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Ingredients for the Paper Plane cocktail including bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice arranged on a wooden surface.

Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

The Paper Plane Cocktail is a perfectly balanced modern classic made with equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. Bright, bittersweet, and refreshing, this easy 4-ingredient cocktail is IBA-approved and ideal for home bartenders.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz Amaro Nonino
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Ice (for shaking)

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Chilled coupe glass

Method
 

  1. Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Garnish with a lemon twist if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Ingredients for the Paper Plane cocktail including bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice arranged on a wooden surface.
Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice come together to create the modern Paper Plane cocktail.
    • 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.
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