The Paper Plane is a mixologist cocktail from Chicago, 2007. Built on bourbon, served in a coupe, around 22% ABV. Equal parts of four ingredients. Foolproof. Sam Ross built this for the opening menu at Chicago's The Violet Hour. The MJ Cole song of the same name was on rotation in the bar at the time.
What goes in a Paper Plane?
- ·3/4 oz bourbon
- ·3/4 oz Aperol
- ·3/4 oz Amaro Nonino
- ·3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- ·Lemon twist
How do you make a Paper Plane?
- Combine all liquid in a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard until very cold.
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
- Express a lemon twist over the surface, drop it in.
What should you know before making a Paper Plane?
- Equal parts means equal parts. Three-quarters of an ounce of each, no exceptions.
- Aperol and Amaro Nonino are not interchangeable. Aperol is sweet-bitter orange; Nonino is grappa-based amaro with caramel notes.
- Use a mid-shelf bourbon (Buffalo Trace, Old Forester 100). Premium single-barrel is wasted here.
Where did the Paper Plane come from?
Equal parts of four ingredients. Foolproof. Sam Ross built this for the opening menu at Chicago's The Violet Hour. The MJ Cole song of the same name was on rotation in the bar at the time. Ross has said it was an attempt to make a Last Word for people who don't like green Chartreuse.
According to Sam Ross, opening menu of The Violet Hour, Chicago, 2007.
What cocktails are similar to a Paper Plane?
Common questions.
What is in a Paper Plane cocktail?
Equal parts (three-quarters of an ounce each) bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. Shaken with ice and double-strained into a coupe.
Who invented the Paper Plane cocktail?
Sam Ross, for the opening menu of The Violet Hour in Chicago in 2007. Ross also invented the Penicillin in 2005.
Can I substitute Aperol for Campari in a Paper Plane?
No. Aperol is sweeter and lighter than Campari. The Paper Plane needs Aperol's lower-bitterness profile to balance against the Amaro Nonino. Campari makes a different drink.
What's the difference between Paper Plane and Naked & Famous?
Both are equal-parts cocktails. Paper Plane uses bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon. Naked & Famous swaps bourbon for mezcal, Amaro Nonino for yellow Chartreuse, and lemon for lime.