Mom's Best Recipes

Recipe

Paper Plane Cocktail

An equal-parts bourbon cocktail that lands perfectly between citrusy, bittersweet, and smooth.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A Paper Plane cocktail in a chilled coupe glass with a thin lemon twist on a light stone countertop, soft natural kitchen window light

Jump to Recipe

The Paper Plane is the kind of cocktail that makes you feel like you've got your life together, even if your sink is full of dishes and you're wearing the same hoodie you cooked pasta in last night. It's bright from fresh lemon, gently bitter from Aperol, and deep and herbal from Amaro Nonino, with bourbon tying it all together like a cozy sweater that also somehow looks sharp.

Best part: it's an equal parts drink. No complicated ratios, no math, no tiny measuring spoons. Once you make it the first time, you can basically memorize it and then casually impress someone on a random Tuesday.

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

Why It Works

Equal parts = easy. You get a perfectly balanced cocktail without fiddling with proportions.
Bold flavor, balanced sip. Lemon keeps it snappy, amaro keeps it interesting, and bourbon keeps it grounded.
Shaken, not stirred. That quick shake gives you the cold, slightly frothy texture that makes the drink feel polished.
Scales up cleanly. Making two or four is simple, just keep the equal parts rule.

A stainless steel cocktail shaker being shaken over a kitchen counter with the ingredients nearby

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

This cocktail is best freshly shaken, but you can absolutely prep smart if you're hosting or just want one less task later.

Batch the base (no citrus)

Combine bourbon + Aperol + Amaro Nonino in a jar or bottle.
Store tightly covered in the fridge for best flavor within 3 to 7 days.
When ready to drink, add fresh lemon juice, shake with ice, and strain.

Can I batch it with lemon juice?

You can, but the flavor flattens faster. If you must, keep it refrigerated and use within 24 hours.

Leftover lemon

Wrap cut lemons tightly or store wedges in an airtight container and use within 2 to 3 days.

Common Questions

What does a Paper Plane cocktail taste like?

It's citrus-forward and bright at first sip, then you get a gentle bitter orange note from Aperol and a deeper, herbal sweetness from amaro. The bourbon makes it feel rounded and warm without turning it into a heavy drink.

Do I have to use Amaro Nonino?

Amaro Nonino is the classic choice and gives the Paper Plane its signature balance. If you can't find it, try Amaro Montenegro for a softer, sweeter vibe or Averna for a richer, darker note. It will still be good, just a little different.

Can I use rye instead of bourbon?

Yes. Rye makes it a bit spicier and drier. If you like cocktails that snap back, rye is a great move.

Why is my Paper Plane too sour or too bitter?

Fresh lemon varies a lot. If it's too sour, try adding 1/4 ounce bourbon (or 1/4 ounce amaro if you want to keep it more herbal), shake briefly with ice, and re-taste. If it's too bitter, double-check your Aperol and amaro measurements and make sure you're keeping the equal-parts ratio. Also, avoid over-diluting with an extra-long shake.

What glass should I use?

A chilled coupe is the classic, but a Nick and Nora glass is also perfect. In a pinch, use a small martini glass.

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)
Hawthorne strainer
Fine mesh strainer (optional, for extra smooth texture)
Citrus juicer
Coupe or Nick and Nora glass

The first time I made a Paper Plane, I remember thinking, that's it? Four bottles, equal parts, shake, done. Then I tasted it and had that mid-sip pause where you look at the glass like it just told you a secret. It's the rare cocktail that feels fancy but behaves like a weeknight recipe. Low drama, high reward, and it always makes me want to cook something snacky and salty right after.