🍸 The Paper Plane: A Cocktail That Soars Beyond Expectations ✈️

Introduction 🍹

The Paper Plane is the kind of cocktail that makes you wonder if someone bottled optimism and added a lemon twist. This modern classic, born in the late 2000s, is a harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and citrusy flavors that'll make your taste buds do a happy little jig. It's like a vacation in a glass, minus the sunscreen smell.

A Brief History of Paper Plane cocktail 🕰️

This cocktail was born in 2007 at the Violet Hour in Chicago, crafted by bartender Sam Ross (who also gave us the Penicillin cocktail. Clearly, this man has a gift for naming drinks after things that shouldn't be cocktails but somehow work brilliantly).

The Paper Plane was reportedly named after the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes" that was popular at the time. The cocktail exemplifies the elegant simplicity of equal-parts recipes, following in the footsteps of other classics like the Last Word and Negroni. Its rapid rise to prominence in the cocktail world demonstrates how a well-balanced, thoughtfully constructed drink can quickly become timeless, despite its relatively recent inception.

---

Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe 📋

Ingredient	Measurement
Bourbon	¾ oz (22ml)
Aperol	¾ oz (22ml)
Amaro Nonino Quintessia	¾ oz (22ml)
Fresh lemon juice	¾ oz (22ml)
Ice	As needed

Instructions:

1. Shake it: Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice,shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds(or until your arm complains)
2. Strain: Double-strain into your chilled coupe glass.
3. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist or a tiny paper airplane, if you're stylish.

Pro Tip: If your Paper Plane crashes, you probably forgot the lemon. Or you're drinking it too slowly.

Decoding the Classic Charm of the Paper Plane 🛫

1. The "Goldilocks" Balance
   Bourbon brings warmth, Aperol adds bitter-orange zing, Amaro Nonino throws in herbal complexity, and lemon juice ties it all together. It's not too sweet, not too bitter, it's just right.

2. The "I Can Make This!" Factor
   No obscure or hard-to-find ingredients, no complicated techniques, you could make this with your eyes closed and still achieve a Michelin three-star flavor.

3. Nostalgia with a Side of Swagger
   The name evokes childhood paper airplanes, but the drink is all grown-up. It's like wearing a tuxedo to a playground, unexpectedly cool.

4. The Escape Button in Liquid Form
   One sip and you're transported to a dimly lit bar where the ice is always perfectly cracked, and the playlist is flawless.

Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends 🤓

• Name Game: The cocktail was named after M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes," a song that was a favorite of Ross during the drink's creation.
• IBA Recognition: In 2020, the Paper Plane was added to the International Bartenders Association's list of official cocktails, cementing its status as a modern classic.
• T-Shirt Fame: NYC's Attaboy bar sold Paper Plane tees in 2019, sold out in a week.
• The Conversation Starter: Order a Paper Plane at a bar, and you'll either get a knowing nod from a fellow cocktail enthusiast or a puzzled look from someone who thinks you're ordering office supplies. Either way, you've got a conversation starter.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Paper Plane cocktail(FAQs) 🕵️

1. What does a Paper Plane cocktail taste like?

It delivers a lovely balance. A citrusy tang from the lemon juice, bittersweet orange from the Aperol, complex herbal and slightly nutty notes from the Amaro Nonino, and warmth from the bourbon.

2. What glass should I serve a Paper Plane in?

A coupe glass is the classic choice, though a Nick and Nora glass works beautifully too. These stemmed glasses show off the drink's lovely color and keep your hand from warming the cocktail.

3. Is a garnish necessary for the Paper Plane cocktail?

Not really. The official recipe (per IBA) lists no garnish. But a lemon twist or a tiny paper-plane shaped peel adds a playful flair and works just fine.

4. Can I batch Paper Plane cocktails for a party?

Yes! The equal parts formula makes this cocktail perfect for batching. Multiply each ingredient by the number of servings you want, combine everything except the ice in a container, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice and strain.

5. Can I substitute Amaro Nonino in a Paper Plane cocktail?

While Amaro Nonino is traditional and highly recommended, you can substitute it with other amari if necessary. Amaro Montenegro works well as it has similar sweetness and citrus notes. Ramazzotti is another option, though it will make the drink slightly more bitter. However, the unique character of Amaro Nonino really does make the drink special, so try to find it if possible.

6. Why is the cocktail called a Paper Plane?

The cocktail was named after the M.I.A. song "Paper Planes," which was popular in 2007. The name also evokes the drink's light, uplifting quality and its ability to help you "soar" after a long day.

7. Is a Paper Plane a strong cocktail?

The Paper Plane is moderately strong, it won't knock you over. The bright citrus and bitter elements make it quite refreshing despite the booze.

8. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh for my Paper Plane cocktail?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended. Bottled juice often lacks the brightness and vibrancy that make the Paper Plane shine.

9. Is the Paper Plane a year-round cocktail?

While the Paper Plane works beautifully any time of year, many people find it particularly appealing in late summer and early fall. The Aperol gives it a sunset quality that feels perfect for transitional seasons. That said, its balanced profile and citrus brightness make it equally enjoyable on a winter evening when you need something uplifting.

10. Is the Paper Plane cocktail very bitter?

Not really! While it contains two bitter ingredients (Aperol and Amaro Nonino), the sugar content and the lemon juice mask the bitterness significantly. It reads more as bittersweet or zesty rather than outright bitter.

---

References:
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_plane_%28cocktail%29
[2]: https://punchdrink.com/articles/how-paper-plane-became-modern-classic-cocktail-recipe-milk-and-honey-nyc/