Hey Guys! Welcome back to USA Recipe Hub If you’re searching for the best Paper Plane cocktail recipe, Paper Plane cocktail IBA–specified ingredients, or simply “what’s in a Paper Plane cocktail?” — this guide gives you everything you need.
Inspired by the original drink from bartender Sam Ross, the Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail loved for its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bitter flavors.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
✔ What is a Paper Plane cocktail
✔ Exact ingredients and ratios
✔ How to make a Paper Plane at home
✔ Tips to get the bar-quality flavor
✔ Variations & FAQs
Let’s mix one!
🍸 What Is a Paper Plane Cocktail?
The Paper Plane cocktail is a refreshing, bittersweet, and citrusy drink made with four equal parts:
bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice.
Created in 2007, it’s now an IBA official cocktail and a favorite in bars worldwide.
Its flavor profile is:
- 🍊 Citrusy from lemon
- 🍑 Sweet & bitter from Aperol
- 🌿 Herbal complexity from Amaro Nonino
- 🥃 Warm depth from bourbon
This perfect balance makes it one of the most iconic modern cocktails.
Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe (Authentic & Easy)
Ingredients (IBA-Style Equal Parts)
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz Amaro Nonino
- 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
How to Make a Paper Plane Cocktail (Step-by-Step)
- Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice to a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake hard for 10–12 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or leave un-garnished (classic style).
Your perfectly balanced Paper Plane drink recipe is ready to fly!
Why This Is the Best Paper Plane Recipe
✔ Uses the official equal-parts formula
✔ Balanced bitter-sweet-tart flavor
✔ Easy to shake even for beginners
✔ Requires no complicated bartending tools
✔ Perfect for parties or evening cocktails
Pro Tips for a Perfect Paper Plane
- Use fresh lemon juice only — bottled changes the flavor.
- Shake until the shaker feels ice cold for proper dilution.
- Use a smooth bourbon (avoid extremely spicy ones).
- Chill your coupe glass before serving.
🍊 Flavor Variations (If You Want to Experiment)
1. Tropical Paper Plane
Add a splash of pineapple juice.
2. Spicy Paper Plane
Use a bourbon infused with chili.
3. Citrus Boost Version
Add orange bitters for extra zing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Paper Plane cocktail made of?
A Paper Plane cocktail is made with four equal parts: bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. This simple 1:1:1:1 ratio creates its famously balanced flavor.
What does a Paper Plane cocktail taste like?
It tastes bright, citrusy, slightly bitter, and perfectly sweet, with herbal notes from Amaro Nonino and warmth from bourbon. The flavor is smooth and refreshing.
Why is it called a Paper Plane?
The drink was named after the 2008 hit song “Paper Planes” by M.I.A. The cocktail’s creator, Sam Ross, was listening to the track repeatedly during development.
Is the Paper Plane an IBA official cocktail?
Yes. The Paper Plane is recognized as an IBA (International Bartenders Association) official modern classic cocktail, thanks to its global popularity.
Can I substitute Amaro Nonino?
Yes, but the flavor will change slightly. The best substitutes are:
Amaro Montenegro
Averna
Amaro Meletti
However, Amaro Nonino gives the most authentic taste.
What type of bourbon should I use?
Use a smooth, mid-range bourbon (not overly spicy or smoky). Options like Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, or Maker’s Mark work perfectly.
Do I need to garnish a Paper Plane cocktail?
Garnish is optional. Traditionally, it’s served without a garnish, but many bartenders add a lemon twist for extra aroma.
Should a Paper Plane be shaken or stirred?
A Paper Plane cocktail must be shaken with ice to achieve proper dilution and a silky frothy texture.
Which glass is used for a Paper Plane?
It is typically served in a chilled coupe glass, which enhances its aroma and presentation.
Is a Paper Plane strong?
The drink is moderately strong, but the equal-parts citrus and amaro components balance the bourbon beautifully, making it very smooth and easy to sip.
🍸 Conclusion
The Paper Plane Cocktail has earned its place as one of the most iconic modern drinks — and with its equal-parts balance of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, it’s easy to understand why. This refreshing, bittersweet, and citrusy cocktail delivers a bar-quality experience with just four simple ingredients. Whether you’re exploring its origin, learning what’s in a Paper Plane, or following the step-by-step recipe to make it at home, this drink is guaranteed to impress.
With the right shake and proper balance, you can recreate the exact flavor that made the Paper Plane famous around the world. Enjoy it at parties, dinners, or as your go-to evening cocktail — its smooth, modern character never disappoints. Now that you know the best Paper Plane recipe, it’s time to mix one, serve it chilled, and let this elegant drink take flight in your glass!
Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.
- Garnish with a lemon twist if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
-
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best balance and brightness; bottled juice can dull the flavor.
- This cocktail follows an equal-parts ratio (1:1:1:1), which is essential for the authentic Paper Plane taste.
- Amaro Nonino provides the signature herbal sweetness; substitutes like Amaro Montenegro or Averna may be used but will slightly alter the profile.
- Shake the cocktail vigorously with ice to achieve proper dilution and a smooth, light texture.
- Serve in a chilled coupe glass to keep the drink crisp longer.
- A lemon twist garnish is optional—traditionally, the Paper Plane is served without garnish.
Content information Source:- https://www.liquor.com/recipes/the-paper-plane/
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