Savor The Flight: Crafting The Paper Plane Cocktail

Introduction to the Paper Plane Cocktail: Origin and Popularity

Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.

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.

Introduction: The Modern Icon

Few cocktails achieve modern classic status as quickly as the Paper Plane. Created in 2008 by Sam Ross (of New York’s Attaboy), this drink has already cemented itself as a staple on menus worldwide. Inspired by the M.I.A. track Paper Planes, its appeal lies in perfect balance — equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice.

Here in Australia, the Paper Plane is being embraced not just for its flavour, but also for how it fits into today’s mindful drinking culture. With precise measures, RSA-friendly awareness, and room for local twists, it’s a cocktail that feels both stylish and accessible.

The Anatomy of a Paper Plane: Four Equal Parts

The beauty of the Paper Plane lies in its symmetry. Each of its four ingredients plays an essential role in creating its layered complexity.

Bourbon (22.5 ml) – Provides a sweet, oaky backbone.
Aperol (22.5 ml) – Lends bright orange, citrusy sweetness.
Amaro Nonino (22.5 ml) – Adds depth, herbs, and a sophisticated bitterness.
Fresh Lemon Juice (22.5 ml) – Bright acidity to tie it all together.

This 1:1:1:1 formula makes it approachable even for beginner home mixologists while allowing pros to finesse details like garnish, glassware, and shaking technique.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Crafting the Perfect Paper Plane

Ingredients:

22.5 ml bourbon
22.5 ml Aperol
22.5 ml Amaro Nonino
22.5 ml fresh lemon juice
Ice

Method:

Chill a coupe glass in the freezer.
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds.
Fine strain into the chilled coupe.
Garnish with a lemon twist — or a playful origami paper plane.

RSA Note: At 90 ml total liquid with ~22.5 ml bourbon (40% ABV), this cocktail sits around 0.7 standard drinks per serve in Australia. Always measure carefully and serve responsibly.

The Flavour Profile: Why It Works

The Paper Plane is often described as a “gateway amaro cocktail” because it introduces complex bitters in an approachable way.

Sweetness – Bourbon + Aperol deliver smooth, honeyed richness.
Bitterness – Amaro Nonino balances with herbal sophistication.
Citrus – Lemon juice sharpens everything into focus.

The result is bright yet grounded, complex yet accessible — no wonder it’s become a bartender’s darling worldwide.

Variations: Taking Your Paper Plane Higher

Like any classic, the Paper Plane inspires countless riffs:

Rye Plane – Swap bourbon for rye whiskey for a spicier base.
Montenegro Plane – Use Amaro Montenegro instead of Nonino for softer, orange-forward notes.
Cynar Plane – For adventurous palates, Cynar adds vegetal, artichoke bitterness.
Australian Twist – Infuse bourbon with lemon myrtle or swap Aperol for a native bitter liqueur (e.g., Okar from Adelaide Hills).

These tweaks keep the drink fresh while still true to its equal-parts DNA.

Presentation: Glassware & Garnishes

The Paper Plane shines in a coupe glass, its glowing orange colour showcased beautifully.

Classic garnish: Lemon twist.
Playful garnish: Mini paper plane on a cocktail pick.
Modern garnish: Dehydrated citrus wheel or native herb sprig (like lemon myrtle).

Presentation isn’t just about aesthetics — a garnish can subtly influence aroma and flavour.

Pairing Food with the Paper Plane

This cocktail pairs surprisingly well with food thanks to its balance of sweet, sour, and bitter.

Charcuterie boards – Salty meats + sharp cheeses contrast the sweetness.
Citrus-forward dishes – Lemon chicken or grilled barramundi echo the drink’s acidity.
Herb-crusted meats – Pork with rosemary crust enhances the herbal notes of Amaro Nonino.

Australian bartenders often pair Paper Planes with native seafood platters, letting the drink’s acidity cut through briny freshness.

Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Paper Planes

Bartending in 2025 is about sustainability and mindfulness. Here’s how to keep your Paper Plane eco-friendly:

Source local lemons and Australian-made spirits.
Choose amari and liqueurs from producers with sustainable practices.
Ditch single-use plastics — use reusable straws, edible garnishes, or dehydrated citrus wheels.

Cocktail culture is shifting toward drinks that are not only delicious, but also responsible and sustainable.

Advanced Tips for Paper Plane Perfection

Fine straining – Removes ice shards for a velvety texture.
Double shake – Shake without ice first for froth, then with ice for chill.
Chilled glassware – Essential for maintaining temperature and presentation.
Experiment with infusions – Bourbon infused with wattleseed, vanilla, or rosemary can create a signature version.

Cultural Impact: From NYC to Aussie Bars

The Paper Plane’s rise is remarkable — from a 2008 New York creation to a global modern classic in under two decades. Today, it’s a go-to in cocktail competitions, home mixology kits, and Australia’s craft bar menus.

It’s especially popular as a first amaro cocktail for curious drinkers — approachable, balanced, and memorable.

Quick FAQs

Q: Why is it called the Paper Plane?
It was named after the M.I.A. song Paper Planes by its creator Sam Ross.

Q: Can I make it without Amaro Nonino?
Yes, try Amaro Montenegro or Cynar for different flavour directions.

Q: How many standard drinks in one Paper Plane?
About 0.7 standard drinks — RSA safe if measured correctly.

Q: What’s an Aussie twist on the Paper Plane?
Swap Aperol for a local bitter liqueur like Okar, or infuse bourbon with native herbs.

Conclusion: A Cocktail That’s Here to Stay

The Paper Plane may be a “young” cocktail, but it already holds timeless status. Its balanced flavour, equal-parts simplicity, and adaptability make it a standout on menus from New York to Sydney.

Whether you enjoy it classic, twisted with Australian botanicals, or as a low-ABV option, the Paper Plane delivers elegance in every glass. Just remember: measure carefully, respect RSA guidelines, and savour each sip.

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.

angelce903

at 8:43 pm

The Paper Plane cocktail seems to be very nice, though I don’t drink alcohol! It’s very cool to make cocktails because it makes people happy. But I didn’t know the history of the Paper Plane cocktail. I’ve thought that most cocktails were quite old, so it was really cool to learn that it was created in 2008. I always admire to learn that people continue to create cocktails all over the years!

KAD
at 7:40 pm

The Paper Plane is indeed a fascinating cocktail with a relatively recent history. It’s amazing how quickly a drink can gain popularity and become a classic.

Cocktails are a fantastic way to bring people together and create enjoyable experiences. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, there’s something undeniably appealing about the artistry and creativity involved in mixology.