Paper Plane Cocktail

• Delicious and balanced taste: The Paper Plane cocktail is a harmonious blend of equal parts bourbon, Italian amaro, Aperol, and fresh citrus juice that results in a bold and well-balanced flavor profile, making it an enjoyable drink for any occasion.

• Simple recipe: The recipe for the Paper Plane cocktail is easy to follow, with only four ingredients that are commonly found in most home bars. This makes it a great option for both novice and experienced mixologists who are looking for a quick and easy drink to make.

• Uncommon and intriguing cocktail: As the Paper Plane cocktail is not as well-known as some other classic cocktails, serving it to guests can pique their curiosity and spark conversation. It’s a unique and unexpected choice that can add a touch of fun and creativity to any gathering.

• Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made from at least 51% corn, which gives it a sweet and smooth flavor. It is often aged in charred oak barrels, which imparts notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.

• Aperol is an Italian liqueur made from bitter and sweet oranges, herbs, and roots. It has a bright orange color and a unique bittersweet taste that makes it a popular ingredient in cocktails.

• Amaro is an Italian bitter liqueur made by infusing a neutral spirit with a blend of herbs, roots, and citrus. Its name means “bitter” in Italian, and it has a bitter and complex flavor profile that can vary depending on the brand and recipe.

• Lemon juice adds a sour element that creates a beautiful balance with the Paper Plane’s bittersweet flavor. Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice whenever possible for the best taste. 

Step 1: Add bourbon to an empty cocktail shaker. 

Step 2: Add the amaro.

Step 3: Add the lemon juice. 

Step 4: Add the Aperol. 

Step 5: Add ice and shake the cocktail shaker until well chilled.

Step 6: Strain into a coupe glass. 

Step 7: To make a “plane-like” lemon garnish – cut a lemon peel into a diamond shape with a slit in the middle.

Step 8: Fold the diamond in half and place the rim of the glass through the middle slit.

What is amaro?

Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur that is typically consumed as a digestif. It is made by infusing a neutral spirit with a blend of herbs, roots, citrus, and other botanicals, which can vary depending on the specific recipe and brand. Amaro has a bitter and complex flavor profile that can range from sweet to spicy to herbal, and it is often served neat, on the rocks, or as an ingredient in cocktails.

Is amaro similar to Aperol?

Aperol is technically a type of amaro liqueur. It is a bit sweeter than your typical amaro, but it still has the classic bitter flavor with herbal notes that is characteristic of amaro. 

What does Aperol taste like?

Aperol is an Italian orange liqueur that has a distinctive bittersweet taste. It has a bright orange color and a unique flavor profile that is characterized by sweet and bitter orange, herbal and floral notes. It’s a popular ingredient in cocktails such as the Aperol Spritz and the Paper Plane. You can learn more about Aperol and its close relative Campari in my post about Aperol vs. Campari. 

What is the percent alcohol by volume (% ABV)  of a Paper Plane cocktail?

The alcohol content, or ABV, of a Paper Plane cocktail can vary depending on the specific recipe and the amount of each ingredient used. According to Difford’s, it typically clocks in at around 17% ABV (about the alcohol content of a strong wine).