There’s something magical about a well-balanced cocktail—the way flavors dance on your tongue, the vibrant colors, and the satisfaction of crafting something extraordinary with your own hands. If you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, the Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe is your ticket to mixology stardom.
This modern classic, created by Sam Ross, is a perfect harmony of bitter, sweet, and citrusy notes. But why stop at the original? Today, I’m sharing five incredible Paper Plane variations that’ll make you feel like a pro mixologist. Whether you’re a bourbon lover or an amaro enthusiast, there’s a twist here for everyone.
Let’s shake things up!
1. The Classic Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe
Why You’ll Love It:
This is the OG—bright, citrusy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of bitterness. It’s like a grown-up lemonade with a boozy kick.
Ingredients:
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¾ oz Bourbon (choose a smooth, slightly sweet one like Buffalo Trace)
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¾ oz Aperol (for that bittersweet orange punch)
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¾ oz Amaro Nonino (a rich, herbal Italian liqueur)
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¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice (for zesty freshness)
How It Looks & Tastes:
A stunning amber-orange hue with a frothy edge. Expect a bold, citrus-forward sip with herbal depth and a smooth, slightly bitter finish.
How to Make It:
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Fill a shaker with ice.
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Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.
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Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds—until well-chilled.
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Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
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No garnish needed—let the flavors speak for themselves!
2. The Smoky Paper Plane (Mezcal Twist)
Why You’ll Love It:
If you love a hint of smoke, this Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe variation swaps bourbon for mezcal, adding a whole new layer of complexity.
Ingredients:
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¾ oz Mezcal (smoky and earthy—try Del Maguey Vida)
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¾ oz Aperol
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¾ oz Amaro Nonino
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¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
How It Looks & Tastes:
Darker than the original, with a golden-orange glow. The taste is bold—smoky, citrusy, and bittersweet, with a lingering herbal warmth.
How to Make It:
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Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
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Shake hard for 15 seconds.
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Strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
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Garnish with a lemon twist if you’re feeling fancy.
3. The Tropical Paper Plane (Rum Edition)
Why You’ll Love It:
Who says a Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe can’t be tropical? Swapping bourbon for aged rum brings caramel and vanilla notes that pair beautifully with Aperol’s bitterness.
Ingredients:
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¾ oz Aged Rum (try Appleton Estate for richness)
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¾ oz Aperol
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¾ oz Amaro Nonino
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¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice (instead of lemon for a tropical twist)
How It Looks & Tastes:
Deep amber with a reddish tint. The flavor is fruity, slightly funky, and herbaceous—like a sophisticated tiki drink.
How to Make It:
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Shake all ingredients with ice.
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Double-strain into a chilled glass.
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Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel for flair.
4. The Herbal Paper Plane (Fernet-Branca Kick)
Why You’ll Love It:
For the bitter lovers! This Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe variation uses Fernet-Branca instead of Amaro Nonino, adding intense minty, herbal depth.
Ingredients:
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¾ oz Bourbon
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¾ oz Aperol
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¾ oz Fernet-Branca (bold and minty)
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¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
How It Looks & Tastes:
Darker, almost mahogany-colored. The taste is bracing—medicinal herbs, sharp citrus, and a lingering menthol finish.
How to Make It:
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Shake all ingredients with ice.
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Strain into a Nick & Nora glass.
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Garnish with a mint sprig to hint at the herbal explosion inside.
5. The Sparkling Paper Plane (Bubbly Refreshment)
Why You’ll Love It:
Sometimes, you just need bubbles. This effervescent take on the Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe adds Prosecco for a lighter, celebratory sip.
Ingredients:
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½ oz Bourbon
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½ oz Aperol
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½ oz Amaro Nonino
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½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
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2 oz Prosecco (or any dry sparkling wine)
How It Looks & Tastes:
Golden and fizzy with a delicate foam. The taste is brighter, less intense, with a refreshing sparkle.
How to Make It:
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Shake bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and lemon juice with ice.
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Strain into a flute.
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Top with Prosecco.
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Garnish with a lemon twist.
Conclusion
There you have it—five incredible ways to enjoy a Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe! Whether you stick with the classic or venture into smoky, tropical, herbal, or sparkling territory, each version brings something special to the table.
Now, it’s your turn to play mixologist. Which variation are you shaking up first? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Cheers to soaring flavors!
