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Paper Plane: A Modern Classic with Perfect Balance

by Ginny Day

The Paper Plane is a modern cocktail that’s quickly earned its place as a favorite in the cocktail world. Created in 2008 by award-winning bartender Sam Ross, the Paper Plane combines bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice in equal parts for a drink that’s perfectly balanced, refreshing, and slightly bitter. This simple yet sophisticated cocktail is ideal for those who appreciate a well-rounded drink with a touch of sweetness and complexity. Let’s dive into the history, unique qualities, and recipe for crafting the perfect Paper Plane at home.

The Origins of the Paper Plane

The Paper Plane was created by Sam Ross, a celebrated bartender known for his work at New York City’s Milk & Honey. Ross crafted this cocktail as a tribute to the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” which was a popular track around the time the drink was invented. Inspired by the equal-parts formula of the classic Last Word, Ross wanted to create a cocktail that was both balanced and memorable, and thus the Paper Plane was born.

Originally, the cocktail was made with Campari, but Ross soon switched to Aperol for a slightly softer, sweeter profile. Amaro Nonino, an Italian liqueur known for its bittersweet, complex flavor, adds depth, while lemon juice provides a bright acidity that ties everything together. The Paper Plane has since become a favorite in bars around the world, known for its balance and accessibility.

What Makes the Paper Plane So Unique

The Paper Plane is distinctive for a few reasons:

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The equal-parts formula creates a harmonious blend of bourbon’s warmth, Aperol’s subtle bitterness, Amaro Nonino’s complexity, and lemon juice’s tartness.
  • Bittersweet and Refreshing: With its mix of sweet, bitter, and sour elements, the Paper Plane offers a layered, refreshing experience that appeals to both seasoned cocktail lovers and newcomers.
  • Simple and Elegant: With just four ingredients in equal parts, the Paper Plane is easy to make yet sophisticated, making it a great choice for any occasion.

How to Make the Perfect Paper Plane

The Paper Plane is easy to make, following a simple equal-parts formula. Here’s the classic recipe for this crowd-pleasing cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ oz (2.25 cl) bourbon
  • ¾ oz (2.25 cl) Aperol
  • ¾ oz (2.25 cl) Amaro Nonino
  • ¾ oz (2.25 cl) fresh lemon juice
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist or dehydrated lemon wheel for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice.
  2. Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
  3. Strain and Serve: Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist or dehydrated lemon wheel for a touch of citrus aroma and visual appeal.

Tip: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice—it provides the right amount of acidity and brightness to balance the drink’s sweetness and bitterness.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

  1. Bourbon: A smooth, mid-range bourbon works well in the Paper Plane, providing warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients. Buffalo Trace or Four Roses are great choices for their balanced profiles.
  2. Aperol: Aperol adds a bittersweet, slightly herbal note that complements the lemon juice and Amaro Nonino. Its lower bitterness compared to Campari makes it ideal for the Paper Plane’s balanced, approachable profile.
  3. Amaro Nonino: This Italian amaro is essential to the Paper Plane, adding a rich, bittersweet complexity with notes of caramel, herbs, and spices. Its unique profile makes it difficult to substitute, but if necessary, you can use another amaro, such as Averna or Montenegro, though the taste will differ slightly.
  4. Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the acidity needed to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a well-rounded and refreshing drink.
  5. Garnish: A lemon twist or dehydrated lemon wheel enhances the drink’s presentation and adds a subtle citrus aroma that complements the flavors.

Tips for Perfecting Your Paper Plane

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and quality spirits make a big difference in the Paper Plane, ensuring a balanced, vibrant flavor.
  • Shake Well for a Smooth Texture: Shaking the cocktail with ice ensures that the ingredients are well-mixed and the drink is properly chilled.
  • Experiment with Garnishes: A lemon twist is classic, but a dehydrated lemon wheel or even an edible flower can add a unique touch.
  • Serve in a Chilled Glass: Chilling your glass before serving helps keep the Paper Plane cold, enhancing its refreshing quality.

Paper Plane Variations to Try

While the classic Paper Plane is delicious as is, here are a few variations to explore:

  1. Spicy Paper Plane: Add a dash of chili bitters for a subtle spicy kick that enhances the bourbon’s warmth.
  2. Grapefruit Paper Plane: Substitute grapefruit juice for lemon juice for a slightly sweeter, more citrusy variation.
  3. Maple Paper Plane: Add a touch of maple syrup in place of simple syrup for a warmer, autumnal version that pairs beautifully with the bourbon.
  4. Rum Paper Plane: Substitute the bourbon with dark or aged rum for a richer, more tropical twist on the classic.
  5. Ginger Paper Plane: Add a splash of ginger liqueur or muddle fresh ginger in the shaker for a zesty, warming twist.

When to Serve the Paper Plane

The Paper Plane’s well-balanced, refreshing profile makes it ideal for various occasions:

  • Pre-Dinner Aperitif: With its balanced sweetness and slight bitterness, the Paper Plane is a great choice for whetting the appetite before a meal.
  • Special Gatherings: This cocktail’s elegant presentation and layered flavors make it a hit at cocktail parties or gatherings with friends.
  • Year-Round Enjoyment: The Paper Plane’s balanced profile makes it suitable for both warm and cool weather, perfect for sipping in any season.
  • Exploring Modern Classics: If you’re a fan of modern cocktails, the Paper Plane is a must-try, offering a unique take on the classic sour with an Italian twist.

Why You Should Try the Paper Plane

The Paper Plane is more than just a cocktail—it’s a carefully crafted, modern classic that offers a refreshing blend of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. With its equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, this drink offers a harmonious balance that’s both approachable and intriguing. Its story, simplicity, and layered flavors make it a favorite for bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

For fans of well-balanced cocktails, Italian liqueurs, or anyone looking to try a modern classic, the Paper Plane is a must-try. Its easy preparation, bright flavor, and elegant presentation make it a fantastic addition to any cocktail repertoire.

So next time you’re in the mood for a drink that’s sophisticated yet simple, mix up a Paper Plane, raise your glass, and toast to the art of balance in modern mixology. Cheers!

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Naked & Famous: A Bold, Modern Classic

by Ginny Day

The Naked & Famous is a vibrant, smoky cocktail that combines equal parts mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice for a perfectly balanced drink with a touch of complexity. Created by bartender Joaquín Simó in 2011 at New York City’s Death & Co, this modern classic has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best mezcal cocktails around. With its smoky, herbal, and citrus notes, the Naked & Famous is perfect for adventurous drinkers and mezcal fans looking for a unique twist. Let’s dive into the history, unique qualities, and recipe for crafting the perfect Naked & Famous at home.

The Origins of the Naked & Famous

The Naked & Famous was created by Joaquín Simó, an award-winning bartender and former partner at Death & Co, a well-known cocktail bar in New York City. Inspired by another iconic cocktail, the Last Word (a classic made with gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice), Simó decided to create a mezcal-based variation that would have a similar balance of bold flavors.

Named after the clothing brand Naked & Famous, Simó’s cocktail has quickly become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts, with its unique blend of mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice. The Naked & Famous strikes a perfect balance of smokiness, sweetness, and acidity, making it both refreshing and complex—a true modern classic that showcases mezcal’s versatility.

What Makes the Naked & Famous So Unique

The Naked & Famous is distinctive for a few reasons:

  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: With equal parts mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice, the Naked & Famous achieves a harmonious blend of smokiness, citrus, and herbal sweetness.
  • Smoky Mezcal Base: Mezcal adds a signature smoky depth that distinguishes this drink from other cocktails, giving it an earthy, slightly mysterious edge.
  • Colorful, Eye-Catching Presentation: The bright orange hue from the Aperol and lime juice makes this cocktail as visually appealing as it is flavorful, adding a touch of vibrancy to any setting.

How to Make the Perfect Naked & Famous

The Naked & Famous is easy to make and follows a straightforward formula of equal parts. Here’s the classic recipe for this bold, balanced cocktail.

Classic Naked & Famous Recipe

Ingredients:

  • ¾ oz (2.25 cl) mezcal
  • ¾ oz (2.25 cl) Aperol
  • ¾ oz (2.25 cl) yellow Chartreuse
  • ¾ oz (2.25 cl) fresh lime juice
  • Ice
  • Lime twist or dehydrated lime wheel for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice.
  2. Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
  3. Strain and Serve: Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a lime twist or a dehydrated lime wheel for a touch of aroma and visual appeal.

Tip: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor balance—it brings the acidity needed to counter the richness of the mezcal and the sweetness of Aperol and Chartreuse.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

  1. Mezcal: Look for a quality mezcal that has a balanced, smoky profile without overpowering the other ingredients. Del Maguey Vida is a popular choice for its approachable smokiness and smooth finish, though any espadín mezcal will work well.
  2. Aperol: Aperol provides a subtle sweetness and bright orange color, along with light herbal and citrus notes. It’s less bitter than Campari, making it an ideal choice for balancing the mezcal’s smokiness.
  3. Yellow Chartreuse: Yellow Chartreuse adds an herbal sweetness with floral and honeyed notes, complementing the Aperol and mezcal while keeping the drink balanced. It’s milder than green Chartreuse, allowing the other flavors to shine.
  4. Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the Naked & Famous, adding the necessary acidity and brightness to counter the richness of the other ingredients.
  5. Garnish: A lime twist or dehydrated lime wheel enhances the cocktail’s presentation and aroma, adding a subtle hint of citrus on the nose.

Tips for Perfecting Your Naked & Famous

  • Shake Well for a Smooth Texture: Shaking the cocktail thoroughly with ice not only chills it but also creates a smooth, well-blended drink.
  • Measure Carefully: The equal parts formula is key to achieving the Naked & Famous’s balance. Use precise measurements for each ingredient to get the right flavor.
  • Experiment with Garnishes: A lime twist, dehydrated lime wheel, or even an orange twist can enhance the drink’s presentation and aroma, adding a touch of personal style.
  • Serve in a Chilled Glass: Serving the Naked & Famous in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass helps keep it cold and refreshing.

Naked & Famous Variations to Try

While the classic Naked & Famous is delicious as is, here are a few variations to explore:

  1. Spicy Naked & Famous: Add a few dashes of chili bitters or muddle a small slice of jalapeño for a spicy twist that complements the smokiness of the mezcal.
  2. Grapefruit Naked & Famous: Substitute fresh grapefruit juice for lime juice for a slightly sweeter, more citrus-forward version.
  3. Blood Orange Naked & Famous: Use fresh blood orange juice in place of lime juice for a seasonal twist that enhances the cocktail’s color and adds a unique flavor.
  4. Smoky Negroni Twist: Try substituting Campari for Aperol for a slightly more bitter version that leans closer to a smoky Negroni.
  5. Naked & Famous Fizz: Top the finished cocktail with a splash of sparkling water for a lighter, fizzy version that’s perfect for warm weather.

When to Serve the Naked & Famous

The Naked & Famous’s bold, refreshing profile and balanced flavors make it ideal for various occasions:

  • Pre-Dinner Aperitif: With its balanced acidity and herbal complexity, the Naked & Famous is a great choice for whetting the appetite before a meal.
  • Casual Gatherings: This cocktail’s vibrant presentation and unique flavors make it a fun option for sharing with friends or serving at a cocktail party.
  • Adventurous Tasting: For those looking to explore mezcal cocktails, the Naked & Famous is a must-try, offering a modern take that showcases mezcal’s versatility.
  • Summer or Outdoor Events: Its bright citrus and balanced sweetness make the Naked & Famous a refreshing choice for warm-weather gatherings or outdoor events.

Why You Should Try the Naked & Famous

The Naked & Famous is more than just a cocktail—it’s a celebration of bold, modern flavors and innovative mixology. With its blend of mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice, this drink offers a harmonious balance of smokiness, herbal sweetness, and citrusy brightness. It’s perfect for fans of mezcal, adventurous drinkers, or anyone looking to try a new classic with a twist.

For fans of smoky cocktails or those looking to expand their mezcal repertoire, the Naked & Famous is a must-try. Its easy preparation, eye-catching presentation, and layered flavors make it a standout choice that’s sure to impress.

So next time you’re in the mood for a drink that’s bold, balanced, and a little bit daring, mix up a Naked & Famous, raise your glass, and toast to the art of modern cocktails. Cheers!

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