During a recent trip to London I ended up in a bar with a very limited menu, but a note saying the bartender could make “most classic cocktails.” I decided to try my luck with a Paper Plane. While after a little discussion he was ultimately able to make me the drink, whether or not it qualifies as a “classic” cocktail is up for debate.

The Paper Plane is a moderncocktail (I’d argue a modern classic cocktail) that has gained a loyal following for its balance of bitter, sweet, and sour flavors. Despite its simplicity, it has a unique, sophisticated character that makes it stand out among other contemporary cocktails. Created by New York bartender Sam Ross in 2007, the drink has an origin story rooted in experimentation, creativity, and a touch of humor.

A Little Paper Plane History

The Paper Plane was born at Milk & Honey (RIP), a New York City cocktail bar where Sam Ross was an influential figure. Ross was known for his creativity and knack for balancing flavors, which made him one of the leaders in the modern cocktail renaissance. He originally crafted the Paper Plane as a riff on the Last Word, a Prohibition-era cocktail that also uses equal parts of four ingredients.

The cocktail was first made with Campari, but Ross soon replaced it with Amaro Nonino, an Italian bitter liqueur known for its smooth, slightly nutty flavor. This change gave the Paper Plane its unique balance of bitterness without overwhelming the drink’s other flavors. Ross named the drink after the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” which was a popular hit at the time, adding a playful cultural nod to the drink’s story.

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The Recipe: How to Make a Paper Plane Cocktail

The Paper Plane has a simple recipe with just four ingredients in equal parts, making it easy to remember and quick to make. After I had my first one it quickly made its way to the top of my at-home drink list.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 ounce bourbon
  • 3/4 ounce Aperol
  • 3/4 ounce Amaro Nonino
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously until well-chilled (about 10–15 seconds).
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist or a small paper airplane if you’re feeling creative.

Why the Paper Plane Works

The Paper Plane’s equal-parts recipe brings harmony to the drink. The bourbon provides warmth and depth, while the Aperol adds a touch of bright citrus and bitterness. Amaro Nonino lends an herbal complexity that mellows the drink, while fresh lemon juice balances everything with a burst of acidity. The result is a cocktail that’s refreshing yet robust, with a bittersweet finish that keeps you coming back for more.

Paper Plane Variations

While the Paper Plane is already perfectly balanced IMO, some bartenders like to experiment. Swapping out the bourbon for rye gives the cocktail a spicier profile, while using a higher-proof bourbon adds an extra kick. If you don’t have Amaro Nonino on hand, you can try replacing it with another amaro like Montenegro, although it will alter the flavor slightly.