Named after M.I.A.’s hit tune, the Paper Aircraft cocktail was created for the opening of the Violet Hour in Chicago by bartender Sam Ross circa 2007. (FYI, Ross additionally developed the Penicillin). Now thought-about a modern-classic cocktail, early iterations of the drink balanced the bittersweet Italian liqueur Campari with nutty Amaro Nonino, bourbon, and lemon juice, explains Robert Simonson in The Encyclopedia of Cocktails, however Ross swapped out higher-proof Campari for its extra delicate sibling Aperol when he put it on the menu at New York Metropolis bars Milk & Honey and Little Department. Since then the drink’s reputation has unfold throughout North America.
For those who’re new to mixing drinks, this aperitif is an efficient place to start out because it’s an equal-parts cocktail recipe (and there’s no sophisticated garnish to grasp…except you wish to form cute little orange or grapefruit zest airplanes). Whereas a coupe is the normal cocktail glass for serving it, a Nick and Nora glass (or perhaps a rocks glass) would work if that’s what you’ve got readily available.
Amaro Nonino Quintessentia continues to be the amaro of alternative for this drink recipe, however you possibly can mess around, swapping it out for Montenegro, Averna, Sfumato, or one other bottle that appears engaging.
