Paper Plane Spritz Cocktail Recipe

This Paper Plane Spritz is a fun take on a classic cocktail that will soon be your new favorite bubbly sipper to accompany you by the pool.

Spritzes are most definitely having a moment. They are perfect for summer and they tend to be lower alcohol (Low ABV) drinks that are perfect for sipping on all day long in the sun.

Along with spritzes, amaros (or amari) are also trending when it comes to cocktails.

I, Ashley decided to combine everyone’s favorite bubbly seasonal drink with a more bitter classic — the Paper Plane. Meet the Paper Plane Spritz. And yes, it comes with a cute paper plane garnish!

What Are Amaros?

If you have never heard of amaros before, you may have drank them without even knowing it!

Both Campari and Aperol land in the amaro category. So what are amari you ask? They are bitter digestifs or liqueurs often hailing from Italy.

They add complexity to cocktails and also are great to finish off a meal over ice. Although drinking amaro straight may not be for everyone, they make for fabulous cocktails…

The Paper Plane is the perfect cocktail to serve as a good intro into drinking amaro. Even if you are not a Negroni drinker, Amaros range in bitterness and strength so there is one for just about everyone.

What Is An Aperol Spritz?

Pronounced “AH-peh-rawl sprits”, this cocktail is composed of three main ingredients: 3 parts wine based, 2 parts Aperol, and a splash of soda.

Many also prefer an aperol prosecco or aperol with champagne. Either way, Aperol is the never changing ingredient.

Aperol originated in Italy. This orange-red liquor is slightly bitter and incredibly light, with its alcohol content only 11%. 

Herbs and roots infuse Aperol for a liquor with orange and rhubarb flavors.

Originating from Italy, Aperol is an infusion of herbs and roots with two of its most distinctive flavours being oranges and rhubarb. 

Italians love drinking this cocktail during aperitivo hour aka happy hour after work.

Aperol is on the sweeter end of the Amaro spectrum with more pronounced orange flavors. Combined with tart lemon, bourbon, and sparkling wine, the two Amari are perfectly balanced in this tipple.

How To Make The Mini Paper Plane Garnish

To make the mini paper plane for the garnish, I cut a small 1 1/2” rectangle from striped paper and followed the regular instructions for making paper planes.

I then cut a small slit on the bottom to fit onto the glass rim.

More Refreshing Cocktail Recipes To Try

If you are looking for a fun take on an Aperol Spritz for summer, the Paper Plane Spritz is your solution!

Plus, if you are in search of more refreshing cocktails to pair poolside this summer, this Vodka Pear Lavender Lemonade  is definitely calling your name!….

Paper Plane Spritz Cocktail Recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

A modern twist on a classic Aperol spritz.

Total Time15 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Cocktails

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker

Ingredients

• 1 oz Aperol
• 0.75 oz bourbon
• 0.75 oz Amaro (I used Amaro Sirene, but Amaro Nonino is also great)
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 2 oz brut sparkling wine
• Lemon twist and mini paper plane for garnish

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 50mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Servings: 1

Calories: 213kcal

Notes

To make the mini paper plane for the garnish, I cut a small 1 1/2” rectangle from striped paper and followed the regular instructions for making paper planes. I then cut a small slit on the bottom to fit onto the glass rim.

Instructions

• Add all ingredients except the champagne and garnishes into a shaker with ice and shake.
• Strain into a fluted glass with ice. Top with the champagne and stir. Garnish with lemon twist and paper plane.

KEYWORD: airplane, Aperol, aperol spritz, cocktail, refreshing, spritz, sugar and cloth