Created in 2007 by New York City mixologists Sasha Petraske and Sam Ross, and inspired by the Prohibition-era Last Word cocktail, The Paper Plane—an equal parts blend of bourbon, Aperol, Nonino amaro, and lemon juice—is a modern classic that’s worth being in every home bartender’s repertoire. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with it, which is exactly what New York City’s Bourbon & Branch bartender Brandon Flores did with his take on the drink, The Paper Jane. He uses Widow Jane Paradigm rye in place of bourbon, Montenegro amaro in place of Nonino, and adds homemade ginger syrup to the mix.
“I wanted The Paper Jane to be true to the original, with slight modifications and inspired by summer citrus flavors,” Flores says. “By use of Widow Jane Paradigm rye, ginger syrup, and an amaro that accentuates sweet orange aromas, we really get the most boldness out of this cocktail while retaining the freshness of a citrusy sipper you crave in warmer months.”
Flores adds that he chose rye over its sweeter brother bourbon because bourbon may have drowned out the Montenegro. “The subtle spice flavors in the Paradigm rye balance the citrus notes in the amaro and also complement the spice of the ginger syrup,” he says. “Moreover, by using a Brooklyn-made whiskey we pay homage to the world-renowned Paper Plane cocktail while highlighting our pride for New York, where it was invented and where we do it best.”
The Paper Jane
Brandon Flores, bartender at Bourbon & Branch in New York City
- 3/4 oz. Widow Jane Paradigm rye
- 3/4 oz. Montenegro amaro
- 3/4 oz. Aperol
- 3/4 oz. ginger syrup (recipe below)
- 3/4 oz. lemon juice
- Lemon peel for garnish
Hard shake all ingredients with ice, then double strain into a frosted coupe. Express a lemon peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Ginger Syrup
Immersion blend 1 part Boiron ginger purée with 1 part white sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
