Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

If you haven’t tried a Paper Plane yet, you’re in for a treat. This cocktail mixes equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. The flavor is crisp and just a bit bitter, with a nice balance that always hits the spot. Plus, it’s super easy to remember (everything goes in at the same amount), and it looks great in a coupe glass.

The paper plane cocktail recipe was created by Sam Ross back in 2007 at The Violet Hour in Chicago. It’s named after the song “Paper Planes” by M.I.A. and quickly became a favorite for bartenders everywhere. The mix of bourbon and citrus gives you something bold and smooth at the same time. The best part? You don’t need to be a pro to make it at home.

In this guide, you’ll see what goes into a Paper Plane, how to get the flavor just right, and a few easy ways to put your own spin on it.

What’s in a Paper Plane Cocktail?

The cool thing about the Paper Plane is everything goes in equal parts. That makes it easy to remember and super easy to mix up (no fancy math needed).

Ingredients and Substitutions

The cool thing about the Paper Plane is everything goes in equal parts. That makes it easy to remember and super easy to mix up (no fancy math needed).

• Bourbon - Pick a mid-proof bourbon, something in the 43–46% ABV range. You want one that’s smooth, so it blends nicely without taking over the whole drink.
• Aperol - This bright orange liqueur brings a light bitterness and that classic color. If you swap in Campari instead, you’ll get a deeper red drink with a stronger, more bitter bite.
• Amaro Nonino - This Italian amaro gives you herbal, citrus, and caramel flavors. It really ties everything together. If you can’t find Amaro Nonino, Montenegro or Meletti will work (just know the taste will be a bit different).
• Fresh Lemon Juice - Fresh is always best here. Bottled juice just doesn’t pop the same way and can throw off the balance between sweet and sour.

Because you’re using equal parts, you can easily make one drink or a whole batch, and the flavors will always be in sync.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need a ton of gear for this one, but having the basics makes everything smoother.

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Cocktail shaker (for mixing everything up)
• Strainer
• Jigger (so your measurements stay on point)
• Coupe glass (for that classic look)
• Citrus squeezer (to get every drop out of your lemon)

If you want to make things even easier, having a home cocktail kit on hand is a smart move. I like using something like the Mixmaster Pro Deluxe Cocktail Set because it has everything you need in one place.

How to Make a Paper Plane Cocktail

First, pop your coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to get it nice and cold. A chilled glass keeps your cocktail tasting crisp from the first sip to the last. While that’s cooling, grab everything you need.

You’ll want bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and some fresh lemon juice. Stick with equal amounts of each. That’s what makes the Paper Plane so easy to remember.

Pour everything into your cocktail shaker, add plenty of ice, and give it a good, firm shake. 10 seconds is usually enough. You want the drink cold, but you don’t need to go overboard. Shaking too long can water things down.

When you see a bit of frost on the outside of your shaker, you’re good to go. Strain your mix into that chilled coupe glass. You’ll notice a soft, frothy top and a beautiful coral-pink color. Most folks skip the garnish for a true Paper Plane, but you can always add a little paper plane on the rim if you’re feeling playful.

One last tip: Choose a bourbon with a little kick to it, something above 43% ABV. That way, the flavors balance out just right with sweet, sour, and a touch of bitter.

You’ll find a detailed recipe card with step-by-step instructions and ingredient details just below.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Paper Plane Cocktail

• If the drink comes out a little too sharp for your taste, add a tiny splash more bourbon. If you want it a little brighter or tangier, use a bit more lemon juice.
• Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice just doesn’t give you that fresh pop and can throw off the whole balance.
• For your amaro, go with something citrusy and smooth like Amaro Nonino. It brings a gentle herbal edge without being too bold.
• If you want to garnish, twist a strip of lemon peel over the drink to release those fragrant oils. Or, for a fun twist, clip a tiny paper plane to the rim. Little touches like these really make your cocktail special.

Paper Plane Variations

Want to shake things up? The Paper Plane is a great cocktail for trying new twists since it only has four main ingredients.

• Swap Campari in for Aperol if you want more bite. Campari makes your drink a deeper red and gives it a bolder, more bitter kick.
• You can also change up the amaro for a different vibe. Montenegro brings soft caramel notes, Averna gives you a richer, darker flavor, and Cynar adds a little earthy touch.
• If you like experimenting with the base spirit, you can try rye whiskey for extra spice and a little heat, go with aged rum for smooth vanilla and molasses notes, or use mezcal if you want smoky flavor and more depth.
• Making drinks for a group? Mix equal parts of everything in a big pitcher, let it chill, and then just shake and pour each serving over ice when you’re ready. This keeps it easy and every glass tastes the same.
• Prefer a nonalcoholic version? Grab a zero-proof whiskey, a nonalcoholic bitter orange aperitif, and a herbal amaro substitute. Add fresh lemon juice, shake well, and you’ll still get that citrusy, bittersweet flavor, just without the buzz.

More Cocktails You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of the Paper Plane, here are a few more cocktails you’ll probably love:

• The Last Word
• Gold Rush
• Naked & Famous
• Boulevardier
• Negroni

Give one of these a try next time you want to mix something new.

Frequently Asked Questions