Experience the crispness in this straightforward Paper Plane recipe! Crafted with Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and lemon juice, this cocktail is fresh air.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 276
Ingredients
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Amaro Nonino - or your favorite Amaro
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Measuring Jigger
- Cocktail Strainer and Fine-strainer
- Cocktail Glass
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Stir some ice cubes into your cocktail glass to chill it.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze into the shaker 1 oz fresh lemon juice.
- Add Aperol: Add 1 oz Aperol to the shaker.
- Add Amaro Nonino: Measure and pour 1 oz Amaro Nonino.
- Add Bourbon: Pour 1 oz Bourbon into the shaker.
- Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Shake: Cap your shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain: Fine Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Twist a lemon peel over the drink for aromatics (optional) and garnish with a paper plane on the rim of the glass.
Notes
Substitutes:
Making the perfect Paper Plane can sometimes require a little improvisation. If Bourbon's not your thing, an aged rum or rye whiskey works wonders. They're both robust and full-bodied, which complements the bitter-sweet synergy of Amaro and Aperol. Speaking of Amaro, if Nonino's hard to come by, try Amaro Montenegro. It's a tad sweeter but maintains that herbal complexity we're after. Aperol's unique, but in a pinch, Campari steps in nicely—brace yourself for an extra kick of bitterness!Making a Pitcher of Paper Plane:
- Scale: Ready for a gathering? Multiply all the ingredients by 8 for a crowd-pleaser. You'll need 8 oz of Bourbon, 8 oz of Amaro Nonino, 8 oz of Aperol, and 8 oz of fresh lemon juice.
- Mix: Combine all these in a large pitcher over a generous amount of ice, then stir briskly.
- Serve: Strain the mix into chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and watch them disappear!
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Swap out the Bourbon for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or use a strong black tea for body and a touch of bitterness—it's unconventional, but trust me, it works!
- Amaro/Aperol Substitute: For Amaro and Aperol, a mix of non-alcoholic herbal aperitif and a splash of fruit-infused vinegar (like raspberry) mimics the sweet, sour, and bitter profile.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps for a mocktail version of the Paper Plane that keeps the spirit—sans spirits!
Making it Vegan:
Good news! The classic Paper Plane recipe is inherently vegan. However, be mindful of the Bourbon and Amaro you're using. Some brands use animal products in processing (like honey or milk derivatives) or barrel-cleaning agents. Opt for brands known for their vegan processes to keep your cocktail cruelty-free. And, of course, ensure your garnishes are vegan-friendly too.What is a Paper Plane?
A Paper Plane cocktail mixes Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice. The drink stands out for its easy mix of strong, sour, and a bit of sweet. The name “Paper Plane” isn’t old or fancy; it’s just a nod to a song from when the drink first came out. The International Bartender Association(IBA) officially recognizes the cocktail as one among the “New Era Drinks”.
What is a Paper Plane made of – The cocktail ingredients
Collect these ingredients before you start making your Paper Plane Cocktail:
- Bourbon: Adds a strong, warm base that gives the cocktail its depth.
- Amaro Nonino: Brings in a sweet herbal flavor with a hint of bitterness, adding complexity.
- Aperol: Offers a bright, slightly bitter citrus taste, adding a refreshing element.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Introduces a tangy zest, balancing the cocktail with a clean sharpness.
