Absolut Paper Plane Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

1 Part Absolut Vodka

1 Part Absolut Vodka

1 Part Absolut Vodka
1 Part Italian Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur

1 Part Italian Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur

1 Part Italian Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur
1 Part Amaro (made from Grappa)

1 Part Amaro (made from Grappa)

1 Part Amaro (made from Grappa)
1 Part Whole Milk

1 Part Whole Milk

1 Part Whole Milk
1 Part Lemon Juice

1 Part Lemon Juice

1 Part Lemon Juice
Orange Zest

Orange Zest

Orange Zest
1 Whole Large Ice Cube

1 Whole Large Ice Cube

1 Whole Large Ice Cube

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RECIPE BY: RICARDO DYNAN
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Absolut Paper Plane is a variation of the Paper Plane cocktail. The original Paper Plane is made with equal-parts Bourbon, Amaro (made from Grappa) and a red-orange Italian Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur. However, here, we’re going to show you how to make a Paper Plane variation using Absolut Vodka.

But we’re not done yet! Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, will show you how to make a clarified version of the Paper Plane cocktail using Absolut Vodka instead of Bourbon.

So, how does a clarified Paper Plane with Vodka taste? “Bourbon brings a lot to the Paper Plane. This (Absolut Paper Plane) is going more towards a Negroni type of flavor as opposed to a Paper Plane type of flavor but it’s a very accessible version,” says Rico.

Let’s jump into the cockpit and get this cocktail off the ground!

How To Make an Absolut Paper Plane Cocktail

“If you’re not used to drinking Italian Aperitivo Liqueurs, this might be a way to get into it very slowly because it is dulled down a bit to a more accessible flavor,” says Rico.

“I don’t really think it’s a Paper Plane but it’s definitely a drink I’m going to make again in the future,” he adds.

What You’ll Need

Citrus Elbow (or Lemon Press)
Measuring Jug
Paper Coffee Filter
Pour Over Coffee Dripper (or other type of Funnel)
Tall Glass Jug
Paring Knife
Rocks Glass

How to Mix

Use a Paring Knife to cut several Lemons in half. Using a Citrus Elbow or Citrus Press, juice each Lemon half into a Measuring Jug.
Measure and pour the Italian Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur into the Measuring Jug.
Measure and pour Amaro into the Jug.
Measure and pour Absolut Vodka into the Jug.
Measure and pour Full-Fat Milk into the Jug.
Place the mixture into a refrigerator overnight.
Place a Paper Coffee Filter into a Pour Over Coffee Dripper.
Place the Coffee Dripper on top of a Tall Glass Jug then slowly pour the refrigerated mixture in the Measuring Jug through the Coffee Dripper and let the mixture slowly drip into the Tall Glass Jug.
Place a Large Ice Cube into a Rocks Glass, then pour an individual serve directly into the Glass.
Use a Paring Knife to cut a coin-shaped disc of Orange Zest, then squeeze the oils over the drink before placing the disc directly into the Glass.
Sip and enjoy!

WATCH RICO MAKE A PAPER PLANE VARIATION USING ABSOLUT VODKA!

thumbnail image for youtube id: 1yE3uPxN_SI

The History of the Absolut Paper Plane Cocktail

In the summer of 2024, Rico made a clarified version of the Paper Plane cocktail for an episode of ‘Absolut Drinks with Rico’ and, as always, he wanted to see if he could make the cocktail with Vodka instead of Bourbon.

And just like that, the Absolut Paper Plane took off!

Tips for Making the Perfect Absolut Paper Plane

Put the mixture in the refrigerator overnight
We highly recommend refrigerating the mixture overnight or, at the very least, a few hours before serving so that the mixture can clarify properly.

“We’re not going to win any beauty pageants with this drink (mixture) but when the drink starts to curdle you can really see the separation and this is where the fat solids separate from the Whey and it’s the Whey within the drink which actually gives it that smooth luxurious texture and makes it extremely palatable,” says Rico.

Remember, good things happen to those who wait!
Always use Fresh Lemon Juice
We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve emphasized this, but to achieve the same quality as bar-served drinks, freshly squeezed Lemon Juice is essential. So, grab your Citrus Press, pick up some fresh Lemons, and start juicing!
Chill your Rocks Glass
Pre-chilling your glassware in a freezer before you serve your drink is always a good idea and enhances the overall drinking experience. Sometimes it’s those little details that make all the difference.

Variations of an Absolut Paper Plane

Paper Plane
The Absolut Paper Plane wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the Paper Plane, so you gotta give credit to the original.

A Paper Plane consists of equal parts Bourbon, Amaro, Italian Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur, and freshly squeezed Lemon Juice. The mixture is then shaken with Ice and fine-strained into a Couple Glass.
Clarified Paper Plane
The clarified Paper Plane is exactly what it sounds like – a Paper Plane cocktail that uses the process of clarification (see the FAQ below).

The clarified Paper Plan follows the same recipe as this Absolut Paper Plane recipe but stays true to the original by using Bourbon instead of Absolut Vodka.

The result is a silky, clarified version of the original Paper Plane that’s so smooth, it’s like flying first class.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for an Absolut Paper Plane

For this Paper Plane variation, Rico recommends serving it in a Rocks Glass with a Large Ice Cube and garnishing with Orange Zest.

What is cocktail clarification?

Cocktail clarification is a technique used to enhance cocktails by removing impurities and unwanted particles. This process results in a smoother, clearer, and more refined drink. It’s time-consuming but the final result is worth it.

One popular method of cocktail clarification is milk-washing, which is what Rico does to create the clarified Paper Plane and Absolut Paper Plane. As you see in the video, milk-washing involves adding Full-Fat Milk to a cocktail mixture containing acidic components such as citrus juice. The acid in the cocktail causes the Milk to curdle, forming Curds and Whey.

The Curds trap impurities and particles, which can then be strained out, leaving behind a clarified liquid. The end result is a cocktail with a silky texture and a more balanced flavor profile.

Can you use Plant-Based Milk instead of Full-Fat Milk to clarify cocktails?

You can but it might take some experimenting before you find the right one.

The key is to find a Plant-Based Milk with a fat content like Regular Milk. Try using different Plant-Based Milks (e.g. Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Oat Milk etc.) to find out which one works best.

How long will a clarified cocktail last in the fridge?

Approximately, six months.

“Once you’ve done your curdling and actually clarified your drink and strained it, this drink (Absolut Paper Plane) will last up to six months in your fridge,” says Rico.