The Paper Plane Cocktail is my top 3 favorite cocktail recipes so if you're a bourbon lover, this is for you! It's bright, refreshing and perfect for the warmer months! I especially love the paper airplane garnish that's typically added!
The first time I had a paper plane cocktail was at a local restaurant. I never heard of it before but, BOY am I glad I tried it out!
It was placed in front of me with the cutest mini paper airplane on the rim. 😍
Then I tasted it and fell in love. It isn't too bourbon-y if you know what I mean. It's sweet but not overly sweet and slightly tart from the aperol and lemon. It's a bonus that it looks beautiful!
If you love aperol drinks, you have to try my Gin Aperol Sour. It also has a pretty pink color and is perfect for the summer time!
🛒Ingredients:
🍸How To Make A Paper Plane Cocktail
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or paper airplane (optional).
📃 NOTE: You can print exact quantities with detailed instructions below!
🤔 Where The Cocktail Originated
The Paper Plane Cocktail is believed to have originated at a restaurant called 'Please Don't Tell' located in New York City.
Supposedly bartenders there were looking to create a cocktail that was inspired by the classic Boulevardier and this is what they came up with!
I also read that M.I.A.'s song paper airplanes was the inspiration for its name!
🙋♂️ What Is Aperol?
Aperol is a type of liqueur that is orange in color and has a bittersweet taste. It's often used in cocktails and can be found at most liquor stores.
🙋♀️ What Is Amaro?
Amaro is an Italian digestif that is made with herbal ingredients. It's often used in cocktails and can be found at most liquor stores.
👅 What Does A Paper Plane Taste Like?
Paper.
Just kidding.
This cocktail is bourbon forward with a slightly bitter edge from the Aperol and Amaro. The lemon juice helps to brighten it up and make it refreshing!
If you love this drink, check out these other fabulous upscale cocktails.
✈️How To Fold A Paper Airplane "Garnish"
1. Fold a very sheet of paper in half lengthwise. (A post-it note is perfect!)
2. Unfold the paper and then fold the top two corners towards the center crease.
3. Fold the paper in half along the center crease again.
4. Unfold the paper and then fold each side towards the center crease.
5. Fold the paper in half along the center crease again.
6. Your paper airplane is now ready to garnish your cocktail!
Check out this list of edible flower garnishes that are perfect for cocktails!
🍋How To Make A Lemon Twist
- Cut a lemon into thin slices.
- Cut one slice into a thin strip.
- Twist the strip and place it on the rim of your glass.
If you want to make a skinnier spiral-like twist, you will need a tool like this one.
🍹Love fruity cocktails? Check out this awesome drink list!
📃Substitutions
If you don't have Aperol on hand, you can use Campari in its place. For the Amaro, I like to use Montenegro but any Italian amaro will work well. Lastly, if you don't have lemon juice, you can use orange juice instead!
🥂Equipment Needed:
Cocktail Shaker- This martini needs to be shaken vigorously so a shaker is a must!
Lemon Twist Tool- To make fun spiral garnishes.
Coupe Glass- This glass is perfect for serving cocktails like my The Perfect Gin Aperol Sour.
😍 If You Love This Cocktail, You Might Also Like…
A Boulevardier, Old Fashioned, Whiskey Smash, or Manhattan. All of these popular cocktails are bourbon-based and feature bitters which help to give them a similar flavor profile!
📽 If you love entertaining at home, subscribe to my YouTube channel!!
🍢Serve Cocktails With These Appetizers:
Goat Cheese & Fig Jam Crostini w/ Caramelized Onions
CRISPY Air Fryer Avocado Fries With Lime Cilantro Crema
Baked Polenta Fries With Thyme Honey
Paper Plane Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Amaro
- 3 ounces Aperol
- 3 ounces bourbon
- 3 ounces lemon juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into two coupe or martini glasses.
- Garnish with a lemon peel, twist and/or mini paper airplane!
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!