At first glance, the ingredients in a Paper Plane might make you scratch your head. Amaro Nonino? Aperol? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The magic of the Paper Plane is in the way these flavors come together. Here’s what you need to make this liquid work of art that nails Ross’ trinity of excellence: sweet, sour and bitter.
What makes the Paper Plane so perfect is its balance between sweet, sour and bitter. The Aperol brings the sweet, the lemon fires up the sour, while the Amaro Nonino offers a slightly bitter flavor (Note: Amaro Nonino is fairly mild. Other amaros can be intensely bitter). Finally, the bourbon gives the drink some warmth. It’s a drink that hits all the right notes without being overpowering. See below for more variations.