Cocktail lovers, meet your next obsession the Broken Plane cocktail. This modern twist on the famous Paper Plane swaps bourbon and Aperol for gin and elderflower liqueur, giving it a floral, citrusy, and delightfully crisp profile. Balanced by the rich warmth of Amaro Nonino, it’s the kind of drink that looks just as good as it tastes especially when served with a signature slanted ice cube.
In this article, you’ll discover how to make the Broken Plane, how it compares to the Paper Plane, its connection to popular drink culture (yes, we’ll mention Taylor Swift), and why this cocktail is flying high on every mixologist’s radar. We’ll also break down variations, storage tips, and ingredient swaps, all while keeping your keyword strategy perfectly dialed in.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to Make the Broken Plane Cocktail – Ingredients + Step-by-Step
Broken Plane Cocktail Ingredients
- 3.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3.5 oz Amaro Nonino (not optional!)
- 3.5 oz Hendrick’s Gin (or your favorite botanical gin)
- 3.5 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 cup ice
- 4 dried lemon slices (optional garnish)
This drink works best with quality ingredients, so splurge a little you’ll taste the difference.
Step-by-Step Directions for the Broken Plane
- Add lemon juice, Amaro Nonino, gin, and elderflower liqueur to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Strain evenly into four chilled 4-ounce coupe or cocktail glasses.
- Serve over a slanted ice cube and garnish with a dried lemon slice.
Want to impress your guests? Make slanted ice by freezing water in a tilted glass using a folded towel to support the angle. Freeze for 2–3 hours for a classy touch.
What Is a Broken Plane Cocktail?
The Broken Plane cocktail is a modern reinterpretation of the widely loved Paper Plane, a drink made famous by Sam Ross in 2007. While the Paper Plane cocktail uses equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice, the Broken Plane takes a detour with striking ingredient swaps and a smoother, more floral finish.
Instead of Aperol’s bittersweet edge, the Broken Plane uses St. Germain elderflower liqueur, giving it a fragrant and lightly fruity aroma. It also replaces bourbon with botanical gin, which softens the drink’s bite and introduces herbal notes. What remains consistent is the use of Amaro Nonino, the key Italian digestif that grounds the drink with warmth, spice, and complexity.
You’ll find the Broken Plane to be brighter, less bitter, and more delicate than its predecessor perfect for summer evenings, creative cocktail parties, or anyone who finds bourbon too bold.
Because of its freshness and elevated floral tones, this drink sits beautifully in the world of airplane-themed cocktails, where subtle playfulness meets sophistication.
In short, if the Paper Plane is bold and punchy, the Broken Plane is elegant and airy, much like an artful twist in the sky unexpected but completely welcome.
Why You’ll Love the Broken Plane Cocktail
The Broken Plane cocktail isn’t just a drink it’s a refined experience for people who appreciate balance, subtlety, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a cocktail nerd or simply exploring alternatives to bourbon-based drinks, here’s why this twist is worth mixing.
A Sophisticated Alternative to the Paper Plane
The original Paper Plane cocktail is iconic, but its boldness from bourbon and Aperol isn’t for everyone. The Broken Plane smooths out that punch with the crisp profile of gin and the soft floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur, making it more approachable and versatile.
By using Amaro Nonino, the drink keeps its signature bittersweet backbone, but the floral upgrade adds an unexpected lightness. It’s a drink that feels classic but tastes completely new—perfect for cocktail menus that aim to surprise.
If you’ve been curious about Paper Plane twists, this is one of the most successful variations to date. It maintains complexity without overwhelming the palate.
It’s Visually Stunning and Mixologist-Approved
Let’s talk aesthetics: the slanted ice cube presentation instantly elevates this drink from casual to classy. Add a dried lemon garnish and serve it in a chilled coupe glass, and you’ve got a cocktail that’s as Instagram worthy as it is delicious.
Bartenders and home mixologists love the Broken Plane because it’s easy to batch, simple to scale, and doesn’t require obscure ingredients. You can even customize it with gin varieties from cucumber-infused to citrus-forward to make it your own.
What to Serve with the Broken Plane Cocktail
Pairing matters even with cocktails. The Broken Plane cocktail is light, floral, and citrus-forward, which means it works beautifully with foods that won’t overpower its nuanced flavor profile. Whether you’re serving this drink as a pre-dinner aperitif or part of a small gathering, here’s how to build a pairing that lets it shine.
Elegant Appetizers for a Floral and Citrusy Cocktail
Because the Broken Plane has both sweet and bitter elements, it pairs well with small bites that highlight freshness, mild acidity, and herbaceous flavors. Here are excellent pairings to consider:
- Goat cheese crostini with honey and thyme
The creamy, tangy cheese complements the elderflower notes while the honey plays off the lemon and Amaro Nonino. - Cucumber and dill finger sandwiches
Light, crisp, and herbal these mirror the botanical profile of the gin and won’t compete for attention. - Citrus-marinated olives or almonds
Subtle yet flavorful, perfect for balancing the drink’s sharp citrus with a touch of salt and fat. - Prosciutto-wrapped melon
Sweet and savory with just enough contrast to lift the drink without overpowering it.
Since the Paper Plane twist removes some of the original’s bitterness, you can pair it with more delicate foods that wouldn’t normally stand up to bourbon-based cocktails.
Dessert and Late-Night Pairings
The Broken Plane also transitions beautifully into dessert hour. Try these options to match its clean, elegant style:
- Lemon elderflower cake slices
Use similar ingredients to mirror the cocktail’s flavor and aroma. - Shortbread cookies with grapefruit zest
The buttery texture of shortbread is a perfect match for a citrusy, floral cocktail. - White chocolate dipped berries
Mild sweetness without heavy richness an ideal end-note.
Avoid heavy chocolate or overly spicy dishes, which may clash with the cocktail’s lighter nature. If you’re hosting an airplane-themed cocktail night, you can even print boarding passes as drink menus for a fun, interactive touch.
Nutrient Benefits and Storage Tips for the Broken Plane Cocktail
While cocktails aren’t typically associated with nutrition, the Broken Plane cocktail makes use of high-quality ingredients that offer subtle functional perks especially when made fresh and in moderation. Plus, proper storage and batching can elevate your home bartending game while preserving flavor and quality.
Ingredient Highlights and Flavor Benefits
Let’s break down what each main ingredient brings to the glass:
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Amaro Nonino | A digestive bitter with herbal compounds that may aid digestion and reduce bloating |
| Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed) | High in vitamin C and adds brightness without sugar |
| Gin (botanical style) | Provides complexity with herbal, citrus, or floral botanicals; some gins use juniper, coriander, and citrus peel |
| Elderflower Liqueur (St. Germain) | Floral aroma with a touch of natural sweetness; made from elderflower blossoms |
While not “health drinks,” cocktails like the Broken Plane use fresh juice and herbal liqueurs, which are gentler on the system than heavily sweetened or artificially flavored drinks. This makes it a smarter choice for those seeking balance in their beverage routine.
How to Batch, Store, and Serve Perfectly
Want to make Broken Plane cocktails in advance for a party or event? It’s easy to batch and store just follow these tips:
- Batch the base (without ice): Combine all ingredients in a sealable glass bottle. Store in the fridge up to 2 days before serving.
- Shake before serving: Always shake over ice right before pouring to maintain chill and dilution.
- Use slanted ice for aesthetics: Freeze water in tilted coupe glasses to make a visual statement.
- Avoid citrus separation: Shake the bottle or stir well before each pour if pre-mixing.
Do not freeze the mixed cocktail, as this will ruin the texture and dilute the flavors.
Want to explore more drinks using Amaro Nonino or gin? Keep an eye on your cocktail rotation and substitute smartly. The Broken Plane can be a blueprint for many Paper Plane cocktail twists.
FAQs About the Broken Plane Cocktail
What is a Broken Plane cocktail?
The Broken Plane cocktail is a floral and citrusy twist on the classic Paper Plane. It swaps out the bourbon and Aperol for botanical gin and elderflower liqueur (St. Germain) while retaining Amaro Nonino and fresh lemon juice. The result is a lighter, more aromatic drink that feels fresh, modern, and elegant—perfect for cocktail lovers looking for a Paper Plane variation.
What is the difference between a Paper Plane cocktail and a Broken Plane cocktail?
The Paper Plane cocktail, a modern classic, contains bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice. In contrast, the Broken Plane cocktail uses gin instead of bourbon and elderflower liqueur instead of Aperol. This swap changes the flavor profile from bold and bitter to floral, herbaceous, and smooth. It’s a refreshing alternative for those who prefer lighter spirits.
What are the ingredients of a Paper Plane cocktail?
A traditional Paper Plane cocktail (equal parts, typically ¾ oz each) includes:
Bourbon
Aperol
Amaro Nonino
Fresh lemon juice
It’s shaken with ice and strained into a chilled coupe glass. This IBA-recognized drink is known for its bittersweet balance and vivid color.
What is Taylor Swift’s signature cocktail?
While Taylor Swift hasn’t officially declared a signature cocktail, fans and bartenders have often linked her to drinks like the French 75, vodka cranberry, and modern classics like the Paper Plane which gained popularity again due to its chic simplicity and balance. The Broken Plane cocktail, with its softer flavor and elegant look, could easily fit into the same aesthetic, making it a great “Swiftie-approved” pour.
Conclusion: A Twist That Takes Flight
The Broken Plane cocktail is more than just a variation it’s a refreshing evolution of the Paper Plane. Swapping bourbon and Aperol for gin and elderflower liqueur results in a drink that’s approachable yet elevated, bold yet floral. It’s a perfect choice for cocktail enthusiasts looking to explore Paper Plane twists, try a new use for Amaro Nonino, or add something sophisticated to an airplane-themed cocktail menu.
Whether you’re batching it for a party or crafting one glass for yourself, this drink is a reminder that small changes can lead to entirely new experiences. And that’s what great cocktails are all about.
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Broken Plane Cocktail Recipe
This Broken Plane cocktail is a sophisticated gin-based twist on the Paper Plane. Featuring elderflower, lemon, and Amaro Nonino, it’s floral, crisp, and elegant.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
3.5 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3.5 oz Amaro Nonino
3.5 oz botanical gin (like Hendrick’s)
3.5 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1 cup ice
Dried lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Add lemon juice, Amaro Nonino, gin, and elderflower liqueur to a shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
3. Strain evenly into four chilled coupe glasses.
4. Optionally, serve over slanted ice cubes for effect.
5. Garnish each drink with a dried lemon slice.
6. Serve immediately.
Notes
For batching, mix without ice and refrigerate up to 2 days.
Always shake with fresh ice before serving.
Do not freeze the mixed cocktail.
Use freshly squeezed juice only.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Modern Classic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
