The Paper Plane is one of the few cocktails invented in this century that has earned full classic status. Built by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in 2008 (the same bartender who built the Penicillin), it works because every component carries equal weight, exactly 22ml of each, and they balance each other perfectly.

Ingredients

  • Bourbon 22ml
  • Amaro Nonino 22ml (Montenegro is acceptable; substitute amari change the drink)
  • Aperol 22ml
  • Fresh lemon juice 22ml

Method

  1. Combine all four ingredients in a shaker with ice. Equal parts.
  2. Shake hard for 10 seconds.
  3. Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
  4. Garnish: optional lemon coin, or nothing, the orange-pink colour is the visual.

Why equal parts works

Each of the four ingredients does a different job: bourbon provides body and warmth, amaro provides bitter herbal depth, Aperol provides bittersweet citrus, and lemon provides acid. Each one at the same volume means none dominates and they all show up in the same sip.

This is one of a small handful of "equal parts" cocktails (Last Word, Corpse Reviver No. 2, Naked & Famous) where the equal-parts maths is the whole point.

Variations

Naked & Famous: mezcal + yellow chartreuse + Aperol + lime. The mezcal twist on the equal-parts format.

Trinidad Sour: 45ml angostura bitters (yes, 45ml) + 30ml orgeat + 15ml rye + 25ml lemon. The most extreme bitter-forward equal-parts-ish drink.

Last Word: equal parts gin + green chartreuse + maraschino + lime.

What amaro to use

The original recipe specifies Amaro Nonino. Amaro Nonino is herbal-floral-citrus with low bitterness. The drink lands lighter and more elegant with Nonino.

If Nonino is not available: Amaro Montenegro is the closest substitute. Other amari (Averna, Ramazzotti, Cynar) make a darker, deeper, less elegant version, still good but different.

Related

Frequently asked questions

What glass is the Paper Plane served in?

A chilled coupe. The Paper Plane is shaken hard then double-strained up, with no ice in the final glass. A small Nick & Nora works too. The orange-pink colour is the visual, so a clear stemmed glass shows the drink best. Optional lemon coin garnish, or nothing.

Can I substitute Amaro Nonino in a Paper Plane?

Yes, but the drink changes. Amaro Nonino is herbal-floral-citrus with low bitterness and is the original specification. Amaro Montenegro is the closest substitute and is widely accepted. Averna, Ramazzotti, or Cynar produce a darker, deeper, less elegant version. The choice of amaro is the single biggest variable in this cocktail.

How strong is the Paper Plane?

Around 18 to 20 percent ABV in the finished drink. The build is 22ml each of bourbon (around 40 percent), Amaro Nonino (35 percent), Aperol (11 percent), and lemon juice (zero), shaken with ice dilution. It drinks lighter than its alcohol number suggests because the equal-parts citrus and bittersweet balance pulls attention away from the spirit weight.

Where can I order a Paper Plane in PJ or KL?

At Dissolved Solids in Damansara Kim, 43-1 Jalan SS20/11, Petaling Jaya. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 15:00 to 01:00. WhatsApp +60 11-4008 7607. Also at Soluble Solids in SS2, 50-1 Jalan SS2/24. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 18:00 to 01:00. WhatsApp +60 11-1682 8651. Both bars keep Amaro Nonino on hand.

What food pairs with a Paper Plane?

Anything bittersweet-friendly. Charcuterie, hard cheeses, cured meats. Pre-dinner with olives or marinated anchovies. The Aperol-and-amaro spine asks for salt or fat to play against. Avoid very delicate fish; the cocktail's herbal weight will run over a raw oyster. Roast pork or duck pairs particularly well.