I love this cocktail -- it's not only delicious, but you can play around with the garnish when you're done drinking! The Paper Plane cocktail is a tasty four-ingredient bourbon cocktail that is super easy to make. The mini paper plane garnish just gives it some extra fun!
This is a really refreshing cocktail, great for summer or fall. It has some warm flavors from the bourbon and Amaro Nonino, balanced out by the brightness of lemon and Aperol. Its orange color makes it great for Halloween too!
If you enjoy this cocktail, definitely try this refreshing Prohibition-era bourbon cocktail! This tasty tropical whiskey cocktail is another winner, or go for a Raspberry Peach Bourbon Smash!
Looking for more cocktails with Aperol? Try out the always-classic Aperol Spritz, the Aperol Negroni or the delicious Aperol Sour cocktail!
Printable Mini Paper Plane Template
If you're not sure how to make a mini paper plane, I created a printable template so you can make a bunch for your next cocktail party! It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it!
You can grab the printable sheet along with instructions and a photo tutorial for free in my online store, or click below!
👉 Get the free Mini Paper Plane Template in your Inbox!
History of the Paper Plane
The Paper Plane is a modern classic! It was created in 2008 by Sam Ross and Sasha Petraske. They named it the Paper Plane after the M.I.A song, Paper Planes, which was on heavy rotation as they created the drink.
Their creation was inspired by the classic Last Word cocktail, and it's just as easy to remember since they both use equal parts of all ingredients!
Ingredients
Only four ingredients are in this cocktail, so you know they're all super tasty!
You'll just need bourbon, Aperol liqueur, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, and lemon juice.
If you're going to make the paper plane, you'll need a small piece of paper, about 2 inches by 1½ inch (5 cm by 3.8 cm). Just fold it up using your favorite paper plane method, or click to get my PDF mini paper plane tutorial emailed to you.
Substitutions
Although I recommend trying the drink with the specific ingredients listed, you can make some substitutions if you need.
- Bourbon - you can use a blended whiskey instead, or a dark rum.
- Aperol - you can try using Campari aperitivo liqueur instead. This will make the cocktail a little more bitter and less sweet.
- Amaro Nonino - there is nothing quite like this bittersweet liqueur, but you can try a different amaro like Meletti or Averna.
For the garnish, if you don't want to use the mini plane, a slice of lemon or a lemon twist works perfectly!
Equipment
You'll just need a basic bar setup to make this drink. A jigger, cocktail shaker and strainer, and a serving glass are pretty much all you'll need!
If you don't have those, check out A Bar Above and use code LKDrinks for 10% off your purchase. Their bar tools are my favorite (and dishwashable too!)
Making the paper plane? A cocktail pick, or even a toothpick, will come in handy to hold it up above the drink (so the paper doesn't get wet!)
Instructions
If you've made the mini paper plane, skewer it onto a cocktail pick and set it aside while you make the drink.
Then, add the lemon juice and the Aperol to the cocktail shaker.
Add in the Amaro Nonino and bourbon.
Fill the shaker with ice, and then seal up the shaker. Give everything about 15-20 good shakes.
Strain the drink into the glass. Add your garnish, serve and enjoy!
Hint: Chill your serving glass for about 30 minutes before adding your cocktail! This will keep the drink colder longer.
Top tip
This is a great cocktail to serve in a big batch at a party! You can use the handy calculator in the recipe below to adjust the number of servings. If you're not planning to shake with ice, just add around ½ ounce (15 ml) of water per cocktail to your pitcher.
And don't forget to grab the printable PDF, with instructions and a photo tutorial, for free in my online store!
📖 Recipe
Paper Plane Cocktail
Equipment
- Knife and cutting board (if using fresh citrus)
- Citrus juicer (if using fresh citrus)
- Paper and scissors (if making the paper plane garnish)
- Cocktail pick (for the optional paper plane garnish)
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce bourbon
- ¾ ounce Amaro Nonino
- ¾ ounce Aperol liqueur
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
Instructions
Mini Paper Plane (Optional)
- Cut a small rectangle from a piece of printer paper and fold it into a mini paper plane.
- Skewer the plane onto a cocktail pick and set it aside while you make the drink.
Cocktail
- Add the bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and seal it up.
- Shake well, about 15-20 times.
- Strain the drink into your serving glass.
- If you made the optional mini paper plane, rest the cocktail pick with the plane in or on the serving glass. Serve and enjoy!
Kimberly says
I love equal parts cocktails -- the recipe is so easy to remember! Let me know if you have any questions about this recipe!