Charred Lemon Paper Plane: A Smoky Twist on a Classic Cocktail

The Paper Plane is a modern classic cocktail, known for its balanced blend of whiskey, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice. Its equal-parts construction makes it easy to remember and replicate, while its complex flavor profile offers a delightful mix of sweet, bitter, and sour. However, what if we elevated this already exceptional cocktail with a touch of smoky intrigue? The Charred Lemon Paper Plane does just that, adding a depth of flavor that transforms the original into something truly special.

This recipe incorporates charred lemon, which imparts a subtle smokiness and a caramelized sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully. The charring process also mellows out the tartness of the lemon, resulting in a smoother, more nuanced cocktail.

## What Makes This Charred Lemon Paper Plane Special?

* **Smoky Depth:** The charred lemon introduces a smoky flavor that isn’t present in the original Paper Plane. This adds a layer of complexity that elevates the entire drinking experience.
* **Caramelized Sweetness:** Charring the lemon caramelizes its sugars, adding a touch of sweetness that balances the bitterness of the Aperol and Amaro Nonino.
* **Mellowed Tartness:** The charring process softens the lemon’s acidity, making the cocktail smoother and easier to drink.
* **Visually Appealing:** The charred lemon wheel makes a stunning garnish, adding a touch of elegance to your cocktail.
* **Unique Twist:** It’s a fun and creative way to put a spin on a well-loved classic, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a sophisticated drink at home.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bourbon Whiskey (1 oz / 30ml):** The backbone of the cocktail. Use a good quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking neat. Its warmth and vanilla notes will complement the other flavors.
* **Aperol (1 oz / 30ml):** An Italian aperitif with a vibrant orange color and a bittersweet flavor. It adds a refreshing citrusy note and balances the whiskey’s strength.
* **Amaro Nonino (1 oz / 30ml):** An Italian amaro with a complex flavor profile of herbs, spices, and citrus. It adds a depth of bitterness and complexity to the cocktail.
* **Charred Lemon Juice (1 oz / 30ml):** This is the star of the show! The charred lemon juice adds a smoky and slightly sweet twist to the traditional lemon juice.
* **Lemon Wheel (for garnish):** Preferably charred, to reinforce the smoky theme.
* **Ice:** For chilling the cocktail.

## How to Char a Lemon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Charring the lemon is a crucial step in this recipe, and it’s easier than you might think. Here are a few methods you can use:

**Method 1: Using a Kitchen Torch**

1. **Prepare the Lemon:** Cut a lemon in half. You can char the whole half for juicing, or just char a few slices for garnish and juice the rest of the lemon normally.
2. **Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional):** Lightly sprinkle the cut side of the lemon with granulated sugar. This will help it caramelize beautifully.
3. **Torch the Lemon:** Using a kitchen torch, carefully torch the cut side of the lemon until it’s charred and slightly blackened. Move the torch constantly to avoid burning it in one spot. Aim for a deep, even char.
4. **Cool Slightly:** Let the lemon cool slightly before juicing.

**Method 2: Using a Grill Pan or Skillet**

1. **Prepare the Lemon:** Cut a lemon in half or into slices.
2. **Heat the Pan:** Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. **Grill the Lemon:** Place the lemon halves or slices cut-side down on the hot pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are charred and slightly softened.
4. **Cool Slightly:** Let the lemon cool slightly before juicing.

**Method 3: Under the Broiler**

1. **Prepare the Lemon:** Cut a lemon in half or into slices.
2. **Position the Rack:** Place an oven rack about 4-6 inches below the broiler.
3. **Broil the Lemon:** Place the lemon halves or slices cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until they are charred and slightly blackened. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
4. **Cool Slightly:** Let the lemon cool slightly before juicing.

**Important Note:** Be careful when charring lemons, as they can get very hot. Use oven mitts or tongs to handle them safely.

## Making the Charred Lemon Juice

1. **Juice the Charred Lemon:** Once the charred lemon has cooled slightly, juice it using a citrus juicer or by hand. Be sure to strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp. If you charred only lemon slices, supplement with juice from a regular lemon to reach the required 1 oz (30ml).
2. **Taste and Adjust (Optional):** Taste the charred lemon juice. If it’s too smoky or bitter for your liking, you can add a small amount of simple syrup or agave nectar to balance the flavors.

## Charred Lemon Paper Plane Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your charred lemon juice, it’s time to make the cocktail!

1. **Chill Your Glass:** Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer to chill while you prepare the cocktail. A chilled glass will help keep the drink cold for longer.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and charred lemon juice.
3. **Add Ice:** Fill the shaker with ice.
4. **Shake Well:** Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This will chill and dilute the cocktail properly.
5. **Double Strain:** Remove the chilled glass from the freezer. Double strain the cocktail into the glass. Double straining (using both the shaker’s built-in strainer and a fine-mesh strainer) will remove any ice shards or small lemon particles, resulting in a smoother cocktail.
6. **Garnish:** Garnish with a charred lemon wheel. You can also express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink before garnishing for an extra burst of citrus aroma.

## Tips for the Perfect Charred Lemon Paper Plane

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your cocktail. Use a good quality bourbon, fresh lemon, and reputable brands of Aperol and Amaro Nonino.
* **Don’t Over-Char the Lemon:** While you want to achieve a good char, avoid burning the lemon completely, as this will result in a bitter taste.
* **Adjust to Your Preference:** The Paper Plane is a balanced cocktail, but feel free to adjust the ratios to suit your personal taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch of simple syrup. If you like a more bitter cocktail, increase the amount of Amaro Nonino.
* **Shake Vigorously:** Shaking the cocktail vigorously is essential for chilling and diluting it properly. Don’t be afraid to put some muscle into it!
* **Experiment with Garnishes:** While a charred lemon wheel is the classic garnish, feel free to experiment with other garnishes, such as a lemon twist or a sprig of rosemary.
* **Consider Barrel-Aged Bourbon:** For an even deeper level of smoky complexity, try using a barrel-aged bourbon. The oaky notes will complement the charred lemon beautifully.
* **Batching for a Crowd:** This recipe can easily be batched for a party. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, combine them in a large pitcher, and chill before serving. Add ice just before serving to avoid over-dilution.
* **Vegan Variation:** Ensure your Amaro Nonino is vegan-friendly, as some brands use animal products in their production process.

## Variations on the Charred Lemon Paper Plane

While the Charred Lemon Paper Plane is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize it to your liking.

* **Smoked Bourbon Paper Plane:** Instead of charring the lemon, try using a smoked bourbon to add a smoky flavor to the cocktail. This will result in a different, but equally delicious, variation.
* **Grapefruit Paper Plane:** Replace the lemon juice with grapefruit juice for a slightly more bitter and complex flavor. You can also char the grapefruit for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Spicy Paper Plane:** Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy kick. Be careful not to overdo it, as a little spice goes a long way.
* **Herbal Paper Plane:** Add a few sprigs of your favorite herb, such as rosemary or thyme, to the shaker for a more aromatic cocktail. Muddle the herbs lightly before adding the other ingredients.
* **Mezcal Paper Plane:** Substitute the bourbon with Mezcal for a smokier and earthier flavor profile. This variation is particularly interesting with the charred lemon.

## When to Serve a Charred Lemon Paper Plane

The Charred Lemon Paper Plane is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed in various settings.

* **Happy Hour:** It’s a perfect cocktail to enjoy after a long day at work. Its balanced flavors and refreshing qualities make it a great way to unwind.
* **Dinner Parties:** This cocktail is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor and elegant presentation. It’s a great way to start a dinner party on a sophisticated note.
* **Special Occasions:** The Charred Lemon Paper Plane is a perfect cocktail for celebrating special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.
* **Casual Gatherings:** It’s also a great cocktail to enjoy with friends at a casual gathering. Its easy-to-drink nature and complex flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
* **At-Home Cocktails:** There’s no bad time to make a nice cocktail for yourself at home! This is a great step up in cocktail complexity while not being overly difficult.

## The History of the Paper Plane Cocktail

The Paper Plane was created in 2008 by bartender Sam Ross at the Milk & Honey bar in New York City. Ross created the cocktail as a contribution to the opening menu of The Violet Hour in Chicago. The cocktail’s name is a reference to the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” which was popular at the time. The Paper Plane quickly gained popularity for its balanced flavors and easy-to-remember equal-parts recipe. It has since become a modern classic and is enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world. The Charred Lemon Paper Plane builds upon this solid foundation, adding a new dimension of flavor to an already beloved cocktail.

## Pairing Suggestions

The Charred Lemon Paper Plane’s complex flavor profile makes it a versatile cocktail that can be paired with a variety of foods.

* **Appetizers:** It pairs well with appetizers that have a balance of sweet, savory, and salty flavors, such as charcuterie boards, bruschetta with goat cheese and fig jam, or grilled shrimp with a citrus glaze.
* **Main Courses:** It can also be paired with lighter main courses, such as grilled chicken or fish with lemon-herb sauce, pasta with pesto, or salads with citrus vinaigrette.
* **Desserts:** The Charred Lemon Paper Plane can even be paired with desserts that have a citrus or caramel flavor, such as lemon bars, crème brûlée, or caramel cheesecake.
* **Cheese:** Hard, aged cheeses or cheeses with nutty flavors are great alongside this cocktail.

## Final Thoughts

The Charred Lemon Paper Plane is a delicious and sophisticated cocktail that is sure to impress. Its unique smoky flavor and balanced profile make it a perfect drink for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your torch (or grill pan!), and get ready to experience a classic cocktail with a smoky twist. Cheers! This unique take on a Paper Plane is sure to become one of your go-to cocktails.