Paper Plane

The Paper Plane is a brilliant bourbon cocktail that finds a balance in flavor using ingredients measured in strict equal parts.  Inspired by the resurgence of the gin-based Last Word cocktail, Sam Ross (of the Milk & Honey speakeasy and Attaboy fame) concocted this variant by combining bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino.  The flavor of amari can differ significantly from one brand to another even though they are all under the umbrella of ‘Italian herbal liqueur.’  A purist would say there simply is no substitute, but if you’re having difficulty finding Amaro Nonino (or cannot justify the price), a widely accepted substitute for this particular cocktail is Amaro Montenegro.  One of the other key ingredients to the balance of this cocktail is a bitter Italian liqueur, Aperol.  Often compared to Campari, Aperol has a much less intense flavor and is a nice compliment to the amaro without overwhelming the cocktail, which is exactly what you want in an equal-parts cocktail.  I find that bourbon tends to fall into the background flavor-wise; one way to avoid this is to choose a one with a higher proof.  The Paper Plane is shaken due to the inclusion of citrus and served “up” in a chilled coupe cocktail glass, which allows for a consistent flavor from start to finish without the risk of further dilution from ice.  Unlike the majority of the cocktails featured here, the original recipe does not specify any garnish.  However, if you are so inclined, a paper plane clipped to the rim of the glass or even a lemon peel is not uncommon presentation.  But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it yourself!

Paper Plane

In your shaker, combine the lemon juice, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and bourbon whiskey.

• 0.75 oz of Lemon Juice

• 0.75 oz of Aperol

• 0.75 oz of Amaro Nonino

• 0.75 oz of Bourbon

Add ice to your shaker and shake until it develops a frost.  Double-strain the contents (by pouring them from the shaker through a fine mesh strainer) into your chilled coupe glass.  No garnish unless preferred with a paper plane or lemon peel.