A Paper Plane is a delicious, boozy cocktail that is equal parts bourbon, aperol, amaro, and lemon juice. I did not come up with this recipe, but it's one of my favorite cocktails right now.
It originated from a cocktail lounge in Chicago called The Violet Hour. Despite living in Chicago for 14 years and just down the road from Violet Hour, I never actually went there and I didn't try a Paper Plane until I moved to Nashville.
The first time I had it was at a bar called Attaboy and I absolutely loved it. My love of it was reinvigorated when I went to another cocktail bar called Le Loup (also in Nashville) that has an extensive cocktail menu, including classics, "new" classics, original recipes, and "tributes." The Paper Plane was on the tributes list and I remembered how much I enjoyed it years ago when I first tasted it.
It's a wonderful cocktail any time of year, but if you're looking for something a little boozier, but still light and fresh for summer, this is the ticket. It's easy to make and even easier to drink. Try one on your next cocktail night - I think you'll be hooked too. Paper airplane garnish optional :)
Paper Plane (Cocktail)
Makes 1 cocktail
Original recipe from Violet Hour in Chicago, ILIngredients:
3/4 oz. bourbon
3/4 oz. Aperol
3/4 oz. Amaro nonino
3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions:
Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a chilled coup glass or martini glass. Enjoy.