Paper Plane
Equal parts bourbon, Aperol, amaro and lemon. A bittersweet modern classic by Sam Ross.
Shaken · Coupe · Medium · about 3 minutes · about 16% ABV
Ingredients
- 22.5 ml Bourbon
- 22.5 ml Aperol
- 22.5 ml Amaro (e.g. Montenegro, Nonino)
- 22.5 ml Fresh lemon juice
Method
- Chill the glass
- Pour 22.5 ml bourbon into the shaker
- Pour 22.5 ml Aperol into the shaker
- Pour 22.5 ml Amaro (e.g. Montenegro, Nonino) into the shaker
- Add 22.5 ml fresh lemon juice
- Add ice
- Shake hard
- Strain
- Serve
About the Paper Plane
Created by Sam Ross in 2007 for the opening of The Violet Hour in Chicago. It was named after M.I.A.'s song "Paper Planes". Its equal parts of bourbon, Aperol, amaro and lemon make it easy to remember.
The sour family. Sours are one of the oldest mixed-drink families. Spirit, citrus and sugar go back to the punches British sailors and traders drank in the 1600s and 1700s, and Jerry Thomas printed sour recipes in the first American bartending book in 1862. Egg white came later, for a silky foam. Almost every classic with fresh citrus, from the Daiquiri to the Whiskey Sour, follows this pattern.
Paper Plane FAQ
What's in a Paper Plane?
22.5 ml bourbon, 22.5 ml aperol, 22.5 ml amaro (e.g. montenegro, nonino), 22.5 ml fresh lemon juice.
How strong is a Paper Plane?
About 16% ABV once mixed with ice, which is 1.4 Australian standard drinks per serve. That is stronger than a glass of wine.
Should I shake or stir a Paper Plane?
Shake it. citrus, juice and cream need shaking to mix properly and gain a light, lively texture.
What glass do you serve a Paper Plane in?
A coupe, about 180 ml. Chill the glass first and serve without ice. No coupe? Use a martini glass or small wine glass.
