Paper Plane Cocktail: The 3 Best Mixing Tips
Master the perfect Paper Plane cocktail with our easy homemade guide on thenextrecipes. This quick recipe makes an elegant drink for any occasion.
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📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025
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Paper Plane Cocktail: Your New Favorite Modern Classic!
There are some cocktails that simply *fly* into your heart and set up permanent residence. The Paper Plane Cocktail is undeniably one of them. A relatively new invention in the world of classic drinks, it has quickly soared to popularity thanks to its impeccable balance of bitter, sweet, and sour notes. If you’re a fan of sophisticated sips that don’t shy away from complex flavors, get ready to discover your next obsession. This vibrant, ruby-hued concoction is an ode to the perfect blend, featuring the intriguing depth of Amaro Nonino alongside bourbon, Aperol, and fresh lemon. It’s a modern masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make at home!
Why You’ll Love This Paper Plane Cocktail
What makes the Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe such a standout? It’s a beautifully crafted symphony of flavors that manages to be both refreshing and complex. The bourbon provides a warm, robust backbone, while Aperol introduces a lovely bittersweet orange zest. The star, Amaro Nonino, adds an herbal, slightly caramel bitterness that elevates the drink, and fresh lemon juice provides the essential bright, citrusy lift. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel instantly sophisticated, perfect for unwinding after a long day or impressing guests with your mixology prowess.
What You’ll Need
This recipe makes 1 serving.
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz Bourbon (choose a good quality bourbon you enjoy drinking neat)
- ¾ oz Aperol
- ¾ oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garnish: Lemon peel or a small paper plane (optional, but fun!)
Equipment:
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger or Measuring Spoons
- Fine-mesh Strainer
- Chilled Coupe Glass
- Bar Spoon (optional, for stirring)
How to Make a Paper Plane Cocktail
Making a perfect Paper Plane Cocktail is simple, but precision is key to achieving that exquisite balance. Follow these steps for a truly delightful experience:
How to Make a Paper Plane Cocktail
Chill Your Glass
Place a coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5-10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink. A chilled glass keeps your cocktail colder for longer.
Combine Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, and fresh lemon juice.
Add Ice
Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with fresh, high-quality ice cubes.
Shake It Up
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the shaker is frosty on the outside. This chills and properly dilutes the drink.
Strain and Serve
Double-strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass.
Garnish (Optional)
Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass. For a whimsical touch, you can fold a tiny paper plane and balance it on the rim!
- Chill Your Glass: Place a coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5-10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink. A chilled glass keeps your cocktail colder for longer.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, and fresh lemon juice.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with fresh, high-quality ice cubes.
- Shake It Up: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the shaker is frosty on the outside. This chills and properly dilutes the drink.
- Strain and Serve: Double-strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish (Optional): Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass. For a whimsical touch, you can fold a tiny paper plane and balance it on the rim!
Pro Tips for Success:
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This is non-negotiable! Bottled lemon juice will not give you the bright, crisp flavor this cocktail demands.
- Quality Ice: Use large, dense ice cubes for shaking. They dilute slower and chill more effectively than crushed or small ice.
- Don’t Over-Shake: While you want it well-chilled, over-shaking can lead to excessive dilution.
- Taste and Adjust: Once you’ve made it a few times, feel free to slightly tweak the ratios to suit your personal preference. Some prefer a touch more bourbon, others a bit more lemon.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
- Smoky Plane: Try a rye whiskey instead of bourbon for a spicier, drier profile.
- Bitter Flight: Experiment with other bitter liqueurs if you don’t have Amaro Nonino, though it’s hard to replicate its unique flavor precisely. A touch of Cynar could add an interesting vegetal bitterness.
- Sparkling Plane: Top with a splash of prosecco or sparkling wine for a bubbly, effervescent twist.
- Batch It: For a party, pre-batch the ingredients (minus ice) in a bottle. When serving, just pour into a shaker with ice, shake, and strain!
- Garnish Galore: Beyond the lemon peel, consider a dehydrated orange slice or even a delicate edible flower for an extra touch of elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best bourbon to use for a Paper Plane?
A balanced, mid-proof bourbon (around 80 to 90 proof) works best for this recipe. You want a spirit that is robust enough to stand up to the Aperol and citrus, but smooth enough not to overpower the delicate botanical notes of the amaro.
Can I substitute the Amaro Nonino in this cocktail?
Amaro Nonino Quintessentia provides the signature bittersweet, orange-herb flavor that defines a classic Paper Plane. While it is hard to replicate perfectly, if you are in a pinch during your homemade prep, you can substitute Amaro Averna or Amaro Montenegro, though your final drink will have a slightly darker, earthier flavor profile.
Do I have to use fresh lemon juice?
Yes. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is absolutely crucial for this quick recipe. Bottled lemon juice contains preservatives that will make the cocktail taste flat and overly acidic, throwing off the perfect equal-parts balance of the drink.
Can I batch this Paper Plane cocktail recipe for a party?
Absolutely. If you are hosting, you can measure and mix the bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino in a large pitcher ahead of time. However, to keep the cocktail tasting vibrant, wait to add the fresh lemon juice until right before you shake the mixture with ice and serve.
Reviews from Our Community
Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I made this last night for my husband and me, and we were blown away! The balance is just incredible. I usually stick to old fashioneds, but this Paper Plane Cocktail is now firmly in our rotation. So elegant and delicious!”
Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Never thought I’d find a cocktail that could rival my Negroni love, but the Paper Plane is a true contender. That Amaro Nonino really shines through. Easy to follow instructions, perfect drink.”
Sarah P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“As an aspiring home mixologist, this recipe was a joy to follow. The drink turned out perfectly balanced, just like they serve in high-end bars. The paper plane garnish idea is adorable!”
Ready for Takeoff?
There you have it – the complete guide to crafting your very own Paper Plane Cocktail. This isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, a journey through a perfectly calibrated flavor landscape. From the first pour to the last sip, you’ll understand why this modern classic has captivated cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner bartender, and get ready to enjoy a sip of pure, balanced bliss. Don’t forget to share your creations with us using #PaperPlaneCocktail!
Recipe Note: Please enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly.
Classic Paper Plane Cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill the Glass: Place your coupe glass or martini glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes to ensure it is icy cold, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
- Juice the Lemon: Cut a fresh lemon and use a handheld juicer to extract exactly 3/4 ounce of juice. Strain out any seeds or heavy pulp.
- Combine Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with fresh ice cubes. Pour in the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid tightly on the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside of the tin becomes extremely cold and frosty. This chills the drink and provides the perfect amount of dilution.
- Strain and Pour: Discard the ice water from your chilled glass if you used that method. Use a Hawthorne strainer to pour the cocktail directly into the cold glass.
- Garnish and Serve: Express the oils of a fresh lemon peel over the top of the drink by giving it a gentle squeeze and twist, then drop the peel directly into the glass or rest it on the rim. Serve immediately.
Notes
Fresh Lemon is Crucial: Because this drink relies heavily on bright acidity to balance the sweet liqueurs, you absolutely must use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice will make the cocktail taste flat and artificially tart.
Adjusting the Bourbon: A bourbon with a slightly higher proof (around 90 to 100 proof) works beautifully in this recipe because the spirit stands up well to the strong flavors of the amaro and Aperol without getting lost in the mix.
