Recipe

Paper Plane Cocktail

A bright, equal-parts bourbon cocktail with Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon that lands perfectly between citrusy, bittersweet, and cozy.

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 wooden kitchen counter, soft window light, clean home bar setup

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The Paper Plane is my favorite kind of cocktail energy: four bottles, one measuring rhythm, and a drink that somehow tastes fancy even when you are making it in sweatpants. It is bright from lemon, cozy from bourbon, and bittersweet in that can-you-taste-that-orange way thanks to Aperol and Amaro Nonino.

It is also an equal-parts recipe, which means you do not need to do cocktail math while your ice melts and your friends hover. Shake, strain, sip, repeat. Tasting as you go is not only allowed, it is encouraged.

Quick context, because it is a fun one: the Paper Plane is a modern classic created by bartender Sam Ross, and it is famous for being both simple and perfectly balanced.

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

Why It Works

Equal parts keeps it foolproof. It is the kind of recipe you can memorize once and keep forever.
Big flavor with minimal ingredients. You get citrus, vanilla oak, orange, and herbal bitterness all in one sip.
Balanced on purpose. Lemon brings snap, Aperol brings lift, Nonino brings depth, bourbon brings structure.
Fast. If your coupe is chilled, you are about 2 minutes away from a very good decision.

Serving notes

Glassware: Coupe is classic, but a Nick and Nora or small martini glass works great too.
Garnish: Lemon twist is the move, or skip it entirely and keep it clean.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

This one is best fresh, but you can absolutely set yourself up for success.

Batch the base (no citrus)

Mix the bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino in a jar. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 3 to 7 days (about a week). When it is time to serve, add fresh lemon juice per drink, shake with ice, strain.

Full batch (with lemon)

You can batch the entire cocktail, including lemon, and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. The lemon flavor dulls a little over time, so it will not be quite as zippy. Shake each drink with ice right before serving to wake it back up.

Make 4 at once

For a small group, combine 3 ounces each bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. Shake in batches with ice (do not try to cram it all into one small shaker), then strain into chilled glasses.

Leftover lemon

Cut lemons keep best wrapped tightly or in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. If you have extra juice, store it covered for 1 to 2 days.

Common Questions

What is a Paper Plane cocktail supposed to taste like?

Bright and citrusy up front, then bittersweet orange and gentle herbal notes, with bourbon warmth in the background. Think: grown-up lemonade with a bitter, elegant finish.

Do I have to use Amaro Nonino?

Nonino is the classic and it really is special here. If you cannot find it, try Amaro Montenegro for a softer, sweeter drink. Amaro Meletti is another solid stand-in with a similar friendly, spiced-orange vibe. Averna can work as a riff, but it is deeper and heavier, so start with a slightly smaller pour and adjust to taste.

Can I use rye instead of bourbon?

Yes. Rye makes it spicier and a touch drier. If your rye is high-proof, consider a slightly generous splash of Aperol to keep the bitterness and citrus feeling bright.

Why is my Paper Plane too sour?

Usually it is the lemon. Some lemons are aggressive. Add a tiny splash more Aperol or Nonino, or serve with a lemon twist instead of additional juice. Also make sure you are measuring, not free-pouring.

Why is it tasting flat?

Two common culprits: warm glass or not enough shake. Chill the coupe for 5 minutes in the freezer and shake hard until the shaker feels very cold and frosty. (Time is a guideline, but 10 to 12 seconds usually gets you there.)

Can I make it without alcohol?

You can make a Paper Plane inspired mocktail, but it will be a riff. Use a nonalcoholic whiskey alternative, an orange bitter aperitif alternative, and a nonalcoholic amaro-style spirit plus fresh lemon. Keep the equal-parts idea and adjust to taste.

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

I love recipes that feel like a little shortcut to confidence, and the Paper Plane is exactly that. The first time I made one at home, I was fully convinced I would mess it up because I am not a bartender. Then I realized it is literally equal parts, shake, strain, done. Now it is my go-to when I want something bright but still cozy, like citrus wearing a sweater.