Paper Plane Cocktail: Classic Bourbon Recipe & How to Make It

The Paper Plane is one of the most elegant and approachable cocktails you can make at home. Created in 2007 by Sam Ross at Attaboy bar in New York, this deceptively simple four-ingredient drink has become a modern classic for good reason. It balances the warmth of bourbon with the bright bitterness of Amaro Nonino, the herbal sweetness of Aperol, and a squeeze of fresh lemon—creating something that feels both sophisticated and utterly drinkable.

Whether you're building your first home bar or you're already experimenting with bourbon cocktails, the Paper Plane is an excellent addition to your repertoire. It's not overly demanding, it showcases quality spirits beautifully, and it works wonderfully as an aperitif or digestif. Let's explore how to make this cocktail properly, what makes it work, and how to nail it every time.

What Is a Paper Plane Cocktail?

The Paper Plane is a sour-style cocktail that combines equal parts of four ingredients: bourbon whiskey, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice. The result is a drink with remarkable balance—you get warmth from the bourbon, herbal complexity from the amaro, bittersweet notes from the Aperol, and brightness from the lemon.

What makes the Paper Plane special is its restraint. There's no simple syrup masking flavours, no egg white making it unnecessarily fussy. Just four quality ingredients in equal measure, shaken with ice and served up (without ice) in a coupe glass. It's the kind of cocktail that rewards you for using good spirits and fresh juice.

The drink sits somewhere between a Daiquiri and a Negroni in spirit—sharing the sour-style framework of the former with the aperitivo emphasis of the latter. It's approachable enough for someone discovering cocktails beyond the martini, yet interesting enough to satisfy experienced cocktail enthusiasts.

Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Here's everything you need to make a perfect Paper Plane at home:

Ingredients (for one drink):

• 0.75 oz (22 ml) bourbon whiskey
• 0.75 oz (22 ml) Amaro Nonino
• 0.75 oz (22 ml) Aperol
• 0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Ice (for shaking and serving)
• Lemon twist (optional garnish)

Method:

1. Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with fresh ice
2. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until the shaker becomes frosty on the outside
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
4. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the surface
5. Serve immediately

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and the fact that equal parts work perfectly together. There's no complicated measuring or ratios to remember—just 0.75 oz of each spirit and fresh lemon juice, shaken properly.

Choosing the Right Bourbon

The bourbon you choose matters more than you might think in a Paper Plane. Because it's one of four equal partners, you want something that plays well with others rather than dominates. A mid-range bourbon works brilliantly here—something like Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Four Roses will give you a solid foundation without being so aggressive that it overpowers the Amaro Nonino and Aperol.

Avoid very young or very cheap bourbons; they tend to have harsh edges that stand out unpleasantly when not sweetened or complicated by other ingredients. Conversely, you don't need a premium single barrel or high-proof expression—the cocktail itself provides enough complexity. Save those special bottles for sipping neat or in simple preparations like the Old Fashioned.

If you're exploring bourbon cocktails more broadly, you'll find that this approachable middle ground works brilliantly in most recipes. The Paper Plane is actually a great testing ground for comparing different bourbons side by side to see how subtle differences shine through when balanced with other ingredients.

Understanding the Key Ingredients

Amaro Nonino: This is the secret weapon that makes the Paper Plane sing. Nonino is an Italian amaro (bitter digestif) from northeastern Italy, and it has a distinctive herbal character—complex, slightly floral, with warming spice notes. It's drier than many other amoros, which is why it works so well here. Don't substitute with Amaro Fernet or other bitter liqueurs; they'll throw off the balance. Amaro Nonino is worth seeking out specifically for this drink.

Aperol: This bright, bittersweet Italian aperitif has become familiar to most of us through the Aperol Spritz craze. In the Paper Plane, it adds bittersweet herbal notes and a distinctive orange-forward character. It's lower in alcohol than other aperitivos, which helps keep the drink balanced and drinkable.

Fresh Lemon Juice: This cannot be overstated—use fresh lemon juice only. Bottled juice will taste flat and sour without the brightness that fresh citrus brings. Squeeze your lemons just before making the drink if you're having guests; if you're preparing in advance, squeeze and keep refrigerated for no more than a few hours.

Technique Tips for Perfect Results

Making a great Paper Plane comes down to a few simple technical points:

• Chill your glass: Place a coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving, or fill it with ice and water while you're preparing the drink
• Shake properly: Use vigorous, confident shaking for 10-12 seconds. The ice should reduce significantly as it melts, and the shaker should become frosty. This achieves proper dilution and chill
• Fresh ice: Use fresh ice for shaking. If your ice smells like freezer or tastes odd, it'll compromise the drink. Throw out old ice
• Double strain: For a silky-smooth texture without ice shards, pour through your normal strainer and then through a fine mesh strainer into the coupe
• Timing matters: Prepare everything, then shake immediately before serving. Don't let your shaker sit—make the drink to order

These small details make the difference between a good Paper Plane and one that impresses. The drink is so elegant precisely because it's so pure—there's nowhere to hide with inferior technique or ingredients.

Variations and Twists

While the classic Paper Plane is nearly perfect as-is, there's room for gentle experimentation once you've mastered the original:

Whisky variation: Some bartenders swap the bourbon for other whisky styles. A good Irish whiskey brings more sweetness, while whisky cocktails made with Scotch can add smoky depth. Rye whiskey creates a spicier profile. Try each once you're confident with the basic recipe.

Citrus twist: Replace some of the lemon juice with fresh lime for a slightly different character, or use a mix of both citrus.

Bitters addition: A dash of Angostura or orange bitters can deepen the complexity, though this moves away from the original formula.

The best approach is to master the classic version first, then play gently. The Paper Plane's power lies in its elegant simplicity.

Serving and Presentation

The Paper Plane deserves a moment of theatre. It's a drink to appreciate as much as to consume. Serve it in a proper chilled coupe glass—the wide, shallow bowl shows off the beautiful amber liquid and makes the drink feel special and considered.

The lemon twist is important. Express the oils over the surface (give the twist a little twist over the drink so the citrus oils spray into the cocktail), then either drop it in or place it delicately on the rim. This isn't just garnish theatre; the citrus oils are actually part of the flavour profile.

The Paper Plane is best served immediately after shaking, and it's a drink to enjoy slowly—maybe as an aperitif before dinner, or as a digestif after. There's no rush; this is a conversation drink, the kind you might nurse whilst settling in after a long week.

Building a Home Bar for Paper Planes

If you're interested in making Paper Planes regularly at home, you'll want to set up with intention. Beyond the four key ingredients, you'll need:

• A cocktail shaker (Boston shaker or cobbler style)
• A bar spoon and strainer
• A jigger for measuring
• Fresh lemons and a citrus press or juicer
• A coupe glass (or two)
• Quality ice (or access to an ice maker)

Once you have these basics, you're ready to make not just Paper Planes but a whole range of cocktails. For more inspiration on what to stock, visit The Cocktail Pub's AI generator where you can create custom recipes based on what you have available.

If you're hunting for specific bottles, Master of Malt carries all the key ingredients—Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and a wide selection of bourbons—often with competitive pricing and reliable delivery to the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a Paper Plane without Amaro Nonino?

Not really, without compromising the drink. Amaro Nonino's specific herbal and slightly floral character is essential to the balance. Other amoros are drier, sweeter, or more aggressive. If you absolutely must substitute, try Amaro Averna, but expect a noticeably different result.

Is the Paper Plane a sour or a bitter cocktail?

It's technically a sour-style cocktail (featuring fresh citrus as a key ingredient), but with significant bittersweet elements from the Aperol and Amaro Nonino. Think of it as a sophisticated hybrid—more interesting than a simple sour, less overtly bitter than a Negroni.

What alcohol content does a Paper Plane have?

A standard Paper Plane is approximately 22-24% ABV (alcohol by volume), making it stronger than wine but lighter and more sessionable than a typical spirit-forward cocktail like a Martini or Negroni. The citrus and bittersweet elements make it feel lighter than it actually is.

Can I batch Paper Planes for a party?

Yes, you can pre-batch the bourbon, Amaro Nonino, and Aperol together in a larger container, then add fresh lemon juice just before serving (to preserve brightness) and shake with ice in batches. However, freshly made individual drinks taste noticeably better—consider shaking them to order, or asking guests to help. It's part of the fun.

What food pairs well with a Paper Plane?

The Paper Plane pairs beautifully with salty, bitter, or umami-forward foods: olives, cured meats, bitter greens, aged cheeses, and seafood all work brilliantly. It's an excellent aperitif before dinner or a sophisticated digestif after. Avoid overly sweet desserts immediately after—the bittersweet elements work best when complemented rather than competed with.

How should I store Amaro Nonino and Aperol?

Both Aperol and Amaro Nonino should be stored in a cool, dark place—a kitchen cupboard is fine. Once opened, they keep well for months, even a year or more, especially if sealed properly. Refrigeration isn't necessary unless your kitchen is particularly warm. They're spirits, so spoilage is not really a concern.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Paper Plane?

It's difficult to replicate without actual spirits, as the balance depends entirely on how bourbon, Amaro, and Aperol interact. You could make a simplified bitter-citrus mocktail, but it wouldn't really be a Paper Plane anymore. Stick to the real thing in moderation.

Conclusion

The Paper Plane is a masterclass in cocktail design—a drink that proves that elegance and simplicity go hand in hand. It's genuinely easy to make once you understand the technique, and it showcases quality spirits without pretence. Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, mastering this recipe opens up a deeper appreciation for balanced, spirit-forward drinking.

Start with the classic formula, nail the technique, and then explore gently. For more cocktail inspiration and recipes suited to your spirits cabinet, explore our blog or generate custom recipes based on what you have at hand. The Paper Plane is the perfect introduction to thoughtful home bartending—enjoy making and sharing it.

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