Paper Plane
Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and lemon. A modern equal-parts cocktail with perfect balance.
22%
ABV
156
Calories
Coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass
No garnish needed
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe glass
Garnish
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
All ingredients are equal parts
Chill the coupe thoroughly for maximum snap
Serve ungarnished to let the color shine
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Paper Plane.
Naked and Famous
A quintessential modern classic created by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co. in 2011. This audacious equal-parts cocktail combines smoky mezcal, honeyed Yellow Chartreuse, bittersweet Aperol, and fresh lime juice in perfect harmony.
Broken Plane
A darker, more complex cousin to the Aviation that adds Cynar and Amaro to create a bittersweet cocktail evoking the melancholy of grounded flights and mechanical failures.
Kyoto Flyer
A sophisticated Japanese-American classic that elegantly showcases Japanese whisky with floral maraschino, bright yuzu, and aromatic orange bitters—capturing the cultural exchange of mid-century Kyoto.
Other Variations
Rye Paper Plane
Swaps in rye whiskey for a spicier backbone.
Changes
Campari Paper Plane
Campari in place of Aperol pushes the bitterness up a notch.
Changes
History & Heritage
“Sam Ross crafted the Paper Plane in 2008 for The Violet Hour in Chicago before popularizing it at New York's Milk & Honey. Inspired by the Last Word's equal-parts structure and named after M.I.A.'s hit single, the drink quickly became a touchstone of the modern craft cocktail renaissance.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Gold Rush
Bourbon, honey, and lemon. A honey-sweetened whiskey sour that's become a modern classic.
Boston Sour
A whiskey sour with a silky crown—bourbon, lemon, and simple syrup shaken with egg white for a classic foam.
Bourbon and Famous
A theoretical but compelling variation of the modern classic Naked and Famous, substituting bourbon for mezcal to create a rich, warming cocktail with notes of caramel, spice, herbs, and a bittersweet citrus finish.