The Paper Plane cocktail is an iconic cocktail that has been enjoyed by people around the world since its invention in 2007. The cocktail was created by Sam Ross, a New York City bartender who wanted to combine two of his favorite spirits in a way that was both sophisticated and approachable. Ross used equal parts Aperol, a bitter Italian aperitif, and bourbon whiskey, along with a splash of Amaro Nonino and the juice of half a lemon. The result was a cocktail that was both sweet and tart, with a hint of bitterness from the Aperol.
This simple cocktail quickly became popular, and it is now a staple at many bars and restaurants. The Paper Plane cocktail has also been featured in movies, television shows, and various other media outlets, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
If you’re looking to make a Paper Plane cocktail at home, here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces of bourbon whiskey
- 1.5 ounces of Aperol
- 0.75 ounces of Amaro Nonino
- Juice of half a lemon
Glass:
- Coupe or Rocks glass
Ice:
- Ideally cubed, but crushed can work even though it will water down the drink a bit.
Garnish:
- Lemon twist
Instructions:
- If you go with a rocks glass, add a couple cubes of ice. However, the more traditional preparation is to strain out the ice and pour directly into a coupe glass.
- Add the bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Your Paper Plane cocktail is now ready to enjoy! This cocktail is a great way to start a night out or to wind down in the evening. Cheers!
Looking traditional cocktail recipes? You can’t go wrong with this Manhattan recipe.