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Paper Plane

The Paper Plane was created by bartender Sam Ross in 2007 at Milk & Honey in New York and quickly became a modern classic. Named after the M.I.A. song, this equal-parts cocktail is a brilliant balance of bourbon warmth, Aperol bitterness, citrus brightness, and herbal complexity. It is a masterclass in how four strong flavors can harmonize beautifully.

The Paper Plane stands as one of the most celebrated modern cocktails of the 21st century, proving that innovation in mixology is alive and well. This equal-parts masterpiece transforms four distinct elements—bourbon's warmth, Aperol's gentle bitterness, fresh lemon's brightness, and amaro's herbal complexity—into a perfectly balanced symphony of flavor. Created during the craft cocktail renaissance, it demonstrates how contemporary bartenders can craft instant classics that rival the greatest drinks of the golden age. The Paper Plane's genius lies in its deceptive simplicity: while easy to make, its flavor profile is surprisingly sophisticated and endlessly satisfying.

3 min
3 oz
🥃Coupe
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Paper Plane cocktail served in a Coupe

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: None (served clean)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Combine the bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

  2. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well chilled.

  3. Fine-strain into a chilled coupe glass.

  4. Serve clean without a garnish -- the drink speaks for itself.

Flavor Profile

BitterCitrusySpirit-forward

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

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Coupe Glass Set

Coupe Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use a high-rye bourbon for the best results—the spice complements Aperol's orange notes and stands up to the amaro's intensity

  • 2

    Fresh lemon juice is absolutely critical; bottled juice will flatten the cocktail's bright, citrusy backbone that balances the bitter elements

  • 3

    Shake vigorously with plenty of ice to achieve proper dilution—this equal-parts cocktail needs the water integration to mellow the strong flavors

  • 4

    Fine-strain into a well-chilled coupe to achieve the clean, elegant presentation that showcases the cocktail's beautiful amber color

  • 5

    Try substituting different amaros like Nonino or Montenegro to explore how herbal variations change the drink's character

📜 History & Origin

The Paper Plane emerged from the creative mind of Sam Ross at the legendary Milk & Honey in New York City in 2007, during the height of the craft cocktail revival. Named after M.I.A.'s hit song 'Paper Planes,' this cocktail was born from Ross's desire to create something that captured the energy and innovation of the era. The drink follows the equal-parts template popularized by classics like the Last Word, but Ross's genius was in his ingredient selection—pairing the American boldness of bourbon with the Italian sophistication of Aperol and amaro. The cocktail gained immediate recognition in New York's cocktail scene and quickly spread to bars worldwide, becoming a staple on craft cocktail menus. Its rapid ascension to modern classic status is remarkable, proving that great cocktails can still be invented in our time. The Paper Plane represents the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation, respecting classic proportions while introducing entirely new flavor combinations that speak to contemporary palates.

🍸 Related Recipes

Last Word

Last Word

Boulevardier

Boulevardier

Naked and Famous

Naked and Famous

Amaretto Sour

Amaretto Sour

Penicillin

Penicillin

Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Paper Plane taste like?

The Paper Plane has a bitter, citrusy, spirit-forward flavor profile. The Paper Plane was created by bartender Sam Ross in 2007 at Milk & Honey in New York and quickly became a modern classic. Named after the M.I.A. song, this equal-parts cocktail is a brilliant balance of bourbon warmth, Aperol bitterness, citrus brightness, and herbal complexity. It is a masterclass in how four strong flavors can harmonize beautifully.

What ingredients do I need for a Paper Plane?

A Paper Plane requires 3 ingredients: Bourbon Whiskey, Aperol, Fresh Lemon Juice.

How long does it take to make a Paper Plane?

A Paper Plane takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Paper Plane?

A Paper Plane is traditionally served in a Coupe, garnished with None (served clean).

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Paper Plane?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Paper Plane by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Paper Plane?

The Paper Plane emerged from the creative mind of Sam Ross at the legendary Milk & Honey in New York City in 2007, during the height of the craft cocktail revival. Named after M.I.A.'s hit song 'Paper Planes,' this cocktail was born from Ross's desire to create something that captured the energy and innovation of the era. The drink follows the equal-parts template popularized by classics like the Last Word, but Ross's genius was in his ingredient selection—pairing the American boldness of bourbon with the Italian sophistication of Aperol and amaro. The cocktail gained immediate recognition in New York's cocktail scene and quickly spread to bars worldwide, becoming a staple on craft cocktail menus. Its rapid ascension to modern classic status is remarkable, proving that great cocktails can still be invented in our time. The Paper Plane represents the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation, respecting classic proportions while introducing entirely new flavor combinations that speak to contemporary palates.