A cocktail with equal parts has been a standard blueprint for cocktail creation for quite some time. Standards like the Negroni and the Last Word have provided inspiration to bartenders for decades, and thanks to these revered classics another equal parts cocktail has become a modern masterpiece: The Paper Plane.
The Paper Plane cocktail was created in 2008 by Sam Ross for his friend Toby Maloney of The Violet Hour. Toby and Sam worked at Milk & Honey together in NYC, and Toby asked Sam to help him come up with a tasty sipper for The Violet Hour’s summer cocktail menu. Sam took the name from a song by M.I.A called “Paper Planes.” The recipe for the Paper Plane was inspired by The Last Word cocktail. This whiskey sour variation features bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonio, and lemon juice. Originally, Sam created the drink with Campari instead of Aperol but after a few days, he decided to swap the two ingredients to help balance the drink. This slight tweak propelled the Paper Plane into cocktail legend as it is one of the most sought after modern classics of our time. Our variation of the Paper Plan substitutes bourbon for Lustau Palo Cortado Peninsula, which lowers the abv while still keeping the structure of the cocktail intact. Have yourself a sip of this modern marvel and discover your new favorite sour cocktail.
COCKTAIL: PAPER PLANE
Full Ingredients list
- .75oz Lustau Palo Cortado Peninsula
- .75oz Aperol
- .75oz Amaro Nonino
- .75oz Lemon Juice
- No Garnish
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
WHAT SHERRY IS BEST FOR A PAPER PLANE COCKTAIL?
Any dry, oxidized sherry will work in a Paper Plane. However, we chose Palo Cortado for its nuance and depth, which works very well with the Aperol and Amaro Nonino.
WHAT GLASS IS BEST TO SERVE A PAPER PLANE COCKTAIL IN?
A Paper Plane should be served up in a coupe or martini glass.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A PAPER PLANE COCKTAIL WITH LUSTAU SHERRY?
HOW TO PREPARE A PAPER PLANE COCKTAIL WITH BRANDY AT HOME
1. Add all ingredients to a shaking tinn
2. Add ice and shake
3. Strain into a chilled couple glass
FAQ
What is the difference between Paper Plane and Whiskey Sour?
A Paper Plane is a more elevated version of a traditional whiskey sour and incorporates two bittersweet liqueurs to add depth and complexity to the cocktail.
Why is the drink called a Paper Plane?
The drink is named after M.I.A’s song “Paper Planes.”
What’s in the Paper Plane?
Equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.
