The Paper Plane Spritz: A Complete History & Classic Recipe

A glass catches the late-afternoon light—rosy, effervescent, bittersweet. It looks like a Paper Plane in flight but feels lighter, brighter, and built for golden-hour terraces. The Paper Plane Spritz is the natural evolution of a modern classic: the cocktail that shook the world in 2007 now reimagined through the lens of today’s aperitivo culture.

This spritz preserves the Paper Plane’s DNA—bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon—while lifting it with sparkling wine into an endlessly drinkable, sessionable, effortlessly chic format.

I. Origins

The Paper Plane: A Modern Classic Takes Flight (2007)

The story begins in New York. In 2007, bartender Sam Ross—already renowned for the Penicillin and other neo-classics—created the Paper Plane at The Violet Hour in Chicago before bringing it to Milk & Honey. The drink was inspired by:

• the structure of the Last Word

• the rising popularity of Aperol

• the elegance of Amaro Nonino

• a M.I.A. song called “Paper Planes”

Its formula—equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice—became the definition of modern balance. At once bitter, citrusy, herbal, and whiskey-backed, it skyrocketed into worldwide fame.

Why a Spritz?

As spritz culture exploded in the 2010s–2020s, bartenders sought lighter, effervescent expressions of bold cocktails. For the Paper Plane, the transformation was natural:

• Aperol already lives in spritz culture

• lemon provides refreshing acidity

• Amaro Nonino adds depth without heaviness

• bourbon contributes warmth and sophistication

• sparkling wine adds lift

The result is a Paper Plane that feels breezy, open, and daytime-friendly.

Not a Sbagliato—But a Sibling

Like the Negroni Sbagliato, the Paper Plane Spritz substitutes bubbles for spirit strength. But it keeps bourbon—just reduced—so the original identity survives.

This is not a weakened Paper Plane.It’s a rebalanced one.

II. Historical Evolution

1. The Rise of the Amaro-Citrus Contemporary Cocktail

The Paper Plane arrived during the craft cocktail renaissance—an era that revived:

• European bitter liqueurs

• whiskey cocktails with freshness

• equal-parts formatting

• simple but powerhouse ingredient lists

Bartenders quickly recognized its structure as “ripe for reinterpretation.”

2. Aperol + Sparkling Wine: A Cultural Force

The Aperol Spritz reshaped cocktail menus globally:

• low ABV

• brunch-friendly

• social-media-ready

• visually iconic

Bringing a beloved contemporary cocktail into spritz form was inevitable.

3. Amaro Nonino’s Renaissance

The Paper Plane made Amaro Nonino a global sensation. As spritz variations grew popular, bars began experimenting with Nonino in sparkling builds:

• Nonino Spritz

• Nonino Highballs

• hybrid riffs like this Paper Plane Spritz

Today, the Paper Plane Spritz is among the most requested modern bitter-spritz hybrids.

4. A Modern Classic Reimagined

Adding sparkling wine doesn’t dilute heritage—it refreshes it. Paper Plane DNA is instantly recognizable, but the spritz format:

• extends the drink

• reduces ABV

• increases citrus lift

• amplifies Aperol’s orange glow

A new chapter, not a replacement.

III. Ingredients & Technique

The Paper Plane Spritz thrives on clarity, brightness, and balance.

1. Bourbon (the backbone)

Unlike the classic, use a lighter hand:

• high-quality but not high-proof

• 80–90 proof is ideal

• avoid overly oaky, tannic expressions

The bourbon should whisper, not shout.

2. Aperol

Brings:

• bitter orange

• rhubarb

• vibrant color

• spritz-friendly sweetness

It’s the connective tissue between the original and the spritz.

3. Amaro Nonino

The star of the Paper Plane. Nonino adds:

• gentle bitterness

• herbal warmth

• orange peel

• caramelized depth

• floral nuance

Its sophistication grounds the spritz.

4. Lemon Juice

Fresh is essential.Just enough acidity to balance the liqueurs and bourbon.

5. Sparkling Wine

To transform the drink:

• Prosecco is traditional for spritz structure

• Cava works for more dryness

• Brut or Extra Dry preferred

Avoid Champagne here—it can dominate.

6. Ice & Glassware

Serve in:

• a large wine glass

• full ice cubes

• built in-glass

This keeps it open, airy, and leisurely.

7. Garnish

A lemon wheel, twist, or even a tiny paper airplane pick (modern bar favorite).

IV. Cultural Significance

1. A Spritz for the Modern Craft Era

The Paper Plane Spritz represents the intersection of:

• American whiskey culture

• Italian aperitivo traditions

• contemporary cocktail technique

• sessionable low-ABV drinking

It’s cosmopolitan and approachable.

2. A Cocktail That Keeps Its Soul

Many spritz riffs lose the identity of the original cocktail. Not this one. Its core flavors remain unmistakable:

• bitter citrus

• warm bourbon

• Nonino’s floral-bitter elegance

The sparkles simply elevate it.

3. A Social, Photogenic Drink

The Paper Plane already dominated social media one coupe at a time. The spritz:

• is more colorful

• more spacious in the glass

• more effervescent

• more shareable

It’s instantly a brunch and terrace staple.

4. Bridging Seasons

Where the original feels like evening, the spritz belongs to:

• spring patios

• summer rooftops

• late-afternoon lounging

• golden-hour aperitivo

It’s a seasonal reinterpretation with year-round appeal.

V. How to Make the Classic Version Today

Recipe — The Classic Paper Plane Spritz

Ingredients

• 0.75 oz (22 ml) bourbon

• 0.75 oz (22 ml) Aperol

• 0.75 oz (22 ml) Amaro Nonino

• 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

• 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) Prosecco

• Optional: splash of soda for extra lift

• Garnish: lemon wheel or expressed lemon peel

Method

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.

2. Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.

3. Give a gentle stir to integrate.

4. Top with Prosecco.

5. Add a small splash of soda if desired.

6. Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.

Specs

• Glass: Large wine glass

• Ice: Full cubes

• Garnish: Lemon wheel/twist

• Style: Sparkling bitter whiskey aperitivo

Technique Notes

• Keep Prosecco cold for tight, lively bubbles.

• Don’t overshake or overmix—maintain effervescence.

• Adjust lemon as needed: more for brightness, less for softness.

• Bourbon should be dialed back from the original Paper Plane ratios.

• A quick pre-stir of the base ensures smooth integration.

Variations & Lineage

• Paper Plane Royale: Use sparkling rosé.

• Tropical Plane Spritz: Add pineapple gomme or passionfruit.

• Nonino Spritz: Emphasize the amaro—1 oz Nonino, 0.5 oz Aperol.

• Bourbon Highball Plane: Add soda + lemon peel for a lighter format.

• Clarified Paper Plane Spritz: Crystal-clear, silky, luxurious.

Service & Pairing Tip

Ideal with:

• prosciutto

• grilled peaches

• olives

• burrata

• flatbreads

• shaved fennel salad

• seafood crudo

Serve at brunch, summer parties, garden gatherings, or aperitivo hour.

VI. Modern Variations & Legacy

1. A New Generation of Cocktail Hybrids

The Paper Plane Spritz is part of a growing family of “spritzed classics,” including:

• Negroni Sbagliato

• Boulevardier Spritz

• Manhattan Spritz riffs

• Margarita Spritz

Cocktail bars are embracing the hybrid era.

2. The Evolution of a Modern Classic

Just as the Aperol Spritz evolved from Italian tradition, the Paper Plane Spritz reflects:

• global cocktail culture

• the dominance of amaro

• the shift toward lower ABV

• the desire for social, bright, expressive drinks

The original Paper Plane helped define the 2000s; the spritz version feels tailor-made for the 2020s.

3. Its Future Is Secure

The Paper Plane Spritz will endure because it is:

• delicious

• balanced

• recognizable

• refreshing

• elegant

• highly Instagrammable

• flexible across seasons

It is both homage and innovation—everything a modern riff should be.