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    Home > Recipes > Drinks

    Paper Plane Cocktail

    Published: Jul 18, 2022 · Modified: Mar 24, 2023 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links.

    paper plane cocktail
    paper plane cocktail

    With its beautiful pink-orange color and tart, refreshing flavor, a Paper Plane Cocktail deserves a spot in every home cocktail repertoire. It can be made ahead or made in batches to serve a crowd. 

    a bright orange cocktail in a glass with a twist of lemon on the rim

    When house mixologist Frank adds a new cocktail to his rotation, I’m always eager to try them out. Many become staples that we serve to guests and make for date nights-in, but we share only our absolute favorites on the pages of this blog. And this cocktail? It needed to be documented and brought to your attention (along with its sister, the Last Word Cocktail). A paper plane cocktail is:

    • Bright
    • Refreshing
    • Beautiful
    • Simple
    • Perfect for making a single cocktail or a batch
    • Make-ahead friendly

    This is basically everything I want in a cocktail, putting it up there in the ranks of my other favorite cocktails: Green Tea Cocktail, Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail and Watermelon Frose. 

    Here’s all you need to about making your own paper plane drink. 

    What is a Paper Plane Cocktail?

    It is a tart, pink-orange cocktail made with equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. The ingredients are shaken with ice, strained, and served in a cocktail glass with a lemon peel garnish. A paper plane cocktail is a relatively recent addition to the cocktail scene, developed in 2007 for the New York City-based cocktail bar Milk & Honey.

    ingredients for paper plane cocktail on a marble countertop

    Ingredients

    • Bourbon - Use your favorite. It’s fun to try different brands, but there’s no need to get a super expensive one. 
    • Aperol and Amaro Nonino - These are both Italian liquors. You most likely know Aperol due to its place in an Aperol Spritz, but Amaro Nonino adds herbal notes to the drink. These ingredients in combination give the drink its bright color and slightly bitter flavor.
    • Lemon Juice - This is the real star and makes the drink incredibly refreshing. Be sure to use fresh squeezed and don’t skimp. 
    pouring an orange paper plane cocktail into a glass

    How to Make It

    1. Combine equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice.
    2. Set out a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Pour the liquids over top.
    3. Shake vigorously.
    4. Strain into a coupe glass or your favorite cocktail glass.
    5. Garnish with lemon peel. Serve your paper plane drink chilled.

    More Cocktail Recipes

    • Pomegranate Pear Champagne Cocktail
    • Watermelon Margaritas
    • Bourbon Lemonade Slush
    • Passion Fruit Mojitos
    • Pear and Lime Sangria

    Favorite Tools

    • Cocktail Shaker
    orange cocktails in glasses on a marble countertop
    cocktails on a white countertop
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Paper Plane Cocktail

    Equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice make this refreshing cocktail an easy one to make ahead or serve to a crowd. Check the recipe notes for tips.
    To adjust the servings in this recipe, click on the number next to servings.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Drink
    Keyword: citrus, homemade cocktail, summer cocktail
    Servings: 1
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
    Cost: $2.00

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker

    Ingredients

    • ¾ ounce Bourbon
    • ¾ ounce Aperol
    • ¾ ounce Amaro Nonino
    • ¾ ounce Lemon Juice

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients.
    • In a shaker, combine with ice and shake until chilled.
    • Strain into glasses.

    Notes

    Measurements - If you prefer to use a measuring spoon, ¾ ounce is 1 ½ tablespoons. You can use any measuring cup or tool to measure out this drink and can increase it to make more than one drink at once, just be sure that you use equal amounts of all four ingredients. 
    Make Ahead - This drink can easily be made up to two days ahead (it will start to lose flavor after that point). Store it in the refrigerator and shake individual portions with ice just before serving.

    Related

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    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

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