Paper Plane
Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and lemon. A modern equal-parts cocktail with perfect balance.
22%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
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.”
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
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
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Paper Plane.
Naked and Famous
Sam Ross's smoky cousin with mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice.
Changes
Broken Plane
Gin and elderflower liqueur lighten the profile for a floral spin.
Changes
Kyoto Flyer
Japanese whisky and a touch of orange liqueur lend a brighter, oak-driven edge.
Changes
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
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.
John Collins
The bourbon take on the 19th‑century gin punch from Limmer's Old House—spirit, lemon, sugar and sparkling water built tall and fizzy.
Whiskey Sour
A timeless blend of whiskey, lemon, and sugar shaken silky with egg white—template for the entire sour family.