Paper Plane

Instructions

1. Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. No garnish needed, let the drink's beautiful amber color speak for itself.

Notes

The Paper Plane was created in 2008 by Sam Ross at The Violet Hour in Chicago. It's named after the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes" and has become one of the most popular modern cocktails of the 21st century.

The cocktail uses a classic "equal parts" spec (0.75 oz each), similar to a Last Word. The combination of bourbon, Aperol (bitter orange), Amaro Nonino (herbal bitterness), and lemon juice creates a perfectly balanced drink that's simultaneously bitter, sweet, sour, and boozy.

The Amaro Nonino is essential to the recipe, its unique grappa base and orange/herb profile can't be easily substituted. If you can't find it, try Amaro Montenegro as a second choice, though the flavor will be different.

Pro tip: Make sure your lemon juice is freshly squeezed. Bottled lemon juice will ruin the delicate balance of this cocktail.