Classic Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Equal measurements make this sophisticated cocktail exceptionally easy to remember.
• Bourbon and Amaro Nonino provide warm notes of vanilla, caramel, herbs, and spice.
• Aperol and fresh lemon balance sweetness with bright citrus and gentle bitterness.
• It is ready in only 5 minutes and requires no special garnish or complicated technique.

Grocery List

• Produce: 1 medium fresh lemon
• Dairy: None required
• Pantry: Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and ice

Full Ingredients

For the Cocktail

• 3/4 fluid ounce (22 milliliters) bourbon, preferably 86 to 100 proof
• 3/4 fluid ounce (22 milliliters) Aperol
• 3/4 fluid ounce (22 milliliters) Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
• 3/4 fluid ounce (22 milliliters) fresh lemon juice, strained to remove seeds and excess pulp

For Chilling and Finishing

• 1 cup (about 200 grams) ice, preferably firm, fresh cubes
• 1 thin lemon twist, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill the serving glass

Place a coupe or Nick and Nora glass in a 0°F (-18°C) freezer for at least 10 minutes. A properly chilled glass helps the cocktail remain cold after it is strained. If freezer space is limited, fill the glass with ice and cold water for 5 minutes, then empty and dry it thoroughly before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the fresh lemon juice

Cut a fresh lemon in half and squeeze out the juice. Measure exactly 3/4 fluid ounce (22 milliliters), then pour it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove seeds and heavy pulp. Freshly squeezed juice is essential because bottled lemon juice can taste muted or overly sharp in this simple four-ingredient drink.

Step 3: Measure the cocktail ingredients

Pour 3/4 fluid ounce each of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and strained lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Accurate measurements preserve the Paper Plane’s signature equal-parts balance of whiskey warmth, orange bitterness, herbal sweetness, and bright acidity.

Step 4: Add fresh ice

Add 1 cup (about 200 grams) of firm ice cubes to the shaker, filling it approximately two-thirds full. Avoid wet or partially melted ice, which can dilute the cocktail before it has had enough time to chill and aerate.

Step 5: Shake until perfectly chilled

Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds. Use a firm back-and-forth motion until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and the drink reaches approximately 25 to 30°F (-4 to -1°C). Shaking chills the cocktail, adds the correct amount of dilution, and gives the citrus a smooth, lightly aerated texture.

Step 6: Double-strain and serve

Remove the chilled glass from the freezer. Pour the cocktail through the shaker’s strainer and a small fine-mesh strainer into the glass. Double-straining catches ice shards and lemon pulp, producing a smooth, polished drink. If desired, express a lemon twist over the surface by gently squeezing it peel-side down, then place it on the rim or discard it. Serve immediately while very cold.

Pro Tips

• Keep the equal-parts ratio: The recipe is easy to scale because all four liquid ingredients are used in identical amounts.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Juice the lemon immediately before shaking for the brightest flavor and aroma.
• Choose a balanced bourbon: A bourbon between 86 and 100 proof has enough character to stand up to the two liqueurs without making the drink harsh.
• Do not casually substitute the amaro: Amaro Nonino has a distinctive bittersweet profile with notes of herbs, citrus, spice, and vanilla. A darker or more bitter amaro will create a noticeably different cocktail.
• Serve it up: The Paper Plane is traditionally strained into a stemmed glass without ice, which preserves its silky texture and concentrated flavor.

Variations

• Rye Paper Plane: Replace the 3/4 fluid ounce bourbon with 3/4 fluid ounce rye whiskey for a drier, spicier finish.
• Smoky Paper Plane: Use 1/2 fluid ounce bourbon and 1/4 fluid ounce mezcal in place of the bourbon. Keep the Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice at 3/4 fluid ounce each.
• Long Paper Plane: Prepare the cocktail as written, strain it over fresh ice in a tall glass, and top with exactly 2 fluid ounces of chilled soda water for a lighter, sparkling variation.

Storage & Make-Ahead

A finished Paper Plane is best enjoyed immediately because its ideal temperature and delicate aeration fade quickly. To prepare ahead for 8 cocktails, combine 6 fluid ounces each of bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino in an airtight bottle and refrigerate for up to 1 month. For each drink, measure 2 1/4 fluid ounces of the spirit mixture into a shaker, add 3/4 fluid ounce fresh lemon juice and 1 cup ice, then shake and strain as directed. Fresh lemon juice may be strained and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, although juice used immediately will have the liveliest flavor.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 170 kcal | Carbs: 13g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 11g | Sodium: 3mg | Cholesterol: 0mg