If you’re looking for a fun and refreshing cocktail to enjoy with friends, look no further than the Paper Plane Cocktail. This delightful drink combines the zesty flavors of bourbon, amaro, Aperol, and lemon juice, creating a symphony of taste that is both tart and sweet. In this article, you’ll discover the simple steps to crafting this delicious cocktail, perfect for any occasion. So grab your shaker and get ready to learn how to make a Paper Plane Cocktail that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. Cheers!
Ingredients
To make a Paper Plane cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
1.5 oz Bourbon
0.75 oz Aperol
0.75 oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
0.75 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp Simple syrup
Orange twist, for garnish
The combination of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an orange twist creates the perfect balance of flavors in this cocktail.
Equipment
To prepare and serve the Paper Plane cocktail, you will need the following equipment:
Cocktail shaker
Strainer
Jigger
Ice
Rocks glass
Having the right tools is important when it comes to creating the perfect cocktail. The cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger, and rocks glass will help you mix and serve the Paper Plane cocktail like a pro.
Preparation
Follow these simple steps to prepare the Paper Plane cocktail:
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. This will help chill the ingredients and provide proper dilution.
Add the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the cocktail shaker. These ingredients create the unique flavors and balanced taste of the Paper Plane cocktail.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This will thoroughly mix the ingredients and create a nice froth on top of the cocktail.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Using a strainer will ensure that no ice or citrus pulp ends up in the glass, giving you a smooth and enjoyable drink.
Garnish with an orange twist. Twisting the orange peel over the glass will release the oils and add a hint of citrus aroma to the cocktail.
Serve and enjoy! The Paper Plane cocktail is now ready to be enjoyed. Sip and savor the delightful flavors of this modern classic cocktail.
Explanation
The Paper Plane cocktail is a modern classic that was created by New York bartender Sam Ross in 2007. It has gained popularity for its unique combination of flavors and its playful name.
The cocktail gets its name from the similarity of its ingredients to the proportions of making a paper airplane, hence the playful name. Just like a paper plane requires equal parts of its components, the Paper Plane cocktail combines equal parts of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
The bourbon provides a rich and robust base for the cocktail, while the Aperol adds a touch of sweetness and citrus flavor. The Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, an Italian liqueur, contributes herbal and bitter notes, adding complexity to the drink. The freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the cocktail, balancing out the flavors. Finally, the simple syrup helps to round out the flavors and provide a touch of sweetness.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make the perfect Paper Plane cocktail, it’s important to choose the right ingredients. Here’s what you need to consider:
Bourbon: Opt for a quality bourbon with a smooth flavor profile. The bourbon sets the foundation for the cocktail, so choose one that you enjoy sipping on its own.
Aperol: Aperol is an Italian aperitif with a bright orange color and a unique combination of bitter and sweet flavors. It adds a touch of sweetness and citrusy notes to the cocktail.
Amaro Nonino Quintessentia: This particular amaro is characterized by its smoothness and complexity of flavors. It contributes herbal and bitter notes to the Paper Plane cocktail, creating depth and balance.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Using fresh lemon juice is important to ensure a vibrant and zesty taste. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it may contain preservatives that can alter the flavor of the cocktail.
Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is a common ingredient in many cocktails, including the Paper Plane. You can easily make your own simple syrup by dissolving equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat. Allow it to cool before using.
By using high-quality ingredients, you’ll be able to create a Paper Plane cocktail that is full of flavor and truly delicious.
Shaking the Cocktail
Shaking the cocktail is an important step in the preparation process. Here’s how to do it:
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. This step is crucial as it helps to chill the ingredients and provide proper dilution.
Add the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. These ingredients form the flavor profile of the cocktail.
Secure the lid tightly and shake the shaker vigorously for about 15 seconds. The shaking process mixes the ingredients thoroughly and creates a nice froth on top of the cocktail.
Shaking the cocktail is not only functional but can also be quite fun. Enjoy the process and get ready to taste the deliciousness that awaits you.
Straining and Serving
To properly serve the Paper Plane cocktail, follow these steps:
Place a strainer on top of the rocks glass to catch any ice or citrus pulp while pouring. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable drink.
Hold the cocktail shaker at a slight angle and strain the mixture into the rocks glass. The strainer will separate the liquid from any solid particles, resulting in a clean and visually appealing cocktail.
Make sure to leave some space at the top of the glass for garnishing and ease of consumption. This will ensure that the cocktail doesn’t spill while adding the garnish or while enjoying it.
Add fresh ice cubes to the glass to maintain the cocktail’s chilled temperature. The ice also adds to the presentation and overall experience of the drink.
Garnish the drink with an orange twist. Gently twist the orange peel over the glass to release the oils and brush it around the rim of the glass for added aroma. Place the twist on the rim or float it on top of the cocktail for a beautiful finishing touch.
Now, it’s time to serve and enjoy the Paper Plane cocktail! Sip and savor the delightful flavors of this perfectly balanced cocktail.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making the Paper Plane cocktail:
Experiment with different types of bourbon to personalize the flavor of your Paper Plane cocktail. Explore different brands and choose one that complements your taste preferences.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a touch more simple syrup. Adjust the amount to suit your desired level of sweetness.
For a smokier twist, try using a peated bourbon. The smoky flavor adds an interesting dimension to the cocktail and can be a delightful variation for those who enjoy smokier spirits.
Consider rimming the glass with sugar or a citrus-infused rimming salt for added flavor and presentation. Dip the rim of the glass in water or citrus juice, then dip it in sugar or rimming salt of your choice. This adds an extra touch of sweetness or saltiness to each sip.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid as an alternative. Simply add the ingredients to the jar, secure the lid tightly, and shake it vigorously to mix the cocktail.
Feel free to experiment and make the Paper Plane cocktail your own. These tips and variations allow you to tailor the cocktail to your personal preferences and create a drink that suits your taste perfectly.
Conclusion
The Paper Plane cocktail is a delightful and balanced drink that is perfect for any occasion. With its unique combination of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino Quintessentia, and lemon juice, it offers a refreshing burst of flavors that will impress your guests or simply pamper yourself.
By following the simple steps outlined in this article and selecting quality ingredients, you can easily craft this cocktail at home and enjoy its playful and satisfying taste. Gather your favorite equipment, measure out the ingredients with care, and shake up a Paper Plane cocktail to enjoy a moment of cocktail bliss. Cheers!
