The mantra of this smooth, spicy, bitter banger is: clear drink, full flavoured, can’t lose.
About the cocktail
First of all, a shout-out to Australian bartender Sam Ross for his contribution to cocktails. If you’ve ever come across a Penicillin, then you know his influence is worldwide. Sam, who’s been based in NYC for a long time, rolled from one classic drink to another, creating Paper Plane in the summer of 2007. We’re serious when we say his take on the holy trinity – bitter, sweet, sour – packs a whole lot of delicious flavour. And yes, it was created while pumping M.I.A.’s beloved 2000s earworm. The Paper Plane’s equal-parts formula makes it dead simple, and highlights its thorough, and ingenious, development. Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino and lemon juice meet in this bittersweet banger that’s been popping off on bar menus for years. But have you ever tried it clarified? For a deep dive into clarified cocktails, check out our comprehensive guide. TL;DR? Clarifying a cocktail creates a drink that’s clearer, rounder and lighter in taste and texture. A Clarified Paper Plane retains all the spice of the original, with a clever clear look, and a surprisingly smooth, velvety texture. The edges are rounded, the acidity tapered, the bitterness elevated, the bourbon purified. We’re essentially creating a milk punch here and clarifying does take time, but the process is a cinch, you can mix in bulk, and, if done correctly, it will keep for weeks. A stash of Clarified Paper Planes means you’ll never be caught out at cocktail hour, and you’ll have drinks handy for everyone. This smooth, batched approach to a bonafide classic is perfect when all you wanna do is relax.
Equipment
3–4 large containers Fine strainer Coffee filters
Paper Plane cocktail ingredients
200mL bourbon 200mL Aperol 200mL Amaro Nonino 200mL lemon juice 120mL water 200mL milk Glass: rocks Garnish: lemon twist
Paper Plane cocktail method
Add all ingredients – except the milk – to a container Pour the milk into its own separate container, big enough to hold all ingredients Pour the first mixture (spirit, acid and water) into the milk Allow this to sit for 20 minutes until the mixture has “split” Create an extra-fine strainer by layering two coffee filters inside a fine cocktail strainer. Wet them slightly so they mould to the shape of the strainer Place the strainer above a clean container to catch the filtered mixture and have yet another container at the ready Gently start pouring the split mixture into the strainer, ensuring it doesn’t overflow. Allow it to slowly pass through the filters. The liquid will not run clear at first, but as soon as it does, swap the container below to ensure that all the captured liquid is as clear as possible Take the unclear liquid you just removed and gently pour this back into the filter to strain it again. Throughout the process, be careful not to agitate the sediment in the coffee filters, as these help make the straining even finer Bit by bit, keep topping up the amount of liquid in the filter and allow it to pass until all the liquid has been strained. Depending on the size of your batch, this may take some time When all the liquid has passed, you should be left with a beautiful clear cocktail. If it’s murky at all, strain it again with fresh filters, following the same instructions The final mix will keep in the fridge for up to 14 days, but see our tips below. To serve, place a large ice cube in each glass, fill with the clarified drink and garnish with a lemon twist
Dan’s top tips
- Where can I buy ingredients for Paper Plane cocktail recipes in Australia?
The Paper Plane calls for bourbon, Aperol and amaro, which you can find at your local Dan Murphy’s or have delivered to your door via danmurphys.com.au. Then you’ll need lemons for lemon juice (bottled is also okay!) and milk.
- What occasions suit a Clarified Paper Plane bourbon cocktail?
Our recipe serves eight people, so if you’re hosting a dinner party for your mates, then this is the perfect cocktail to bring out (and you can make it ahead of time, too).
- Why choose the Paper Plane as your go-to bourbon cocktail recipe?
The Clarified Paper Plane might be bourbon-based, but it’s lighter in taste and texture due to being clarified. The Clarified Paper Plane retains the spice of the traditional Paper Plane, with a clear look, and a smooth, velvety texture.
