The Lost Plane Cocktail: A Journey Through Flavor and Time

In the world of mixology, every cocktail tells a story. Some drinks are born out of necessity, others out of innovation, and some as tributes to history or adventure. The Lost Plane cocktail is a unique blend of these elements, offering a tantalizing journey through flavor and time.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.

I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!

Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The Lost Plane Cocktail: A Journey Through Flavor and Time

In mixology, every cocktail tells a story. Some are born of necessity, others of innovation, and many pay homage to history or adventure. The Lost Plane Cocktail does all three—delivering bold flavors, layered complexity, and a name that sparks the imagination. Think of it as a flight through cocktail history with a tropical stopover.

The Inspiration Behind the Lost Plane

The name Lost Plane conjures mystery and exploration. It nods to aviation’s golden age and the allure of uncharted skies. Its recipe is a modern evolution of the iconic Paper Plane Cocktail, created by Sam Ross in 2008. The Paper Plane itself was inspired by classics like the Last Word and the Whiskey Sour, but the Lost Plane goes further—adding passion fruit syrup and bitters to create depth, richness, and an adventurous edge.

The Ingredients

To build your Lost Plane, you’ll need:

30 mL (1 oz) Bourbon – The warm, oaky backbone. Pick one you enjoy neat; spicier bourbons add kick, sweeter ones smooth things out.
30 mL (1 oz) Aperol – Adds a bittersweet, citrusy lift with its signature orange hue.
30 mL (1 oz) Amaro Nonino – A sophisticated Italian liqueur with notes of caramel, herbs, and orange peel. If unavailable, Averna or Montenegro make solid substitutes.
30 mL (1 oz) Fresh lemon juice – Essential for balance and brightness. Always squeeze fresh.
15 mL (½ oz) Passion fruit syrup – A tropical twist that adds exotic sweetness.
1 dash Angostura bitters – Subtle spice and complexity.
Garnish: Lemon twist or dehydrated lemon wheel.

The Recipe: How to Craft the Lost Plane

Equipment: Cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, and either a chilled coupe glass or a rocks glass with ice.

Prep the glass – Chill your coupe or fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
Combine ingredients – Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, lemon juice, passion fruit syrup, and bitters to your shaker.
Shake hard – Fill the shaker with ice, seal, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Strain & serve – Fine strain into your chosen glass.
Garnish – Express lemon oils over the top, then add your twist or wheel.

The Flavor Experience

The Lost Plane is a symphony of balance:

Bourbon’s warmth meets Aperol’s bittersweet tang.
Amaro Nonino deepens the herbal complexity.
Passion fruit brightens the profile with tropical sweetness.
Lemon juice ties it together with crisp acidity.

The first sip is bold, the mid-palate complex, and the finish lingers with spice and citrus.

Perfect as a summer evening sipper, a pre-dinner aperitif, or as a party centerpiece that invites conversation.

Variations & Customisations

Like any great cocktail, the Lost Plane welcomes a little tinkering:

Different bourbons: A rye-forward whiskey adds spice; wheated bourbons soften the edges.
Alternate amaros: Try Montenegro for gentler sweetness or Averna for more herbal punch.
Adjust sweetness: Dial the syrup up or down, or swap in honey syrup for richness.
Herbal garnish: A sprig of rosemary or thyme adds aromatic flair.
Tiki-style presentation: Serve in a tiki glass with edible flowers for playful drama.

Pairing Suggestions

The Lost Plane pairs well with:

Cheese boards featuring aged cheddar or blue cheese.
Charcuterie with prosciutto or salami.
Spicy small plates like lamb skewers or chorizo.
Tropical desserts such as passionfruit tart or citrus sorbet.

The Lost Plane: A Tribute to Adventure

Like its aviation-inspired predecessor, the Lost Plane isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a story in a glass. It blends the heritage of classics with a spirit of exploration, encouraging you to chart new territory in your own cocktail journey.

So, gather your ingredients, shake up a Lost Plane, and toast to the thrill of discovery.

Conclusion

The Lost Plane Cocktail is a bold evolution of the Paper Plane, enriched with passionfruit and bitters to add intrigue. It’s approachable, adventurous, and endlessly customisable—perfect for cocktail enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

If you’re looking for your next signature serve, the Lost Plane delivers. Each sip is an invitation to explore the unknown, one balanced flavour at a time.

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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The Lost Plane Cocktail: A Journey Through Taste And History