19 Feb Paper Boat cocktail
Which rum is best for a Paper Boat cocktail?
We recommend using Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum in the Paper Boat cocktail. Its unique double-aging process in sherry casks results in a complex yet approachable rum, perfect for sipping neat or elevating soon-to-be classic cocktails like the Paper Boat. This cocktail captures the rich warmth of the Caribbean, layered with subtle sherry-cask sweetness from its second aging in our bodega in Jerez, Spain.
Balanced with bitter orange notes, velvety herbal complexity, and bright citrus, the Paper Boat lands perfectly between bold and refreshing. Whether you’re a rum purist or a cocktail explorer, this drink proves that some twists are worth the voyage.
About Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum
Dos Maderas 5+3 is a unique blend of Barbadian and Guyanese rums, aged for five years in the Caribbean before maturing for an additional three years in Jerez, Spain, in Palo Cortado sherry casks. The result? A perfectly balanced rum with notes of vanilla, hazelnut, coconut, and subtle maple.
About Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum
Dos Maderas 5+3 is a unique blend of Barbadian and Guyanese rums, aged for five years in the Caribbean before maturing for an additional three years in Jerez, Spain, in Palo Cortado sherry casks. The result? A perfectly balanced rum with notes of vanilla, hazelnut, coconut, and subtle maple.
Ingredients to make a Paper Boat cocktail
0.75 oz. Dos Maderas 5+3
0.75 oz. Amaro Nonino
0.75 oz. Aperol
0.75 oz. Fresh lemon juice
3 drops of saline solution (optional, enhances flavors)
Paper Boat recipe - Step by Step
- Combine equal parts Dos Maderas 5+3, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to properly chill, aerate, and dilute the cocktail.
- Garnish with a mini origami paper boat for a whimsical finishing touch.
History and Origins of the Paper Boat Cocktail
The Paper Boat cocktail is a modern evolution of the Paper Plane, created by renowned bartender Sam Ross in 2008 for The Violet Hour in Chicago. Named after rapper M.I.A.’s hit song Paper Planes, it became an instant classic with its balanced blend of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice.
The Paper Boat charts a new course by replacing bourbon with aged rum, offering a smoother, more tropical take on the bittersweet original, enhanced by the oak-kissed depth of Dos Maderas 5+3.
As one of the most celebrated modern classic cocktails, the Paper Plane is known for its equal-parts composition—each ingredient measured in the same ratio. Other well-known equal-parts cocktails include the Negroni and the Last Word, which follow the same balanced structure.
Named for its whimsical garnish, the Paper Boat pays homage to the spirit of travel and adventure—much like Dos Maderas 5+3, which embarks on its own journey from the Caribbean to Spain for its signature double-aging process.
Tips for making a perfect Paper Boat
Tip 1: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Its bright acidity balances the rum’s richness and the bitterness of the aperitif, making the cocktail more vibrant.
Tip 2: Shake with intention. A firm, 10–15 second shake with ice ensures proper dilution and a smooth, well-chilled cocktail.
Tip 3: Choose a well-aged rum. The double-aging process of Dos Maderas 5+3 enhances the cocktail with notes of oak, vanilla, and spice, elevating it beyond a standard riff.
Tip 4: Fine-strain for a silky finish. Using a fine-mesh strainer removes any ice shards, giving the cocktail a clean, refined texture.
Tip 5: Garnish with a mini paper boat. Not only does it complete the drink’s theme, but it also makes for a great conversation starter. Spear it with a cocktail pick to prevent it from sinking mid-sip! Or, better yet, try “harboring” your boat to the glass rim with a tiny clothespin.
Tips for making a perfect Paper Boat
Tip 1: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Its bright acidity balances the rum’s richness and the bitterness of the aperitif, making the cocktail more vibrant.
Tip 2: Shake with intention. A firm, 10–15 second shake with ice ensures proper dilution and a smooth, well-chilled cocktail.
Tip 3: Choose a well-aged rum. The double-aging process of Dos Maderas 5+3 enhances the cocktail with notes of oak, vanilla, and spice, elevating it beyond a standard riff.
Tip 4: Fine-strain for a silky finish. Using a fine-mesh strainer removes any ice shards, giving the cocktail a clean, refined texture.
Tip 5: Garnish with a mini paper boat. Not only does it complete the drink’s theme, but it also makes for a great conversation starter. Spear it with a cocktail pick to prevent it from sinking mid-sip! Or, better yet, try “harboring” your boat to the glass rim with a tiny clothespin.
Paper Boat Cocktail Variations & Types
Incorporate additional bitters or swap out Aperol for Campari to enhance the Paper Boat cocktail’s bitter notes, or introduce a splash of sparkling wine for a refreshing, effervescent twist…
The Origami Sour
A softer, more citrus-forward variation that swaps the Aperol for Dry Curaçao, adding a sweeter and more floral touch of orange brightness, while a bar spoon of honey syrup rounds out the bitterness.
The Bitter Buoy
Taking cues from the rising love for amaro-driven cocktails, this version not only replaces Aperol with Campari but also adds a splash of Fernet-Branca for an extra herbal kick.
The Sail Away Spritz
A lighter, more effervescent adaptation that tops the classic Paper Boat with a splash of prosecco, creating a refreshing aperitivo-style serve.
The Night Voyage
A deeper, more brooding variation that swaps Dos Maderas 5+3 for Dos Maderas Selección, adding extra oak and sherry warmth, finished with a touch of chocolate bitters.
FAQ
Dos Maderas 5+3 is the perfect choice, offering a smooth blend of Caribbean richness and sherry-cask complexity that enhances the cocktail’s citrusy and bitter notes.
While both share a similar structure, the Paper Boat swaps bourbon for rum, giving it a silkier mouthfeel and a touch of oak, spice, and molasses sweetness from Dos Maderas 5+3.
Aromatic bitters or orange bitters can add extra depth, complementing the aperitif’s bright citrus and herbal complexity.
A mini origami paper boat adds a fun nautical touch. For a functional garnish, a lemon twist or dehydrated citrus wheel enhances the drink’s citrusy aroma.
A chilled coupe glass is ideal, allowing the balance of flavors to shine while adding an elegant touch.
Try it with charcuterie, aged cheese, or citrus-glazed seafood to complement its bittersweet and herbal notes.
Ready to set sail? Mix up your own Paper Boat and share your creation with us on Instagram at @dosmaderas—tag us for a chance to be featured on the feed.
Cocktails with Dos Maderas 5+3
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