Handy & Schiller Small Batch Paper Plane Cocktail

Product Description

Handy & Schiller Small Batch Paper Plane: A Modern Classic, Ready to Pour

Handy & Schiller is a premium ready-to-drink cocktail line developed by the team behind Buffalo Trace Distillery, honoring Thomas Handy and Schiller, historic figures tied to the legendary Sazerac Coffee House in New Orleans' French Quarter. The brand blends that Kentucky bourbon heritage with New Orleans cocktail culture, bottling bar-quality, bold cocktails that deliver restaurant-quality drinks with zero preparation required.

This Small Batch expression takes on the Paper Plane, one of the most celebrated modern cocktails of the past two decades. Created in 2008 by bartender Sam Ross alongside Sasha Petraske, the Paper Plane was born as a favor for a bar owner who wanted a new summer drink, a riff on the classic Last Word built around equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and lemon juice. Ross swapped in Aperol after finding the original recipe too bitter, giving the drink its now-signature orange-tinted hue and named it after the M.I.A. track "Paper Planes" he had on repeat while developing it. The cocktail became so beloved that the International Bartenders Association added it to its official cocktail list in 2020.

Handy & Schiller brings that same balance of bright citrus, bittersweet Amaro depth, and warm bourbon character to a bottle, small-batched at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. No shaker, no measuring, no cleanup, just bar-quality flavor straight from the bottle.

Tasting Notes

Handy & Schiller Small Batch Paper Plane delivers bright citrus and tangy lemon upfront, layered with deep herbal, bittersweet Amaro complexity and the warm, unmistakable character of Kentucky bourbon underneath. The result is a balanced, sophisticated cocktail with real depth in every pour.

Food Pairings

Paper Plane's bittersweet citrus profile pairs beautifully with light, savory fare. Try it alongside prosciutto and melon, roasted almonds, or a citrus-forward salad, or serve it before dinner as an aperitif alongside olives and cured meats.

Serving Suggestions

Handy & Schiller Small Batch Paper Plane is best served chilled, poured straight into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass. For an extra-cold pour, chill the bottle beforehand or give it a quick shake with ice and strain, the cocktail is already perfectly balanced and ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Paper Plane cocktail? It's a modern classic cocktail created in 2008 by bartender Sam Ross, made from equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. It's been an official International Bartenders Association cocktail since 2020.

Do I need to mix anything? No. This is a ready-to-drink cocktail; simply chill and pour straight from the bottle.

What is the alcohol content? 25% ABV.

Where is this cocktail made? At the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.

How should I serve it? Chilled, poured into a coupe or Nick & Nora glass, or briefly shaken with ice and strained for an extra-cold pour.

Explore More

Craving more grab-and-pour options? Shop our full RTD collection for more bar-quality, ready-to-drink cocktails you can chill and pour in seconds.

Looking for more from Buffalo Trace? Shop our full Buffalo Trace collection for more bourbons and spirits from this legendary Frankfort, Kentucky distillery.

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At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every bottle we sell. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized distributors, and every order is carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. Shop with confidence knowing your ready-to-drink cocktails are in good hands.