Out of Aperol, one case
Aperol substitute for paper plane cocktail
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Campari + simple syrup
¾ oz Campari + ¼ oz simple syrup
The best substitutes for Aperol in a Paper Plane are Campari (with added sweetness), Aperitivo Select, or a homemade blend of orange liqueur with bitters. Each maintains the bitter-sweet balance essential for this cocktail's success.
- Best for —
- Paper Plane cocktail
One casethe full Aperol card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Aperol |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Campari + simple syrupPaper Plane cocktail | ¾ oz Campari + ¼ oz simple syrup |
| 2 | Aperitivo SelectPaper Plane cocktail | ¾ oz |
| 3 | Orange liqueur + orange bittersPaper Plane cocktail | ½ oz triple sec + ¼ oz orange bittersWorks |
| 4 | Cynar + orange juicePaper Plane cocktail | ½ oz Cynar + ¼ oz orange juice |
| 5 | Non-alcoholic aperitifmocktail Paper Plane | ¾ ozWorks |
Campari + simple syrup
very similar · similar texture
Campari with added sweetness to match Aperol's profile
- Best for
- Paper Plane cocktail, bitter-sweet cocktails, modern classics
The simple syrup balances Campari's extra bitterness.
Aperitivo Select
very similar · similar texture
Italian aperitif with similar flavor profile to Aperol
- Best for
- Paper Plane cocktail, aperitif cocktails, Italian cocktails
Closest commercial substitute with similar sweetness and bitterness.
Orange liqueur + orange bitters
similar taste and texture
Homemade blend using triple sec or Cointreau with orange bitters
- Best for
- Paper Plane cocktail, custom drinks, experimental cocktails
Add a splash of simple syrup for sweetness balance.
Cynar + orange juice
different but good · similar texture
Artichoke-based bitter with added orange for sweetness
- Best for
- Paper Plane cocktail, herbal cocktails, complex drinks
More herbal than Aperol but creates an interesting variation.
Non-alcoholic aperitif
similar taste and texture
Alcohol-free aperitif alternatives for mocktail Paper Planes
- Best for
- mocktail Paper Plane, non-alcoholic drinks, daytime drinking
Look for brands like Lyre's or Seedlip for alcohol-free options.
The longer answer
About this case
The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail that requires Aperol for its distinctive bitter-sweet orange flavor. When you don't have Aperol, several substitutes can recreate the cocktail's balanced, complex profile.
How it behaves in this recipe
The Paper Plane is a modern classic that showcases Aperol's unique ability to balance sweetness and bitterness. Finding the right substitute is crucial for recreating this cocktail's distinctive flavor profile and good balance.
Notes on Aperol
Original
Ingredients: ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperol, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
- Double strain into a coupe glass
- No garnish needed
Campari paper plane
The simple syrup balances Campari's extra bitterness
Ingredients: ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Campari, ¼ oz simple syrup, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
- Double strain into a coupe glass
Select paper plane
Very similar to the original Paper Plane
Ingredients: ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz Aperitivo Select, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
- Double strain into a coupe glass
Homemade Aperol paper plane
This homemade version captures Aperol's essential flavor profile
Ingredients: ¾ oz bourbon, ½ oz triple sec, ¼ oz orange bitters, ¼ oz simple syrup, ¾ oz Amaro Nonino, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
- Double strain into a coupe glass
- Bourbon
- Use a good quality bourbon - the cocktail relies on its flavor
- Amaro Nonino
- Essential for the Paper Plane - difficult to substitute
- Lemon juice
- Fresh lemon juice is crucial - never use bottled
- Shaking
- Shake vigorously for proper dilution and aeration
- Straining
- Double strain for a clean, smooth texture
- Glassware
- Coupe glass for the classic presentation
- Bitterness
- Provides the right amount of bitterness to balance sweetness
- Sweetness
- Adds sweetness without being cloying
- Citrus
- Orange notes complement the lemon juice
- Herbal
- Subtle herbal notes add complexity
- Balance
- Creates the good balance with bourbon and Amaro Nonino
- For sweeter Paper Planes, add more simple syrup when using Campari
- For more bitter Paper Planes, reduce simple syrup or add more bitters
- For stronger drinks, increase the bourbon ratio slightly
- For lighter drinks, add a splash of soda water
- For more citrus flavor, add orange zest or orange juice
- For herbal complexity, add a dash of Angostura bitters
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for Aperol in a Paper Plane?
Campari with added simple syrup is the closest substitute, followed by Aperitivo Select. Both maintain the bitter-sweet profile essential for the Paper Plane's balance.
Can I make a Paper Plane without Aperol?
Yes! Use Campari with simple syrup, Aperitivo Select, or make a homemade blend using orange liqueur, orange bitters, and simple syrup. The key is maintaining the bitter-sweet balance.
What's the difference between Aperol and Campari in a Paper Plane?
Aperol is sweeter and less bitter than Campari. In a Paper Plane, Aperol creates a more balanced, approachable drink, while Campari makes a more intense, bitter cocktail that needs sweetening.
Can I use triple sec instead of Aperol in a Paper Plane?
Yes, but you'll need to add orange bitters and simple syrup to recreate Aperol's bitter-sweet profile. Triple sec alone is too sweet for an authentic Paper Plane.
Why is Aperol important in a Paper Plane?
Aperol provides the good balance of bitterness and sweetness that complements the bourbon and Amaro Nonino. It's the key ingredient that makes the Paper Plane so well-balanced and drinkable.