Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Paper Plane Cocktail

A bright, bittersweet bourbon cocktail with lemony zip and a silky finish, made in minutes with an easy equal-parts formula.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
A Paper Plane cocktail in a chilled coupe glass with a thin lemon twist on the rim, set on a warm kitchen counter with soft natural light
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If you like cocktails that taste like you tried harder than you did, meet the Paper Plane. It is bright, bittersweet, and perfectly balanced, like a grown-up lemonade that decided to put on a nice jacket. Best part is it is an equal-parts drink, so once you make it once, you can make it from memory while still holding a conversation and keeping your kitchen relatively less chaotic.

This is my go-to when I want something citrusy but not sugary, with that little bitter snap that makes you take a second sip just to confirm it is really that good. It is typically served up (no ice) and it is a short cocktail, so it hits that sweet spot between quick and fancy.

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

Why It Works

  • Equal parts keeps it foolproof: no complicated ratios, just measure and shake.
  • Fresh lemon is the engine: it cuts through the sweetness and makes the whole drink pop.
  • Bittersweet balance: Aperol brings bright orange bite, Amaro Nonino adds depth and spice, bourbon ties it together with warmth.
  • Silky and cold: a good shake chills and dilutes just enough for that smooth, restaurant-style finish.

Pairs Well With

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Storage Tips

This one is best shaken fresh, but you can prep smart:

  • Batch the base (no lemon): Mix bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino in a jar. Cover and store in a cool, dark spot for up to 1 week, but it tastes best within 3 to 7 days.
  • When ready to serve: Add fresh lemon to each drink, then shake with ice.
  • Already mixed with lemon? If you must, refrigerate and use within 12 to 24 hours. It will taste flatter and less bright. Shake again with ice to wake it up.
A small glass bottle of pre-mixed Paper Plane cocktail base on a kitchen counter next to a lemon and a jigger

Common Questions

What does a Paper Plane cocktail taste like?

Bright and citrusy up front, then bittersweet and gently herbal in the finish. Think orange peel, lemon zest, and warm bourbon, all behaving nicely together.

Do I have to use Amaro Nonino?

For the classic Paper Plane, yes, it is the signature. If you cannot find it, you can substitute another light, orange-friendly amaro, but the drink will change. Start with the same amount, taste, and adjust with a tiny splash more lemon if it gets too sweet.

Can I use whiskey instead of bourbon?

Yes. Rye whiskey makes it a little drier and spicier, which is honestly delicious. If your rye is very bold, consider a slightly generous pour of Aperol to keep the balance.

Why does my Paper Plane taste too sour or too bitter?

Too sour: your lemon was extra punchy or you under-diluted. Shake 5 seconds longer or add a barspoon of simple syrup. Too bitter: cut the amaro by a small splash, or add a barspoon of simple syrup for roundness. You can also bump the bourbon just a touch if you want it warmer and less bitey.

Do I need to serve it in a coupe?

Nope. A martini glass works, or serve it over fresh ice in a rocks glass if you want it to stay colder longer.

The first time I made a Paper Plane at home, I expected a fussy cocktail with obscure steps and a garnish I would immediately forget. Instead, it was equal parts, one shake, and suddenly my Tuesday night dinner felt like it had a soundtrack. It is the kind of drink that makes you slow down, taste on purpose, and think, okay wow, that is balanced.