The Right Way to Mix a Paper Plane Cocktail

Paper Plane cocktail in a coupe glass with orange twist

The Paper Plane cocktail is celebrated for its seamless balance of bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and lemon juice—delivering a citrus-forward profile with subtly bitter complexity. Drawing inspiration from the classic Last Word build, precision and execution are essential to achieving its silky texture and vibrant taste. Let’s break down the fundamentals that set a Paper Plane apart.

Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe (ml Standard)

22.5 ml bourbon (high-rye styles accentuate spice, but classic bourbon is also suitable)
22.5 ml Aperol
22.5 ml amaro (most commonly Amaro Nonino, but Montenegro works in a pinch)
22.5 ml fresh lemon juice (strained to remove pulp)

Essential Equipment for a Balanced Shake

Cobbler or Boston-style shaker (choose a shaker with a solid seal to allow vigorous shaking)
Fine strainer (to eliminate ice shards for an extra-smooth finish)
Jigger (for exact equal 22.5 ml pours, crucial for balance)
Martini or coupe glass, pre-chilled

Shaking: The Signature Paper Plane Technique

The hallmark of a Paper Plane is its airy, harmonious mouthfeel—achieved by shaking with hard, fast motion. Because all the ingredients are low-proof liquids with fresh juice included, you’ll want to maximize chilling, dilution, and aeration—but not overdo it. Here’s a stepwise technique:

Add all ingredients into the shaker first, before ice, to ensure even mixing.
Fill with solid, dense ice cubes (avoid crushed ice for this build as it leads to over-dilution).
Seal and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds. Aim for a tight rhythm—the sound should be crisp and sharp, not hollow. This guarantees fast chilling and perfect dilution.
Strain using both a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer into your pre-chilled coupe. This produces a smooth, frothy surface and glossy finish.

Cocktail shaker and ingredients beside coupe glass

Pouring & Serving: Getting the Visuals Right

Pour in a slow, steady stream directly into the center of the glass. This preserves the micro-foam for the signature satiny top layer.
Garnish is optional—a small, neatly cut orange or lemon zest complements the drink’s aroma, but avoid large twists or wheels that may overpower.
Serve immediately, while the surface is still glossy and the liquid ice-cold. Pre-chilling your glass keeps the cocktail crisp longer.

Because each ingredient in the Paper Plane is poured in equal parts, there’s no margin for error—choose a reliable jigger and focus on clean, precise measuring. The color should be a delicate blush orange, and the body light and inviting.

Close up of Paper Plane cocktail texture and color

Pro Bartender Tips for the Perfect Paper Plane

Use lemons at room temperature for easier juicing and greater flavor extraction.
Let your shaken drink sit for 5–7 seconds before straining to allow air bubbles to settle, achieving a finer texture.
If using a home shaker prone to leaks, wrap the seal with a bar towel before shaking.
Don’t substitute Campari for Aperol—its bitterness will throw the drink’s delicate balance out of tune.

Mastering the Paper Plane is about attention to detail. With precision pouring, a quick, powerful shake, and careful straining, you’ll capture the vibrant look and uplifting flavor for every glass.