The Paper Plane: A Perfectly Balanced Modern Whiskey Cocktail
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Get ready to discover one of the best-kept secrets in modern cocktail-making. The Paper Plane is bright, complex, a little bitter, a little sweet, and perfectly balanced. It's a gorgeous, deep-orange drink that's surprisingly refreshing and uses ingredients that will instantly elevate your home bar credentials.
If you're a fan of the Aperol Spritz but are ready to graduate to a "real" cocktail, this is your next step. It’s for the "Value-Driven Explorer" who's ready to explore the popular world of Italian amari (bitter liqueurs).
A History of (Recent) Flight
Like the Penicillin, this is another masterpiece from bartender Sam Ross (yes, that guy again). He created it in 2008 for the menu of The Violet Hour in Chicago, naming it after the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes," which was playing constantly at the time.
Its genius lies in its simplicity: it’s a perfectly balanced equal-parts cocktail, a modern twist on the classic "Last Word."
When to Make a Paper Plane
The "Pre-Dinner" Drink: This is a perfect aperitivo. The bittersweet flavors are designed to wake up your palate before a meal.
The "Aperol Spritz Upgrade": It has that same beautiful orange color and bittersweet kick from Aperol, but the bourbon and amaro give it infinitely more depth.
When You Want to Impress a "Foodie" Friend: Making a drink with amaro shows you're in the know.
How to Make a Paper Plane
The most important part of this drink is using the right ingredients. The recipe is famously specific.
Amaro Nonino: This is the "secret" ingredient. It's a bittersweet, grappa-based amaro with notes of orange and caramel. It's the one to get. (If you must substitute, Amaro Montenegro is the closest, but Nonino is the goal).
Recipe (It's Easy to Remember!):
¾ oz Bourbon
¾ oz Aperol
¾ oz Amaro Nonino
¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Instructions:
Add all four (equal part) ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
Fill with ice and shake hard for 10-15 seconds until very cold.
Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
Garnish with a tiny (optional) paper plane.
Pour Man's Proof (Whiskey Picks): You need a bourbon with enough backbone to stand up to two powerful amari.
High-Rye: A high-rye bourbon like Old Grand-Dad Bonded or Bulleit Bourbon provides a spicy kick that cuts through the sweetness.
Higher-Proof: Wild Turkey 101 is a fantastic, value-driven choice here. Its proof and spice are a perfect match for the bittersweet ingredients.
