What Exactly is a Paper Plane Cocktail?
The Paper Plane cocktail is a modern, balanced bourbon drink created in 2008 by bartender Sam Ross. Made with equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice, this cocktail has a refreshing and tangy profile, with a slight bitterness from the amaro. Bourbon’s role here is essential to anchoring the lighter, more citrus-forward elements, lending warmth and complexity to the drink. Its name was inspired by the hit song “Paper Planes” by M.I.A., making it one of the more contemporary additions to the bourbon cocktail canon.
The Best Occasions to Enjoy a Paper Plane
The Paper Plane is a versatile drink that fits well at both casual and more sophisticated gatherings. It's often served as a pre-dinner aperitif but is light enough to be enjoyed throughout an evening. The fresh citrus notes make it especially good for spring and summer occasions, though it’s delicious year-round.
How to Make It
Here’s the classic Paper Plane recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 3/4 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz Aperol
- 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist if desired.
Recipe Credit: This recipe is widely available but has been pulled from PunchDrink.com.
What People Are Saying about the Paper Plane
Reviewers of the Paper Plane cocktail love its modern twist on bourbon cocktails. One comment from Instagram reads, “The Paper Plane balances bitterness, sweetness, and acidity in a way that makes it refreshing but also deep.” It's often praised for being well-balanced and easy to drink, even for those who aren’t typically bourbon fans.
Here's a Fun Fact
Did you know that the Paper Plane was originally created for the opening of The Violet Hour in Chicago? It has since become a favorite on cocktail menus across the world.
Just like the Paper Plane blends classic and modern flavors, investing in young bourbon with Rickhouse Holding Company offers a smart balance of tradition and innovation. We invest in newly distilled bourbon and hold it through its prime appreciation years, much like how the cocktail’s ingredients come together and mellow beautifully over time. By investing in barrels aged between two and four years, we tap into the peak age for bourbon sales to premium brands. With the bourbon market remaining strong, holding these barrels offers significant appreciation potential for investors.
