Paper Plane Spritz Recipe
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Paper Plane Spritz! A bubbly twist on the classic, this recipe blends bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and lemon juice with a splash sparkling wine.
From the Spritz Veneziano Recipe to Pink Gin Spritz, spritzes are definitely having a moment! These light, bubbly drinks are perfect for summer and tend to be lower in alcohol (low-ABV), making them ideal for all-day sipping in the sun. At the same time, amaros (or amari) are rising in popularity, adding depth and complexity to modern cocktails.
So I, Ashley decided to combine the best of both worlds—everyone’s favorite sparkling Aperol spritz with the bold, bittersweet flavors of the classic Paper Plane. The result? The Paper Plane Spritz, a refreshing twist on 2 favorites. And yes, it even comes with a cute paper plane garnish!
With its vibrant citrusy notes, herbal depth, and refreshing fizz, the Paper Plane Spritz is both elegant and approachable. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to a special drink, this recipe delivers all the flavor with a lighter, more celebratory feel. Ready to take your cocktail game to new heights? Let’s mix it up!
What is the Difference Between a Paper Plane Cocktail versus Paper Plane Spritz?
The Paper Plane is a strong, stirred drink with a velvety texture, while the Paper Plane Spritz is lighter, more effervescent, and lower in alcohol. Perfect for casual sipping! The Paper Plane Spritz is made with less bourbon and more sparkling wine for effervescence. Served over ice in a wine glass or rocks glass, making it more sessionable.
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.
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. A fun floral take on this classic is our Elderflower Aperol Spritz.
Ingredients Needed
- Brut sparkling wine — Or club soda for a lighter option
- Aperol — 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.
- Bourbon
- Amaro — We used Amaro Sirene, but Amaro Nonino also works. 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.
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon twist — For garnish
How to Make a Paper Plane Spritz
1 — In a cocktail shaker with ice, add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. Shake until chilled.
2 — Strain into glass filled with ice. (A wine glass or large rocks glass works well).
3 — Top with sparkling wine, and gently stir to combine.
4 — Garnish with lemon twist and a mini paper plane for a fun finishing touch.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Chill your ingredients: Ensure your bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and sparkling wine are well-chilled before mixing. This will enhance the drink’s refreshing quality.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of sparkling wine. Some people have added muddled fruit to the base of the drink, like strawberries.
How to Make the Mini Paper Plane Garnish
Create a mini paper plane garnish by folding a 1.5″ striped paper rectangle. Follow the regular instructions for making paper planes: Fold lengthwise, unfold. Fold top corners to center.Fold top point down.Fold corners to center again. Fold top point over.Fold in half (lengthwise). Fold wings down.
Then, add a small bottom slit to secure it to the glass rim.
More Refreshing Cocktail Recipes To Try
For more fun, light and refreshing drinks, try out our favorite Spritz cocktails below —
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz brut sparkling wine
- 1 oz Aperol
- 3/4 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz Amaro (I used Amaro Sirene, but Amaro Nonino is also great)
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- Lemon twist and mini paper plane for garnish
Nutrition
Notes
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.
Don’t forget to share your Paper Plane Spritz with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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