Paper Plane
A modern equal-parts bourbon sour with bright bittersweet depth from Aperol and Amaro Nonino.
The Paper Plane is a contemporary classic built on equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. Shaken hard, it pours a soft orange-pink with a silky texture and tight foam ring. Aperol supplies approachable citrus bitterness, while Amaro Nonino adds honeyed spice and gentle herbal depth. The equal-parts build makes it easy to replicate consistently, and the flavor profile bridges the gap between fruit-forward sours and amaro-heavy aperitivi.
Ingredients
- • 0.75 oz bourbon
- • 0.75 oz Aperol
- • 0.75 oz Amaro Nonino
- • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
Did you know?
“Created by Sam Ross in the late 2000s, the Paper Plane spread so quickly through serious cocktail bars that it became a litmus test for whether a bar kept Amaro Nonino in stock—a bottle many home drinkers discovered solely because of this drink.”
Bartender's Note
Use a medium-proof, not overly oaky bourbon so the amari and citrus stay in balance.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Paper Plane
- 1Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
- 2Shake hard until very cold and frothy.
- 3 into a chilled coupe.
- 4Garnish with a small lemon twist if desired.
