The Paper Plane

So much goodness in one glass. The Paper Plane is THE cocktail to serve at your next party or get-together - you won't be disappointed!

Run, don't walk to try this gorgeous, balanced cocktail.

I'm a Kentucky girl at heart. Born and raised in the Commonwealth, Kentucky is really a fantastic place to live and visit. It's known for many things, but bourbon is what put it on the map. Go anywhere in the world, and you'll see bourbon on the shelves of just about any bar. If they don't have Kentucky bourbon, I highly suggest you walk out.

Drinking bourbon straight is a feat most people work up to, and I'll admit it, I'm a bit of a lightweight. When given a choice, I'll gladly choose the rich, warm flavor of a Manhattan, or the brighter notes of an Old Fashioned. But people, let me tell you - my world changed when I had my first Paper Plane. (Thank you New Riff Distilling!)

Invented in 2008 by Sam Ross, an award-winning bartender here in the U.S., it's newer to the cocktail scene. But I guarantee it's going to stick around for a long. long time. How would I describe it? Fresh? Yes. Citrusy? Yes. A bit boozy? Yep, I'd say that, too. Delicious? Definitely.

Your guests will be requesting the Paper Plane time and again.

In addition to bourbon, the Paper Plane's ingredients also include 2 liquors from Italy: Aperol and Amaro Nonino Quintessentia. They both contribute very different but complementing tastes to the cocktail. Aperol brings bright orange notes and gorgeous color, while the Amaro Nonino contributes the complexity of herbal notes and botanicals. Finished with fresh lemon juice, this is a drink that surprises and delights with every sip.

I'd consider this a small batch cocktail (in other words, mix one to two drinks at a time), best served at the beginning of a party or for an after-dinner drink. Rye bourbons make the cocktail a bit richer, but other bourbons work very well, too. And I'll stress it again - use Kentucky bourbon!

And a weird little side note about this cocktail that also makes me happy - all of the ingredients are equal parts. I'm sure this is a key contributor to the balance of flavors, but let's be honest - it also makes it pretty easy to remember how to mix this one up.

This drink will firmly establish your position as the host that continues to set the cocktail bar! (Pun totally intended.). Enjoy!

The Paper Plane

Ingredients (makes 1 cocktail)

• 3/4 oz Kentucky bourbon or rye bourbon

• 3/4 oz Aperol

• 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice (don't cheat - use fresh!)
  

Mix it Up

1. Fill a shaker or mixing glass with ice. Add the bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon juice. Shake well at least 30 seconds so the drink is well-chilled.

2. Use a strainer and pour the drink into a coupe glass (you can also use a martini glass).

Raise your glass to the great state of Kentucky! (Or whatever else you're celebrating.)