The Paper Plane is a modern classic that was created in Chicago in 2008. It’s a riff on the Last Word, an equal-parts, pre-Prohibition-era cocktail. Instead of gin, herbal green liqueur, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice, it uses Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a grappa-based amaro, light Italian bitter aperitif, and lemon juice. It’s got more of a bittersweet flavor profile than the Last Word but shares a balance of sour, sweet, and herbal flavors.
Ingredients
¾ ounce Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
¾ ounce grappa-based amaro
¾ ounce light Italian bitter aperitif
¾ ounce lemon juice
Garnish: lemon twist
Directions
Using a sharp knife and a cutting board, remove a long slice of lemon skin, leaving as little pith on the peel as possible. Gently curl into a twist and set aside.
Combine bourbon, light Italian bitter aperitif, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake until combined and strain into a coupe glass.
Twist the lemon peel over the drink to express the oils, then add as garnish.
