Created in 2008 by bartender Sam Ross (of NYC’s Attaboy and Milk & Honey fame), the Paper Plane is a modern classic built on four equal parts: bourbon, amaro, Aperol, and lemon juice. Named after M.I.A.’s hit “Paper Planes,” it’s bold, bright, and bittersweet—with a balance of simplicity and depth that made it an instant cult favorite.
In this non-alcoholic version, we use Spiritless Kentucky 74 (at a slightly higher ratio than the original) and The Pathfinder as our bourbon and amaro stand-ins, while Giffard Aperitif Sirop steps in for Aperol. Fresh lemon juice and our Orange Cardamom bitters tie it all together, bringing citrusy lift and just the right amount of bite. Juicy, complex, and surprisingly approachable, the Paper Plane is the perfect gateway drink for people who think they don’t like bourbon—and this version will fool even the most skeptical non-alcoholic naysayer.
This recipe was perfected using Spiritless Kentucky 74, The Pathfinder, and Giffard Aperitif Sirop, but feel free to use your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic spirits instead.
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