Mom's Best Recipes

Recipe

Paper Plane Cocktail

A bright, bittersweet equal-parts cocktail with bourbon (or rye), Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A Paper Plane cocktail in a chilled coupe glass with a thin lemon twist on a light stone countertop under warm natural kitchen light

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If you like cocktails that taste like they have their life together even when you do not, meet the Paper Plane. It is bright and citrusy, a little bittersweet, and weirdly cozy at the same time. Best part: it is an equal-parts drink, which means you can memorize it once and make it forever.

A little modern-classic context: it was created by bartender Sam Ross in 2008, and it earned its cult status for a reason. Bourbon (or rye) brings warmth, Aperol brings that sunny orange bitterness, Amaro Nonino adds a deeper herbal sweetness, and lemon snaps everything into focus. Shake it hard, serve it up, and take a sip that makes you pause mid-bite of whatever snack you grabbed and go, “Okay, wow.”

Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemons arranged on a clean kitchen counter next to a jigger and cocktail shaker

Why It Works

Memorable equal-parts formula: no complicated math, just measure and pour.
Fresh lemon makes it pop: the acidity keeps the drink crisp instead of candy-sweet.
Bittersweet balance: Aperol and Amaro Nonino give that grown-up, can’t-stop-sipping finish.
Quick and clean: shake, strain, serve. No muddling, no drama.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Cocktails like this are best fresh, but you can absolutely set yourself up for low-effort rounds.

Short-term batching (best option)

Mix ahead: Combine bourbon (or rye), Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice in a sealed jar.
Refrigerate: Up to 24 hours for best flavor. After that it is still safe, but the lemon can start to lose its brightness.
Shake to serve: Pour 3 ounces per drink (that is one cocktail’s worth of the pre-mix) into a shaker with ice, then shake and strain.

Freezing

Not recommended: freezing can dull the citrus and throw off the balance once it thaws.

Common Questions

Is a Paper Plane cocktail sweet?

It is balanced. You get some sweetness from Aperol and Amaro Nonino, but the fresh lemon and whiskey keep it crisp and not syrupy.

What if I do not have Amaro Nonino?

Amaro Nonino is the signature here, but you can still make a tasty drink with another medium-bodied amaro. It will not taste identical, but it will still be in the Paper Plane neighborhood. Start with the same equal parts, then taste and adjust with a tiny splash more lemon if it finishes too sweet.

Can I use a different whiskey?

Yes. Bourbon is common, but rye gives a spicier, drier edge that is really good. If your whiskey is high proof, the drink will feel punchier, so shake well and serve in a well-chilled glass.

Do I need a fancy glass?

Nope. A coupe is traditional, but a small wine glass or a rocks glass works. If you use a rocks glass, serve it over fresh ice.

Why does my drink taste flat?

Usually one of two things: bottled lemon juice (it lacks brightness) or a weak shake. Use fresh lemon and shake hard for about 10 to 15 seconds.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or small measuring cup
Fine-mesh strainer (optional, but nice)
Citrus juicer
Chilled coupe glass or small stemmed glass

I love cooking ambitious meals, but when it comes to drinks, I am a big fan of anything I can remember without squinting at a note on my phone. The Paper Plane is my go-to when friends are hovering in the kitchen, someone is snacking straight off the cutting board, and I need a cocktail that feels special without turning into a whole production. It is also a modern classic from Sam Ross (2008), which somehow makes it feel both effortless and a little bit iconic. Equal parts means I can keep the conversation going, keep the vibe relaxed, and still hand someone a drink that tastes like I tried harder than I did.