Out of Amaro, one case
Amaro substitute for paper plane cocktail
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Averna
Same amount as the amaro
The best amaro substitutes for the Paper Plane cocktail are Averna (1:1 ratio), Montenegro (1:1 ratio), and Amaro Nonino (1:1 ratio). Averna provides the most balanced flavor, while Montenegro adds citrus notes.
- Best for —
- Most Paper Plane variations, when you want balanced flavor
One casethe full amaro card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of amaro |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AvernaMost Paper Plane variations, when you want balanced flavor | Same amount |
| 2 | MontenegroWhen you want more citrus notes, lighter Paper Plane | Same amount |
| 3 | Amaro NoninoHigh-end Paper Plane variations, when you want premium quality | Same amount |
| 4 | CynarWhen you want similar bitterness, complex Paper Plane | Same amount |
| 5 | CampariWhen you want more bitterness, citrus-forward Paper Plane | Same amount |
| 6 | Homemade amaroCustomization, cost-effectiveness, experimentation | Same amount |
Averna
Classic Italian amaro with balanced bittersweet herbal flavor
- Best for
- Most Paper Plane variations, when you want balanced flavor
- Alcohol content
- 29% ABV
- Why it works
- Balanced flavor, widely available, authentic Italian amaro
- Watch out
- Different from original, may lack some complexity
Montenegro
Italian amaro with orange and herbal notes, slightly sweeter
- Best for
- When you want more citrus notes, lighter Paper Plane
- Alcohol content
- 23% ABV
- Why it works
- Orange-forward flavor, sweeter finish, complex herbal notes
- Watch out
- Different base flavor, less complex than original
Amaro Nonino
Premium Italian amaro with similar complexity and sweetness
- Best for
- High-end Paper Plane variations, when you want premium quality
- Alcohol content
- 35% ABV
- Why it works
- Similar complexity, premium quality, balanced flavor
- Watch out
- More expensive, may be harder to find
Cynar
Artichoke-based Italian amaro with similar bitterness level
- Best for
- When you want similar bitterness, complex Paper Plane
- Alcohol content
- 16.5% ABV
- Why it works
- Similar bitterness, complex herbal notes, unique flavor
- Watch out
- Different base flavor (artichoke), may be harder to find
Campari
Italian bitter liqueur with herbal and citrus notes
- Best for
- When you want more bitterness, citrus-forward Paper Plane
- Alcohol content
- 25% ABV
- Why it works
- Citrus notes, good bitterness, widely available
- Watch out
- More bitter, different sweetness level
Homemade amaro
DIY amaro made with herbs, citrus, and simple syrup
- Best for
- Customization, cost-effectiveness, experimentation
- Alcohol content
- Variable
- Watch out
- Time-consuming, requires ingredients and equipment
The longer answer
About this case
The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail that requires a specific type of amaro to achieve its good balance. When the original amaro isn't available, several excellent substitutes can create a delicious Paper Plane. Understanding the cocktail's requirements helps you choose the best substitute for this iconic drink.
How it behaves in this recipe
The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail that requires a specific type of amaro to achieve its good balance. The best substitutes either provide similar complexity (like Averna) or offer complementary flavor profiles (like Montenegro) that work well in this iconic drink. Understanding the cocktail's requirements helps you choose the right substitute for the good Paper Plane.
Notes on amaro
The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail made with equal parts bourbon, Aperol, amaro, and lemon juice
- Original recipe
- ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz amaro, ¾ oz lemon juice
- Flavor profile
- Bittersweet with citrus notes, herbal complexity, and balanced acidity
- Origin
- Created by Sam Ross in 2008 at the Milk & Honey bar in New York
- Glassware
- Coupe glass, served up
- Classic paper planeAverna provides balanced herbal complexity
- Ingredients: ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Averna, ¾ oz lemon juice
- Citrus paper planeMontenegro adds extra citrus notes
- Ingredients: ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Montenegro, ¾ oz lemon juice
- Premium paper planeAmaro Nonino provides premium complexity
- Ingredients: ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, ¾ oz lemon juice
- Bitter paper planeCynar adds extra bitterness and complexity
- Ingredients: ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Cynar, ¾ oz lemon juice
- Campari paper planeCampari adds extra bitterness and citrus
- Ingredients: ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Campari, ¾ oz lemon juice
- Dessert glazes and syrups
- Marinades for meats and vegetables
- Bittersweet sauces and reductions
- Herb-infused oils and vinegars
- After-dinner digestifs and aperitifs
- Choose Averna
- When you want balanced flavor
- For most Paper Plane variations
- When you want authentic Italian amaro
- In traditional preparations
- Choose Montenegro
- When you want more citrus notes
- For lighter, more approachable Paper Plane
- When you prefer sweeter finishes
- In summer variations
- Choose Amaro Nonino
- When you want premium quality
- For high-end Paper Plane variations
- When you want similar complexity
- In sophisticated preparations
- Choose Cynar
- When you want similar bitterness
- For complex, herbal Paper Plane
- When you want unique artichoke notes
- In traditional Italian preparations
- Averna
- Indefinite when stored properly in cool, dark place
- Montenegro
- Indefinite when stored properly
- Amaro Nonino
- Indefinite when stored properly
- Cynar
- Indefinite when stored properly
- Campari
- Indefinite when stored properly
- General
- Store all amari in cool, dark places away from direct sunlight
Questions
5 questionsWhat amaro can I substitute for the Paper Plane cocktail?
The best amaro substitutes for the Paper Plane are Averna (most balanced), Montenegro (more citrus), Amaro Nonino (premium quality), and Cynar (more bitter). Each creates a different flavor profile while maintaining the cocktail's essential character.
Is Averna a good substitute for the Paper Plane?
Yes, Averna is an excellent substitute for the Paper Plane. It provides balanced herbal complexity that works well with the cocktail's other ingredients. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results.
Can I use Montenegro in the Paper Plane?
Yes, Montenegro works well in the Paper Plane, especially if you want more citrus notes. It's slightly sweeter than other amari, which can create a more approachable version of the cocktail.
What's the difference between amaro substitutes in the Paper Plane?
Each amaro substitute creates a different flavor profile in the Paper Plane. Averna provides balanced herbal complexity, Montenegro adds citrus notes, Amaro Nonino offers premium quality, and Cynar adds extra bitterness. Choose based on your preference for sweetness and complexity.
Can I make the Paper Plane without amaro?
While amaro is essential to the Paper Plane's character, you can create variations using other bitter liqueurs like Campari or even homemade amaro. However, the cocktail will have a different flavor profile without authentic amaro.