The Paper Plane: Take Flight with this Modern Cocktail

After exploring the cloud-filled heights with the Aviation and enjoying the gentle gusts of the Sky Breeze, we continue our journey through the airy realm of flight-themed cocktails with the Paper Plane. This modern classic cocktail showcases complex flavors in a beautifully balanced symphony, reminiscent of a skillfully folded paper plane gliding effortlessly through the air.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links.

Crafted by Sam Ross, the same genius behind the Penicillin cocktail, the Paper Plane was introduced in 2007 at the Violet Hour in Chicago. Ross, inspired by the M.I.A song “Paper Planes,” concocted this delightful bourbon-based drink that quickly became a sensation, carving out its niche in the cocktail world.

Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, the heart of the Paper Plane cocktail, is a testament to the rich Italian heritage of distillation. Crafted in the picturesque region of Friuli, this amaro is a result of over a century of tradition, a spirit aged in oak barrels, and infused with a blend of herbs, roots, and citrus. Its distinct profile is characterized by a harmonious balance of sweet and bitter. With nuances of tangerine, orange zest, and a hint of saffron, Amaro Nonino adds a layer of complexity to the cocktail, elevating it from a mere drink to an experience. Its velvety texture and lingering finish make it an essential component, not just in the Paper Plane, but in the world of mixology. Embracing Amaro Nonino in the cocktail is a nod to both tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of a timeless Italian masterpiece.

Enjoy this cocktail’s delightful dance of flavors – a balance as precise and delightful as the flight of its namesake. This cocktail truly affirms that, much like crafting the perfect paper plane, creating a great cocktail is an art that lies in the beauty of balance and precision. Cheers to a smooth flight!

Paper Plane

Explore the delightful balance of the Paper Plane cocktail, a modern classic featuring bourbon and Amaro Nonino. Fly high with us.

Ingredients

• 3/4 ounce bourbon Maker’s Mark
• 3/4 ounce Amaro Nonino
• 3/4 ounce Aperol
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
2. Strain into a coupe glass.
3. Serve straight up without garnish.