32 Refreshing Paper Plane Cocktail Variations

Hey there, cocktail enthusiasts! Have you fallen in love with the Paper Plane’s perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and citrus? We’ve taken this modern classic and given it 32 delicious twists that’ll keep your home bar exciting all year round. From seasonal fruit infusions to creative spirit swaps, these refreshing variations will make you the star of every gathering. Ready to shake things up? Let’s dive into these mouthwatering recipes!

Classic Paper Plane Cocktail

Ready to shake up your cocktail game? This modern classic balances bitter, sweet, and citrus in perfect harmony. Grab your shaker—let’s build this iconic drink.

Ingredients

– Bourbon – ¾ oz
– Aperol – ¾ oz
– Amaro Nonino – ¾ oz
– Fresh lemon juice – ¾ oz
– Ice cubes – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Fill your cocktail shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour ¾ oz bourbon into the shaker.
3. Add ¾ oz Aperol to the shaker.
4. Measure ¾ oz Amaro Nonino and pour it into the shaker.
5. Squeeze ¾ oz fresh lemon juice directly into the shaker—using fresh juice prevents bitterness from bottled alternatives.
6. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside feels frosty.
7. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass to avoid dilution from melted ice.
8. Serve immediately without garnish to let the vibrant color shine. What hits first is the bright citrus tang, quickly mellowed by herbal sweetness and a bitter finish. Try it alongside sharp cheeses or as a bold pre-dinner aperitif—its complex layers unfold with every sip.

Spicy Ginger Paper Plane

Kick your cocktail game up with this fiery twist on the classic Paper Plane. Grab that shaker—we’re blending spicy ginger with bold bourbon for a drink that slaps. Perfect for when you want something that bites back.

Ingredients

Bourbon – 1 oz
Aperol – 1 oz
Amaro Nonino – 1 oz
Fresh lemon juice – 1 oz
Ginger syrup – ½ oz
Candied ginger slice – 1 piece

Instructions

1. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes until it’s three-quarters full.
2. Pour 1 oz bourbon directly into the shaker.
3. Add 1 oz Aperol to the shaker.
4. Measure and pour 1 oz Amaro Nonino into the mixture.
5. Squeeze 1 oz fresh lemon juice through a fine mesh strainer to catch seeds.
6. Add ½ oz ginger syrup to the shaker.
7. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frost forms on the outside.
8. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass using a Hawthorne strainer.
9. Garnish with 1 candied ginger slice placed on the rim.

Vibrant and balanced, this cocktail delivers spicy ginger heat that mellows into citrus brightness. The candied ginger garnish adds chewy texture and extra kick. Serve it alongside spicy snacks or as a bold digestif after dinner.

Tropical Paper Plane with Pineapple

OBSESSED with this tropical twist on the classic Paper Plane cocktail. Pineapple brings major vacation vibes to this bitter-sweet sip. Shake up your happy hour with this four-ingredient wonder.

Ingredients

• Bourbon – 1 oz
• Aperol – 1 oz
• Amaro Nonino – 1 oz
• Fresh pineapple juice – 1 oz
• Ice cubes – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Measure 1 oz bourbon into a cocktail shaker.
2. Pour 1 oz Aperol into the same shaker.
3. Add 1 oz Amaro Nonino to the shaker.
4. Juice fresh pineapple until you have exactly 1 oz liquid.
5. Fill the shaker with 1 cup ice cubes.
6. Secure the shaker lid tightly with both hands.
7. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty.
8. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
9. Serve immediately while the cocktail is perfectly chilled.

The pineapple juice creates a silky texture that balances the bitter notes beautifully. Serve it with grilled pineapple slices for an extra tropical garnish that caramelizes the flavors.

Berry-Infused Paper Plane Delight

A berry-blasted cocktail that’ll make your taste buds soar. This vibrant twist on the classic Paper Plane combines sweet, tart, and bitter in perfect harmony. Get ready to shake up your happy hour routine.

Ingredients

• Bourbon – ¾ oz
• Aperol – ¾ oz
• Amaro Nonino – ¾ oz
• Fresh lemon juice – ¾ oz
• Mixed berries – ¼ cup
• Ice – 2 cups

Instructions

1. Combine ¼ cup mixed berries, ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, and ¾ oz fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Muddle the ingredients vigorously for 30 seconds until berries are completely crushed and release their juices.
3. Fill the shaker with 1½ cups of ice, ensuring the ice covers all liquid ingredients completely.
4. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
5. Double-strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to remove all berry pulp and seeds.
6. Garnish with 3-4 fresh berries on a cocktail pick placed across the rim of the glass.

Perfectly balanced between sweet berry notes and bitter citrus undertones, this cocktail delivers a smooth, vibrant sipping experience. The double-straining creates a crystal-clear presentation that lets the gorgeous ruby color shine through. Serve it alongside dark chocolate truffles for an elevated dessert pairing that complements the amaro’s herbal complexity.

Herbal Basil Paper Plane

Kickstart your cocktail game with this herbal twist on the modern classic. Grab your shaker—we’re blending botanical basil with bitter aperitivo in perfect harmony. This vibrant sipper delivers complex flavors in under five minutes flat.

Ingredients

Bourbon – ¾ oz
Aperol – ¾ oz
Amaro Nonino – ¾ oz
Fresh lemon juice – ¾ oz
Fresh basil leaves – 4
Ice cubes – 2 cups

Instructions

1. Place 3 basil leaves in your cocktail shaker and gently press with a muddler to release oils without tearing.
2. Pour ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, and ¾ oz fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with 1½ cups ice cubes until three-quarters full.
4. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for exactly 15 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
5. Strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish with the remaining fresh basil leaf by gently clapping it between your palms to activate its aroma before placing it on the drink’s surface.
7. Serve immediately while the condensation beads on the glass. Get that basil leaf aroma right under your nose with each sip—the herbal notes play beautifully against the bitter orange and whiskey warmth. Try rimming your glass with lemon zest sugar for an extra citrus kick.

Smoky Mezcal Paper Plane

Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on a modern classic. Shake up this mezcal-forward Paper Plane that balances bitter, sweet, and herbal notes. Get ready for a bold drink that’s equal parts sophisticated and dangerously easy to sip.

Ingredients

– Mezcal – 1 oz
– Aperol – 1 oz
– Amaro Nonino – 1 oz
– Fresh lemon juice – 1 oz
– Ice cubes – 2 cups
– Orange peel – 1 strip

Instructions

1. Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice water.
2. Measure 1 oz mezcal into a cocktail shaker.
3. Pour 1 oz Aperol into the shaker.
4. Add 1 oz Amaro Nonino to the shaker.
5. Squeeze 1 oz fresh lemon juice directly into the shaker. Tip: Roll the lemon on the counter first to maximize juice yield.
6. Fill the shaker with 1 cup ice cubes.
7. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frost forms on the outside.
8. Empty the ice water from your chilled coupe glass.
9. Double-strain the cocktail into the glass through a fine mesh strainer. Tip: Double-straining removes ice chips for a silky texture.
10. Express the oils from 1 orange peel over the drink by twisting it skin-side down.
11. Rub the orange peel around the glass rim.
12. Drop the orange peel into the drink as garnish. Tip: Use a vegetable peeler to get a clean, wide citrus strip.
Brace for a velvety sip where smoky mezcal tangoes with bright citrus and bitter herbs. The silky texture glides across your palate while the orange oils perfume every sip. Serve it alongside spicy tacos or as a bold aperitif before dinner.

Citrus Burst Paper Plane

TikTok just discovered the ultimate citrus cocktail that’s shaking up happy hour. This vibrant Paper Plane balances bitter, sweet, and sour in one stunning glass. Get ready to shake, strain, and sip your way to cocktail fame.

Ingredients

– Bourbon – 1 oz
– Aperol – 1 oz
– Amaro Nonino – 1 oz
– Fresh lemon juice – 1 oz
– Ice cubes – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice water.
2. Measure 1 oz bourbon into a cocktail shaker.
3. Pour 1 oz Aperol into the same shaker.
4. Add 1 oz Amaro Nonino to the mixture.
5. Squeeze 1 oz fresh lemon juice directly into the shaker.
6. Fill the shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes.
7. Secure the shaker lid tightly with both hands.
8. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside frosts.
9. Empty the ice water from your chilled coupe glass.
10. Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the glass.
11. Discard the used ice from the shaker.
12. Serve immediately without garnishes.

Radiant orange hue gives way to a perfectly balanced sip where bitter Aperol meets bright lemon zing. The silky texture coats your palate while bourbon warmth lingers beautifully. Serve these in vintage coupes for Instagram-worthy moments or batch them for effortless entertaining.

Cinnamon-Apple Paper Plane

Pour this autumnal twist on the classic cocktail that’s about to dominate your happy hour. Pack fresh apple flavor with spicy cinnamon warmth in every sip. Shake up your usual routine with this vibrant, seasonal upgrade.

Ingredients

• Bourbon – 1 oz
• Aperol – 1 oz
• Amaro Nonino – 1 oz
• Fresh lemon juice – 1 oz
• Apple cider – 2 oz
• Cinnamon stick – 1
• Ice cubes – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Chill your cocktail shaker by filling it with ice cubes for 30 seconds, then discard the ice.
2. Measure bourbon precisely using a jigger and pour into the chilled shaker.
3. Add Aperol to the shaker, ensuring equal parts with the bourbon.
4. Pour in Amaro Nonino, maintaining the 1:1:1 ratio for balanced bitterness.
5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly into the shaker to prevent oxidation and maximize brightness.
6. Add apple cider to the shaker, doubling the amount of the spirit components.
7. Drop in the cinnamon stick whole to infuse without overpowering.
8. Fill the shaker with fresh ice cubes until three-quarters full.
9. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frost forms on the exterior.
10. Strain the mixture immediately into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
11. Garnish by placing the used cinnamon stick across the rim of the glass.

Layers of spicy warmth from the cinnamon meld perfectly with the bright apple tang. The velvety texture coats your palate while the bitter notes keep it sophisticated. Serve alongside sharp cheddar cheese or drizzle with honey for an extra sweet contrast.

Vanilla Almond Paper Plane

TikTok’s buzzing about this cocktail for good reason. Transform your basic home bar into a craft cocktail lounge with this four-ingredient wonder. Trust me, your followers will beg for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Bourbon – ¾ oz
• Aperol – ¾ oz
• Amaretto – ¾ oz
• Fresh lemon juice – ¾ oz
• Ice cubes – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour ¾ oz bourbon directly into the shaker.
3. Add ¾ oz Aperol to the shaker.
4. Measure ¾ oz amaretto and pour it in.
5. Squeeze ¾ oz fresh lemon juice into the shaker. Tip: Roll the lemon firmly on the counter before juicing to maximize yield.
6. Secure the shaker lid tightly with both hands.
7. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty. Tip: Shake hard enough to hear the ice cracking—this ensures proper dilution and chilling.
8. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. Tip: Pre-chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes for a professional touch.

Sip this beauty immediately—it’s all about that silky texture and bright citrus kick against the bitter-sweet almond notes. Serve it alongside dark chocolate truffles to highlight the amaretto’s nutty depth, or garnish with a thin lemon twist for extra aroma. Either way, it’s pure elegance in a glass.

Minty Fresh Paper Plane

Hitting all the right notes, this Minty Fresh Paper Plane cocktail brings vibrant herbal brightness to your glass. Shake up this modern classic that balances sweet, bitter, and refreshing flavors in perfect harmony. Get ready to impress with this effortlessly cool drink that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Ingredients

– Bourbon – ¾ oz
– Aperol – ¾ oz
– Amaro Nonino – ¾ oz
– Fresh lemon juice – ¾ oz
– Fresh mint leaves – 4
– Ice cubes – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Fill your cocktail shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour ¾ oz bourbon directly into the shaker.
3. Add ¾ oz Aperol to the shaker.
4. Measure ¾ oz Amaro Nonino and pour into the mixture.
5. Squeeze ¾ oz fresh lemon juice directly into the shaker.
6. Gently slap 4 fresh mint leaves between your palms to release oils, then drop them in.
7. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for exactly 15 seconds until frost forms on the outside.
8. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh sieve into a chilled coupe glass.
9. Garnish with one of the mint leaves you reserved earlier.
10. Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled and the mint aroma is most potent.

You’ll love the silky texture that glides across your palate with each sip. The vibrant herbal notes from the fresh mint dance beautifully with the citrus brightness, creating a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail. Try serving it alongside dark chocolate desserts or as a stunning pre-dinner aperitif to really let those complex flavors shine.

Coffee-Infused Paper Plane

Jazz up your cocktail game with this coffee-spiked Paper Plane. Shake up this bitter-sweet masterpiece that hits all the right notes. Your taste buds won’t know what hit them.

Ingredients

• Bourbon – 1 oz
• Aperol – 1 oz
• Amaretto – 1 oz
• Fresh lemon juice – 1 oz
• Cold brew concentrate – ½ oz
• Ice cubes – 2 cups
• Orange peel – 1 strip

Instructions

1. Fill your cocktail shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour 1 oz bourbon directly into the shaker.
3. Add 1 oz Aperol to the shaker.
4. Measure 1 oz amaretto and pour it into the shaker.
5. Squeeze 1 oz fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
6. Add ½ oz cold brew concentrate to the mixture.
7. Secure the shaker lid tightly with both hands.
8. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty.
9. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
10. Express the oils from 1 orange peel over the drink’s surface.
11. Garnish by placing the orange peel on the glass rim.

What makes this cocktail special is the velvety texture that carries both bitter and sweet notes in perfect harmony. The coffee infusion adds depth without overpowering the classic Paper Plane balance. Serve it alongside dark chocolate truffles for an elevated dessert pairing that highlights the amaretto’s nutty character.

Lavender Lemon Paper Plane

Unleash your inner mixologist with this floral twist on a modern classic. Upgrade your cocktail game with lavender’s aromatic charm balanced by lemon’s bright zing. Shake up something unforgettable in just minutes.

Ingredients

• Bourbon – 1 oz
• Aperol – 1 oz
• Amaretto – 1 oz
• Fresh lemon juice – 1 oz
• Dried culinary lavender – 1 tsp
• Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp
• Water – ¼ cup
• Ice cubes – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Combine ¼ cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp dried lavender in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until sugar fully dissolves, about 2 minutes.
3. Remove saucepan from heat and let lavender syrup steep for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, pressing lavender to extract maximum flavor.
5. Fill a cocktail shaker with 1 cup ice cubes to ensure proper chilling.
6. Pour 1 oz bourbon, 1 oz Aperol, 1 oz amaretto, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and ¾ oz lavender syrup into the shaker.
7. Secure shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frost forms on the outside.
8. Strain cocktail into a chilled coupe glass to prevent dilution from melted ice.
9. Garnish with a fresh lemon twist expressed over the drink to release citrus oils.

Crafted cocktails should dazzle both palate and presentation. This beauty delivers silky texture with floral notes dancing alongside citrus brightness. Serve it alongside honey-glazed nuts or as a sophisticated pre-dinner aperitif that sets the mood for any gathering.

Conclusion

Here’s to endless summer sipping! This collection of 32 Paper Plane twists offers something for every palate, from fruity to herbal. We hope you’ll mix up a few, find your new favorite, and let us know which one you love in the comments. Don’t forget to share this roundup on Pinterest to inspire fellow cocktail enthusiasts. Cheers!