The Paper Plane is one of those rare modern cocktails that already feels like it has always been around. Created in the early 2000s by Sam Ross, it takes the equal-parts simplicity of a Last Word or a Corpse Reviver and gives it a warmer, more contemporary edge with bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice. It is bright, bittersweet, and just structured enough to feel clever without ever becoming hard work.
What makes the Paper Plane so good is how neatly it balances freshness and depth. You get the citrus lift, the soft sweetness of Aperol, the herbal richness of amaro, and the backbone of bourbon all in one glass. It is also a very smart next step if you already love a Whiskey Sour, Boulevardier, or any of your Italian aperitivo drinks.
Why Lush Life Loves It
This is the sort of cocktail I suggest when someone says they want whiskey but not anything too heavy. It has all the charm of a modern classic and none of the fuss, which is usually a very good sign.
Variations
- Swap bourbon for rye if you want a drier, spicier version
- Try a different amaro, though Amaro Nonino really is the classic choice here
- Add a slightly larger bourbon pour if you want the whiskey to lead more clearly
Here is the recipe
Paper Plane
Ingredients
- ¾ oz bourbon
- ¾ oz Amaro Nonino
- ¾ oz Aperol
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice strained
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice
- Shake well until properly chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
