A Paper Plane cocktail in a coupe glass with a lemon peel garnish.

Paper Plane
Cocktail Recipe

Bitter

Herbal

Fruity

The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail known for its bright, balanced flavour and simple equal-parts formula. Made with whisky (traditionally bourbon), Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, it combines citrus, bitterness, and gentle sweetness. Created in the late 2000s and quickly embraced by whisky fans around the world, it’s a drink that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve.

Ingredients

Bourbon
We recommend Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey, 70cl
20ml
Aperol
20ml
Nonino Amaro
20ml
Fresh lemon juice
20ml
Ice
Lemon
1

Number of servings

01

Equipment

Coupe glass
Cocktail shaker
Cocktail strainer

Bartender tip: If you have a separate strainer, double strain your mixture into your glass to achieve a supremely smooth serve.

Whisky is poured into a cocktail shaker

Whisky is poured into a cocktail shaker

Method

STEP 01

Pour

Add the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice

Step 02

Shake

Shake well until the surface of the shaker feels chilled

Step 03

Strain

Strain into a coupe glass

Step 04

Garnish

Garnish with a twisted lemon peel

Created in the late 2000s, the Paper Plane shows how a modern cocktail can earn classic status - four equal parts, perfectly balanced.

Malts Black Quote Background

You may also like...

Two friends sit around a table playing cards, holding cocktails.

Boulevardier

Swapping Scotch for bourbon or rye, the Boulevardier adds Campari for a complex, bittersweet twist.

Discover the recipe

Two people cheers highball glasses, one coke with ice, another a Gold Rush cocktail with a lemon garnish.

Gold Rush

A clean and modern twist on the Whisky Sour, the Gold Rush is beautifully balanced and bright.

Discover the recipe

Whisky Sour cocktail

Whisky Sour

Based on the smoky soul of southern Islay Whisky, our Whisky Sour is balanced by sharp citrus and smooth sweetness. With strong flavours and attractive garnishes, it’s the perfect party drink.

Discover the recipe