes.
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Amaro Nonino: Amaro Nonino contributes fruity, herbal, and slightly bitter flavors.
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Aperol: Aperol provides bittersweet orange and herbal notes, adding a touch of complexity.
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds zesty brightness and balances the drink’s flavors.
- Ice Cubes: Ice is essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail.
Perfect Paper Plane Recipe
Now, let’s walk through the process of crafting the perfect Paper Plane cocktail:
Step 1: Start with a clean and chilled coupe or Martini glass.
Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) of bourbon, 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) of Amaro Nonino, 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) of Aperol, and 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) of fresh lemon juice.
Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to chill the mixture.
Step 4: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring the ingredients are well-mixed and the cocktail is properly chilled.
Step 5: Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the chilled coupe or martini glass.
Step 6: Optionally, garnish the drink with a lemon twist by peeling a strip of lemon zest and expressing the oils over the cocktail’s surface.
Step 7: Sip and savor the well-balanced and intriguing blend of bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice in your Paper Plane cocktail.
Whether you enjoy it as a contemporary delight or add your personal touch, crafting the perfect Paper Plane is an art that any cocktail enthusiast can appreciate.
It’s a drink that offers a journey through intriguing and harmonious flavors—a taste of the creative spirit that’s always in style.
