Name: Paper Plane Cocktail: The Ultimate Guide to Making It Perfectly
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 1 ounce (30ml) Bourbon Whiskey (I prefer a good quality bourbon like Maker's Mark or Buffalo Trace); 1 ounce (30ml) Aperol; 1 ounce (30ml) Amaro Nonino Quintessentia; 1 ounce (30ml) Fresh Lemon Juice (absolutely crucial to use fresh, bottled won't cut it!); Lemon twist, for garnish (optional, but adds a nice touch); Ice cubes

Paper Plane Cocktail: Your Ticket to Cocktail Hour Bliss!

Looking for a cocktail that's both sophisticated and surprisingly easy to make? The Paper Plane Cocktail is your answer! This perfectly balanced drink, with its equal parts composition, has soared in popularity since its creation in 2008 by bartender Sasha Petraske at Milk & Honey in New York City. Inspired by the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes," this modern classic has quickly become a staple in cocktail bars around the world.

But what makes the Paper Plane Cocktail so irresistible? It's the harmonious blend of sweet, bitter, and sour notes that dance on your palate. The combination of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, and lemon juice creates a complex yet refreshing flavor profile. The bourbon provides a smooth, warm base, while the Aperol adds a touch of bittersweet orange. Amaro Nonino lends herbal and subtly spicy undertones, and the fresh lemon juice brightens everything up with a zesty tang. It's a drink that's both intriguing and incredibly satisfying.

Beyond its delicious taste, the Paper Plane is also loved for its simplicity. With equal parts of each ingredient, it's a breeze to remember and recreate at home. Whether you're hosting a cocktail party or simply unwinding after a long day, this cocktail is sure to impress. So, grab your shaker and get ready to experience the delightful complexity of the Paper Plane!

Ingredients:

1 ounce (30ml) Bourbon Whiskey (I prefer a good quality bourbon like Maker's Mark or Buffalo Trace)
1 ounce (30ml) Aperol
1 ounce (30ml) Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
1 ounce (30ml) Fresh Lemon Juice (absolutely crucial to use fresh, bottled won't cut it!)
Lemon twist, for garnish (optional, but adds a nice touch)
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Alright, let's get shaking! This Paper Plane cocktail is a modern classic for a reason – it's perfectly balanced, bittersweet, and oh-so-refreshing. The key is to use equal parts of each ingredient, so measuring accurately is important. Don't worry, it's super easy!

Chill Your Glass: Before you even start mixing, pop a coupe or martini glass into the freezer for a few minutes to chill. A cold glass makes all the difference. If you don't have time for that, you can fill the glass with ice while you prepare the drink and then discard the ice before pouring.
Gather Your Ingredients: Make sure you have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. This will make the process much smoother. I like to use a jigger for accurate measurements, but if you don't have one, you can use a tablespoon (approximately 1/2 ounce).
Combine Ingredients in a Shaker: Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. You want it about two-thirds full. Then, pour in the bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice.
Shake Vigorously: Now for the fun part! Seal the shaker tightly and shake it vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want to make sure the drink is well-chilled and properly diluted. You should hear the ice rattling around inside.
Double Strain into Your Chilled Glass: This is an important step for a smooth cocktail. Place a Hawthorne strainer (the one with the spring) over the shaker. Then, place a fine-mesh strainer underneath the Hawthorne strainer and pour the cocktail through both into your chilled glass. This will catch any ice shards or small bits of lemon pulp, resulting in a cleaner, more enjoyable drink.
Garnish (Optional): Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink by squeezing the peel over the glass, then rub the rim with the peel. Drop the twist into the glass or drape it over the rim for a beautiful presentation.
Serve and Enjoy: That's it! Your Paper Plane cocktail is ready to be enjoyed. Sip slowly and savor the complex flavors.

Tips and Variations:

While the classic Paper Plane recipe is perfect as is, here are a few tips and variations you can try to customize it to your liking:

Bourbon Choice: The bourbon you choose will significantly impact the flavor of the cocktail. I recommend a bourbon with a good balance of sweetness and spice. If you prefer a smoother bourbon, try something like Maker's Mark. For a bolder flavor, go for something like Buffalo Trace or Wild Turkey 101.
Amaro Substitution: Amaro Nonino is a key ingredient in the Paper Plane, but it can be a bit pricey and harder to find. If you can't find it, you can try substituting it with another amaro with similar bittersweet orange notes, such as Amaro Montenegro or Averna. However, be aware that this will change the flavor profile of the cocktail.
Sweetness Adjustment: If you find the cocktail too tart, you can add a small amount of simple syrup (about 1/4 ounce) to balance the flavors. Conversely, if you find it too sweet, you can add a few drops of Angostura bitters to add some bitterness.
Batching: If you're making Paper Planes for a party, you can easily batch the cocktail ahead of time. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want to make, combine them in a pitcher, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When serving, shake each portion with ice and strain into chilled glasses.
Paper Plane Mocktail: To make a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative (there are some surprisingly good ones on the market now!). Replace the Aperol with a non-alcoholic Aperol substitute or a mix of orange juice and a touch of grapefruit juice. For the Amaro Nonino, try a non-alcoholic Italian bitter aperitif or a combination of orange and herbal extracts.
Experiment with Garnishes: While a lemon twist is the classic garnish, you can experiment with other citrus peels, such as orange or grapefruit. You can also try adding a few drops of aromatic bitters to the garnish for an extra layer of flavor.

Understanding the Ingredients:

Let's break down why each ingredient is so important in the Paper Plane cocktail:

Bourbon Whiskey: Provides the base spirit and adds notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Its warmth balances the other ingredients.
Aperol: Contributes a bittersweet orange flavor and a vibrant color. It's lighter and less bitter than Campari, making it a perfect complement to the other ingredients.
Amaro Nonino Quintessentia: This is the secret weapon of the Paper Plane. It's an Italian amaro with a complex flavor profile of herbs, spices, and citrus. It adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and brightness, balancing the sweetness of the Aperol and Amaro Nonino. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavor.

Why Double Strain?

You might be wondering why I emphasized double straining earlier. Here's why it's so important:

Removes Ice Shards: Shaking the cocktail with ice creates small ice shards that can make the drink watery and less enjoyable. Double straining removes these shards, resulting in a smoother, more refined cocktail.
Removes Lemon Pulp: Even with fresh lemon juice, there can be small bits of pulp that can make the drink cloudy and less appealing. Double straining removes this pulp, resulting in a clearer, more visually appealing cocktail.
Enhances Texture: By removing the ice shards and pulp, double straining creates a smoother, more velvety texture that enhances the overall drinking experience.

Serving Suggestions:

The Paper Plane is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Here are a few serving suggestions:

As an Aperitif: Serve it before dinner to stimulate the appetite. Its bittersweet flavors pair well with appetizers like olives, cheese, and charcuterie.
As a Digestif: Serve it after dinner to aid digestion. Its complex flavors make it a perfect complement to desserts like chocolate cake or fruit tart.
At a Cocktail Party: The Paper Plane is a sophisticated and crowd-pleasing cocktail that's perfect for cocktail parties. Batch it ahead of time to make serving easier.
On a Warm Evening: Its refreshing and citrusy flavors make it a perfect cocktail for a warm summer evening.

History of the Paper Plane:

The Paper Plane cocktail was created in 2008 by bartender Sam Ross at the Milk & Honey bar in New York City. He created it for Sasha Petraske, the owner of Milk & Honey, who was opening a new bar called The Violet Hour in Chicago. The cocktail was named after the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes," which was popular at the time. The Paper Plane quickly gained popularity and has become a modern classic, appearing on cocktail menus around the world.

Enjoy Responsibly!

Remember to always drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Enjoy your Paper Plane cocktail in moderation and savor the flavors. Cheers!

Conclusion:

This Paper Plane cocktail isn't just another drink; it's an experience. The perfectly balanced blend of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The initial sweetness gives way to a delightful bitterness, rounded out by the warmth of the bourbon and the bright citrus notes. It's complex yet approachable, sophisticated yet fun – a true testament to the art of mixology. I truly believe this is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking to elevate their home bartending game. But don't just take my word for it! The real magic happens when you make it yourself. Imagine serving these at your next gathering. Your friends will be impressed by the vibrant color and even more impressed by the incredible taste. It's a guaranteed conversation starter and a surefire way to impress even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur. Serving Suggestions and Variations: While the classic Paper Plane is perfection in a glass, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a slightly sweeter version, you could add a dash of simple syrup. If you prefer a more pronounced citrus flavor, try using Meyer lemons instead of regular lemons. * Garnish: A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, but you could also try a dehydrated orange slice for a more visually appealing presentation. A Luxardo cherry also adds a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness. * Glassware: While traditionally served in a coupe glass, a Nick & Nora glass or even a rocks glass will work just fine. The most important thing is to choose a glass that you enjoy drinking from. * Batching: Planning a party? This cocktail is surprisingly easy to batch. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, mix everything together (except the lemon juice), and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Add the lemon juice just before serving to maintain its freshness. * Non-Alcoholic Version: For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, Aperol with a non-alcoholic orange aperitif, and Amaro Nonino with a blend of non-alcoholic bitters and a touch of honey syrup. It won't be exactly the same, but it will capture the essence of the original. I'm confident that once you try this Paper Plane cocktail, it will become a staple in your repertoire. It's the perfect drink for any occasion, from a casual weeknight to a special celebration. The balance of flavors is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a winner in my book. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your cocktail shaker, and get ready to experience the magic of the Paper Plane. I can't wait to hear what you think! Please, share your creations and experiences in the comments below. Let me know if you tried any variations or if you have any tips to share. Happy mixing! I am sure you will love this Paper Plane cocktail as much as I do.