Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

The Paper Plane is a modern bourbon sour that hits a perfect sweet-tart-bitter balance. It features bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, so it’s easy to remember and hard to get wrong.

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The color is a bright coral-orange, the aroma leans citrus and herbal, and the drink itself feels crisp and smooth. It’s the kind of cocktail that wins over both whiskey fans and folks who usually reach for lighter, spritz-y drinks.

Serve it cold in a coupe, add a lemon twist or a tiny paper airplane if you’re feeling playful, and you’re set.

A Quick Origin Note

This is a modern classic that popped up in the late 2000s and took off fast in cocktail bars. It’s named after the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” and it uses an equal-parts formula that makes it easy to remember and scale.

The build is smart: bourbon for warmth, Aperol for brightness, amaro for gentle bitterness, and lemon for snap. That balance is why it keeps showing up on menu. It’s friendly, lively, and consistent.

Tasting Notes

The first sip is zesty lemon that wakes up the palate. Right after that, Aperol brings sweet orange and gentle bitterness. Amaro Nonino adds soft herbs, vanilla, and a hint of orange peel that smooths everything out.

The bourbon sits underneath with warm caramel and a touch of oak, giving the drink body without making it heavy. The texture is silky from a hard shake, with just enough dilution to keep it crisp.

The aroma is citrus-forward – think lemon oils – with herbal notes drifting in as it warms slightly in the glass. It’s not too sweet, not too tart, and the bitterness is friendly, never sharp. The finish is clean and snappy with a whisper of bourbon warmth.

Equipment & Glassware

A good cocktail shaker is key here. You want a firm, frosty shake to blend the citrus with the spirits and give the drink a silky texture.

Use fresh ice – clear, hard cubes if you have them – and strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Those smaller, elegant glasses help focus the aroma and keep the temperature right. A small stemmed wine glass works in a pinch.

For garnish, a channel knife or peeler makes quick work of a lemon twist. If you’re going for the playful paper airplane garnish, fold one ahead of time so you don’t hold up the shake.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled.
• Chill the glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drink.
• Big, solid ice cubes dilute less and give better texture.
• Batch for a party by multiplying each ingredient equally, then shake individual portions with fresh ice.
• Keep Aperol and Amaro Nonino sealed and stored cool; citrus should be juiced day-of.

When to Serve

This cocktail is great before dinner, when a crisp, citrusy sip wakes up the palate. It’s also wonderful at happy hour or as a signature drink at a small gathering.

The color pops for spring and summer, but it’s cozy enough for fall thanks to the bourbon base. It’s perfect for a backyard hang, a date night, or a Friendsgiving where you want something impressive without a lot of fuss.

Because it’s balanced, it works with appetizers like prosciutto and melon, marinated olives, or a simple cheese board. It’s also an easy pick for a cocktail party since folks who like either sour drinks or bittersweet drinks both tend to enjoy it.

Choosing Your Bourbon

For bourbon, aim for a 80 to 100 proof bottle with a soft vanilla, caramel, and light oak profile. A wheated bourbon or one that’s not too spicy lets the citrus and amaro shine.

Brands like Four Roses Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, or Maker’s Mark are solid, dependable options that won’t overpower the drink. If you like a little extra backbone, try Wild Turkey 101, but consider a touch more lemon juice to keep balance.

The Roles of the Other Ingredients

Aperol

Aperol is the classic choice for the bright orange, herbal-sweet layer. It’s lower in alcohol and has a gentle bitterness that plays nicely with lemon.

Amaro Nonino

Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is the signature amaro for the Paper Plane. It brings orange peel and vanilla notes with a refined, mellow bitterness. If you can’t find Amaro Nonino, you can sub with a lighter, citrus-forward amaro, but the flavor will change. Options like Amaro Averna or Amaro Montenegro can work in a pinch, though you may need to tweak the lemon slightly to keep things balanced.

Lemon Juice, Fresh Squeezed

Always use fresh, ripe lemons. Meyer lemons give a slightly softer, floral vibe; regular Eureka lemons give the classic sharp citrus that most folks expect. If your lemons are very tart, a tiny bar spoon of simple syrup can help, but most of the time it’s not needed.

Food Pairings

The Paper Plane pairs well with salty, savory snacks and bright, fresh bites. Think marinated olives, fried artichokes, caprese skewers, or rosemary almonds.

It also plays nicely with grilled shrimp, lemony chicken skewers, and simple flatbreads. For cheese, go with a creamy goat cheese or a mild cheddar.

Scaling for a Crowd

Hosting? Pre-batch the spirits and keep the lemon separate. Mix equal parts bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino in a sealed bottle and chill.

When guests arrive, measure 2.25 ounces of the mix plus 0.75 ounce fresh lemon per drink into a shaker with ice, shake hard, and strain. This keeps speed up and the citrus fresh.

If you’re making a pitcher, aim for about 24 ounces total spirits and 8 ounces lemon, then shake in smaller batches to keep the texture right. Keep glasses chilled and garnishes prepped so you can pour and go.