Last Updated: November 9, 2026
The Paper Plane is made with equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, three-quarters of an ounce each, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled coupe. It tastes bittersweet, citrusy, and lightly herbal, with the vanilla warmth of bourbon in the background. It is a modern classic with a four-ingredient recipe that is easy to remember.
Bartender Sam Ross created the drink in 2007 in New York, reportedly inspired by the song “Paper Planes” by M.I.A. Like many equal-parts cocktails, the Paper Plane borrows its structure from the Last Word. As with any strong cocktail, drink responsibly.
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz Aperol
- 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice
- Optional: a small paper plane garnish, folded from a scrap of paper and balanced on the rim
Instructions
- Chill a coupe or Nick and Nora glass in the freezer.
- Juice a lemon and measure 3/4 oz.
- Combine bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and lemon juice in a shaker.
- Add ice and shake for 12 to 15 seconds, until the shaker is frosty.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a small paper plane if desired, or leave plain.
The Four Parts
| Ingredient | Job | What you taste |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon | Backbone | Vanilla, caramel, light oak |
| Aperol | Bittersweet fruit | Orange, rhubarb, gentle bitterness |
| Amaro Nonino | Depth | Orange peel, caramel, grappa-based warmth |
| Lemon juice | Acid | Brightness that ties everything together |
Amaro Nonino is a grappa-based Italian amaro from the Friuli region. It is lighter and more orange-driven than many amari, with a slightly sweet, spiced finish. It is the character of this cocktail, so substitutions change the drink noticeably.
Choosing the Bourbon
A bourbon with some muscle, around 90 to 100 proof, keeps its presence next to Aperol and lemon. Some bartenders use a bourbon with a higher rye content for spice. Very soft, wheated bourbons tend to disappear in the mix. Do not use an expensive bottle meant for sipping neat; the mix will blur small nuances.
Making It Your Own
If you cannot find Amaro Nonino
Try another amaro with orange and caramel character, such as Montenegro or Ramazzotti. The drink will be slightly different, but still balanced. Avoid very bitter or minty amari, which will overwhelm the other parts.
If the drink is too sweet
Dial back the Aperol to 1/2 oz and add a bar spoon more lemon juice.
If the drink is too sharp
Reduce lemon to 1/2 oz or add a small splash of simple syrup, around 1/4 oz.
If you want more whiskey
Increase bourbon to 1 oz, leaving the others at 3/4 oz.
Variations
- Rye Paper Plane: replace bourbon with rye whiskey for a drier, more peppery drink.
- Mezcal Paper Plane: replace bourbon with mezcal for a smoky variation.
- Scotch Plane: use a lightly peated or blended Scotch.
- Lime Plane: use lime instead of lemon for a sharper edge.
- Frozen Plane: blend the same proportions with 1 cup of ice, though the balance shifts.
Tips for the Best Paper Plane
- Squeeze lemon fresh. The balance depends on bright acidity.
- Measure exactly. Equal-parts cocktails show every small error.
- Shake hard. The liqueurs are thick and need good dilution.
- Serve it cold. A chilled glass prevents the drink from warming and dulling.
- Double strain if desired. This produces a crisp, clean surface without ice shards.
The Family of Equal-Parts Cocktails
Equal-parts drinks are a favorite of home bartenders because they are easy to memorize and scale. The Paper Plane belongs to a family that includes the Last Word, Naked and Famous, the Negroni, and the Final Ward. In each case, the formula uses a base spirit, a bitter or herbal liqueur, a sweet element, and a sour element. Learning to taste what each one contributes lets you improvise your own variations.
Serving and Pairing
The Paper Plane has enough sweetness to pair with a variety of foods, and enough bitterness to cut through richness. Suggestions:
- Charcuterie boards with salami and aged cheese
- Roasted nuts and dried apricots
- Pork belly or glazed ham
- Duck breast with orange sauce
- Almond cake or orange-flavored shortbread
Batching for a Party
For eight servings, mix 6 oz each of bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and lemon juice, then add 3 oz of cold water. Chill thoroughly. For best texture, pour individual portions (about 3.5 oz) into a shaker with ice, shake, and strain. Lemon juice should be fresh the same day.
FAQ
What does a Paper Plane taste like?
It tastes like bittersweet orange and caramel with lemon brightness and a gentle whiskey warmth.
Is the Paper Plane bitter?
Mildly. Aperol and the amaro add bitterness, but the lemon and bourbon balance it. It is more approachable than a negroni.
Can I use a different amaro?
Yes, though Amaro Nonino is the original. Choose a mild, orange-leaning amaro for the closest result.
Is it a sweet or sour drink?
It sits in the middle. The sour element from lemon is balanced by the sweetness of the liqueurs.
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