paper plane cocktail

The paper plane cocktail is a sweet, tart, ever-so-slightly bitter drink. It’s a simple 4-ingredient cocktail that you’ll crave all the time!

And while it has two amaro liqueurs in it, don’t be scared-- it’s not nearly as bitter as a Negroni. It’s light, fresh, and complex, and a fantastic gateway drink to the wide world of bitter liqueurs. 

what is in a paper plane cocktail?

how to make a paper plane cocktail

1. Combine everything in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake until chilled.
3. Strain into a coupe.
4. Garnish with lemon zest and enjoy!

What can I use instead of Amaro Nonino Quintessentia?

No worries if you don’t have Amaro Nonino. There are a ton of amari that will work! The sugar and alcohol level varies for each amaro, as does the color, intensity of bitterness, and flavor profile, but there are still some great substitute options.

Below is a list of bitter liqueurs that come closest to Amaro Nonino:

Amaro Nonino is 35% abv and has notes of thyme, orange peel, and spices. It has a delicate bitterness and a light brown color.

• Averna (32% abv) has a dark, rich color and notes of chocolate, spice, and licorice. When used in a Paper Plane, the color won’t be as bright and orange, and the taste will be a touch more bitter and herbal.
• If you love Averna, try our Black Manhattan recipe!
• Meletti (32% abv) has caramel, cola, and chocolate flavors with hints of anise and saffron. It will bring darker, more bitter notes to the cocktail.
• Ramazzotti (30% abv) has alcohol and sweetness levels similar to Amaro Nonino. The flavor leans more towards licorice and vanilla.
• Montenegro (23% abv) is a great option. It has a lightness to it, with notes of perfumed flowers, dried fruits, orange peel, and herbs.
• Cynar (16.5% abv) works in a pinch and will bring a much more vegetal, earthy flavor to the drink, and half the alcohol. It will be different, but still delicious. 

For the lower alcohol amari mentioned above, consider using a cask-strength bourbon in the cocktail to balance out the alcohol difference.

paper plane cocktail history

The paper plane cocktail was created in 2008 by bartender Sam Ross (also behind the Penicillin cocktail!). He named it after the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes” which had been playing while he developed the drink.

It’s a variation of the pre-prohibition-era classic cocktail The Last Word. It is equal parts gin, maraschino liqueur, Green Chartreuse, and lime juice, and is just as fun as the paper plane! 

paper plane cocktail garnish:

There are a lot of easy and cute ways to garnish a paper plane. Read on for ideas!

• A tiny paper airplane clipped to the edge of the coupe
• Lemon peel
• Lemon twist
• Orange peel
• Orange twist
• Dried citrus wheel
• Brandied cherry
• Luxardo cherry
• Edible flower
• Rosemary sprig

make it for a crowd!

This recipe scales super well and is a fantastic option when entertaining: double it, quadruple it, make it in a pitcher for guests to pour over ice.

If making it ahead, mix the three spirits and store the batch in the fridge. Add fresh lemon juice before serving. Otherwise, over time the drink will get cloudy.

more amari cocktails to try!

jungle bird cocktail

mezcal negroni

amaro sour

black manhattan

white negroni

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