The Paper Boat cocktail emerges as a sophisticated relative to the widely loved Paper Plane, swapping bourbon for aged rum to create a unique flavour profile. This modern classic has quickly gained popularity for its intriguing blend of bittersweet and tangy notes, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a complex yet balanced drink.
What is the Paper Boat Cocktail?
The Paper Boat is essentially a riff on the Paper Plane cocktail, which uses bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice. The Paper Boat, however, replaces the bourbon with aged rum, which brings a different depth of flavor and complexity. It’s a cocktail that retains the spirit of its predecessor, aiming for a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and bitter elements. This makes it an excellent option for those who enjoy a drink with a bit of an edge, but is still approachable and refined.
Ingredients for the Perfect Paper Boat
To make a Paper Boat cocktail that truly stands out, you’ll need a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final flavor profile:
- Aged Rum (6-10 years): The heart of the Paper Boat, aged rum provides a richer, more complex base than the bourbon found in a Paper Plane. Opt for a rum aged between 6 and 10 years to ensure a balanced flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Some prefer rums with a honey and orange flavor profile.
- Amaro Nonino Quintessentia: This Italian amaro lends a distinctive bitter-sweet flavor. Its complexity complements the rum beautifully, adding layers of herbal and citrus notes.
- Orange-Red Aperitivo: Aperol is frequently used to introduce a bittersweet element, as well as a vibrant color. It contributes to the cocktail’s overall balance, and provides a gentler bitter note than some other apertivos.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential. It adds a necessary tartness that cuts through the richness of the rum and the bitterness of the amaro and apertivo, creating a well-rounded cocktail.
- Maraschino Liqueur: Some variations include a barspoon of Maraschino liqueur to add a touch of sweetness and depth.
The standard ratio for the cocktail is typically equal parts of each component: rum, amaro, aperitivo, and lemon juice. However, you may adjust the components to your taste preferences.
How to Make a Paper Boat Cocktail
Creating a Paper Boat is relatively straightforward, requiring only a few steps:
- Chill your glass: Start by placing a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or filling it with ice to chill.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the aged rum, Amaro Nonino, orange-red aperitivo, fresh lemon juice, and Maraschino liqueur (if using).
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake Well: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Fine Strain: Remove the ice from the chilled glass, and strain the cocktail into it through a fine-mesh strainer. This removes any ice shards, creating a smooth, elegant drink.
- Garnish: The traditional garnish is a small paper boat, either resting on the rim of the glass or floating delicately on the surface of the drink. A lemon zest twist is another simple but elegant garnish.
Tips for the Best Paper Boat
- Use Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a significant difference. Bottled juices often have added preservatives that can affect the taste.
- Choose Quality Rum: The quality of the rum greatly influences the final cocktail. Opt for a good quality aged rum with a flavor profile you enjoy.
- Balance Flavors: Experiment with the ratios to find the balance that suits your palate. Some prefer a slightly more tart drink, while others may want a touch more sweetness.
- Chill Thoroughly: Ensure that your glass and ingredients are well-chilled before you begin. This helps to maintain the cocktail’s temperature and enhance its taste.
Paper Boat Variations
While the classic recipe is exceptional, there’s room for experimentation and personalization. Here are a few variations that have gained popularity:
- The Last Ahoy: This variation uses Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, Aperol, Amaro Averna, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and orgeat. It’s a more tropical and funky take on the original.
- The Winglet: This variation incorporates bourbon, Aperol, lemon juice and orange juice, and grenadine, and drops a cherry in the bottom, which is allowed to sink to the bottom for a layered effect.
- Rum and Campari Variation: For those who like a more bitter profile, some recipes suggest using rum, Campari, Hilde Botanical Liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Paper Train: Replace the Aperol with another amaro or liqueur, such as Cynar, for a stronger bitter flavor or Luxardo Bitter Bianco for a different bitter-sweet balance.
- Origami Twist: Try using different citrus juices, such as grapefruit or blood orange, instead of lemon juice.
The Paper Boat vs. the Paper Plane
It’s important to understand that the Paper Boat is a direct evolution of the Paper Plane. The core difference is the choice of spirit; the Paper Plane uses bourbon, while the Paper Boat employs aged rum. This single swap has a significant impact on the drink’s overall flavor. While the Paper Plane offers a blend of complex sweetness and gentle bitterness, the Paper Boat leans into richer, spicier notes courtesy of the rum. It’s a worthwhile exploration for those who enjoy the Paper Plane but want to delve into something with a slightly different flavor profile.
Why You Should Try a Paper Boat
The Paper Boat is more than just a trendy cocktail. It’s a testament to how slight variations in a recipe can lead to a completely different tasting experience. This cocktail offers:
- Complex Flavors: The combination of aged rum, amaro, aperitivo, and lemon creates a multi-layered flavor experience that is both bitter and sweet, tart and rich.
- Sophistication: The Paper Boat is a step up from many simpler cocktails, making it a great choice for special occasions or when you want something a bit more refined.
- Versatility: It can be enjoyed year-round and is particularly suitable for those who appreciate a well-balanced drink.
- Exploration: The numerous variations available allow you to experiment and find your perfect version of the Paper Boat.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just starting your mixology journey, the Paper Boat is definitely worth trying. Its complex flavors, balanced profile, and elegant presentation make it a standout choice. So, set sail with this delicious riff on a modern classic and discover the unique taste of the Paper Boat cocktail.
