Why Mezcal Deserves a Spot in Your Cocktail Routine
If you’ve been hanging out on Bonnie and Wine for a while, you know I have a thing for spirits with character. And if there’s one that knows how to make an entrance, it’s mezcal. Smoky, complex, unapologetic—mezcal isn’t for the shy. But that’s exactly what makes it so damn interesting behind the bar.
Now, let’s talk about something even more exciting: a smoky twist on a modern classic—the Paper Plane. Trust me, once you’ve had this Mezcal Paper Plane, your Aperol Spritz might start collecting dust.
Meet the Original Paper Plane
Before we shake things up, let’s give credit where it’s due. The Paper Plane cocktail was created in 2007 by Sam Ross (yes, the brains behind the Penicillin—bartender royalty stuff). It’s a beautifully balanced mix of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice. Lightly bitter, slightly sweet, and dangerously drinkable.
But here’s the kicker: swap the bourbon with mezcal and it transforms into something deeper, smokier, and sexier. You keep the backbone of the classic, but with way more attitude. Kind of like taking your cocktail from elevator music to a Black Keys concert.
Why Mezcal Works So Well Here
Good question. Mezcal’s earthy, smoky character doesn’t bulldoze the other ingredients—it plays with them. Especially with the Amaro Nonino (that bittersweet herbal note) and the citrus kick from lemon juice. The result? A cocktail that’s smoky, bright, bitter and balanced all in one sip.
I remember the first time I tried this twist. I was messing around with Sunday leftovers behind the bar—yes, it happens. We were out of bourbon but the bottle of mezcal was staring right at me. I took the leap. Five minutes later, even the regular who lives on Negronis was converted.
What You’ll Need
The good news? This cocktail isn’t fussy. Four ingredients, a shaker, a strainer, and you’re golden. Here’s the shopping list:
- ¾ oz Mezcal (go for something not too aggressive—I like Del Maguey Vida as a base)
- ¾ oz Aperol
- ¾ oz Amaro Nonino
- ¾ oz Fresh lemon juice
No egg whites, no infusions, no fuss. Just balance in a glass.
How to Make a Smoky Mezcal Paper Plane
Let’s not overcomplicate things. This is a straight-up shake and strain situation:
- Fill your shaker with ice
- Add all ingredients
- Shake it like you mean it—about 15 seconds, until the shaker is frosty
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
No garnish needed. This drink doesn’t play dress-up—it delivers as-is.
Choosing the Right Mezcal
Not all mezcals are created equal. Some are heavy on smoked agave, bordering barbecue territory. For this cocktail, you want balance. A mezcal that brings smoke without overwhelming the rest.
My top picks:
- Del Maguey Vida: Affordable, accessible, and easy to mix with.
- Sombra Mezcal: Cleaner profile, smooth with just the right hit of smoke.
- Mezcal Vago Elote: Slightly funky, perfect if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you’re totally new to mezcal, I’d recommend starting with Del Maguey Vida. It’s a great all-rounder and won’t hijack your cocktail.
Swaps & Variations
The classic Paper Plane uses Amaro Nonino, which is amazing—but not exactly easy on the wallet or always in stock. Here’s how to adapt without sacrificing the soul of the drink:
- Amaro Nonino Alternative: Try Amaro Montenegro or Averna. Not identical, but close enough for a delicious riff.
- Feeling bold? Swap Aperol for Campari for a more intense bitterness. Just a heads-up—it’ll be punchier.
- Want more zest? Add a dash of orange bitters to lift the citrus elements.
Remember, cocktail recipes are guidelines, not commandments. Tweak until it feels right.
When to Serve It
This isn’t your easy Sunday brunch spritz. The Smoky Mezcal Paper Plane is more of a twilight-hour sipper. Great for:
- Pre-dinner drinks
- Impressing your whisky-loving friend who “hates cocktails”
- Solo Netflix nights—because yes, you deserve nice things
- Cool autumn evenings on the balcony with a blanket and some classic vinyl
A Few Pro Tips From My Bar Days
After shaking more Paper Planes than I can count, here are a few tricks to elevate your game:
- Use fresh lemon juice. Always. Bottled stuff just won’t cut it.
- Double strain even if you don’t think you need to. Pulp and ice shards kill the experience.
- Chill your glassware. You’re working with a delicate balance—don’t let a warm glass mess with it.
- Measure everything. This drink is all about equal parts—that’s where the beauty lies.
And if you’re batching for a crowd (party trick right here), just multiply the ingredients, pour into a sealed bottle, chill it in advance and shake individual portions on demand. Instant bartender points.
The Bonnie Test: Is It Worth Making?
This isn’t just a « wow, neat » cocktail. It’s one that sticks. The kind that makes you reach for your shaker even when you’re off-duty. Balanced bitterness, fresh acidity, a touch of sweetness, and smoke—what more do you want?
It’s refreshing yet grounded, perfect for seasoned mezcal fans or curious beginners. And if you’re someone who enjoys classic cocktails with a twist, this one checks all the boxes. It’s not trying to be flashy. It’s just flat-out good.
I’ve served this version to everyone from tequila skeptics to bourbon diehards, and it never fails to spark conversation. Because that’s what the best cocktails do—they open up discussions, stories, laughs. This one just happens to do it with a bit of smoke on the tongue.
Ready to Get Shaking?
If mezcal’s been collecting dust on your shelf—or worse, if you’ve never given it a shot—this is your excuse. The Smoky Mezcal Paper Plane is simple enough for any home bartender, and elegant enough to have friends thinking you trained in Oaxaca under a cocktail guru.
So grab that shaker, grab that mezcal, and send your tastebuds on a little flight. And as always, if you’ve got riffs, questions, or just want to share your version, hit me up in the comments or on Instagram. Cocktails are made to be shared—and tweaked.
À bientôt, et santé mes amis 🍸