Paper Plane
Modern classic, built for batching
About this cocktail
The Paper Plane is a modern classic, created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey New York around 2008 and named after the M.I.A. song that was on the speakers when he was working it out. Equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. The four-way equal-parts ratio is unusual and works because all four ingredients are roughly the same intensity. As a freezer batch the lemon juice is the limiting factor (best within a week); the bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino batch indefinitely on their own. Some bartenders pre-batch the three spirits and add fresh lemon at serve. Either approach works.
Pick a cocktail to batch
Shaken citrus drinks pick up more water from ice. Spirit-forward stirred drinks need less; freezer batches often need none.
Your Batch
Aim for around 22% ABV or higher to keep the batch pourable in the freezer.
Remove this much spirit to make room. Save it for later.
At Serve
How to serve
Pour into a coupe glass. No garnish needed.
Best within: 2-3 weeks
Pro Tips
- + This lands in the slushy zone - that's okay, it's still delicious
- + For firmer texture, increase bourbon ratio slightly
- + Equal parts makes it easy to remember and scale
- + Shake well before pouring to recombine ingredients
Avoid These
- − Expecting it to be fully liquid (it'll be slightly slushy)
- − Using a different amaro (Nonino is specific to this drink)
For Hosts
Batching for a party?
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The Tools
Recommended for this batch
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