It’s hard to find someone that doesn’t love the Paper Plane Cocktail. You’ve got Bourbon, you’ve got an Aperitivo, you’ve got Acid and of course, AMARO. Well, I bring together a Canadian version that just won’t quit and I’m so excited to share with you all today in anticipation for Canada Day. This is a Paper Plane Riff you won’t want to miss.
Want to catch the segment where I create this beautiful gem? Make sure to follow this LINK here as it will direct you where you need to go!
Let’s Talk Rye!
I have long, loved Rye. More so than the popular girl in school (Bourbon). Because it’s under-appreciated, it’s got a lot more going on when it comes to spices, and I love that is has a special tie to Canada. Lets be clear on one thing though, not all Canadian Whiskies are predominately Rye-based. I know those terms “rye” and “Canadian Whisky” get interchanged. But not all Canadian Whiskies are predominantly Rye-Based.
It takes a lot of work to make an ALL Rye-based Whisky. That’s probably why you might have noticed the higher price tag on 100% Rye Whiskies. The thing is, you don’t need a ton of Rye for it to a go a long way! Because of this misunderstanding, I really wanted to share this information with my girls on CTV’s The Social, plus highlighting a superior Rye Whisky coming from Alberta which is Reifel Rye. I think even my Bourbon fans would appreciate this dram, and it comes at a price point that is very hard to beat. They even won Best New Canadian Whisky in 2023. Here’s whats going on in this dram. It’s Pot-distilled, using 91% Rye base, aged in New White Oak and Ex-Bourbon Barrels. It’s a full-flavoured Whisky that has to be sipped to truly understand its magic.
Building this Paper Plane Riff with Canadian Products
It is NOT BREAKING NEWS. I love Dillon’s. They are a distiller out in the Niagara Region that always has the mission in mind that quality surpasses quantity, in all aspects of their business. It’s hard to find something you WON’T like from them, and this Amaro got me very excited. Plus it’s a bonus that I need an Amaro to help complete my Paper Plane Riff.
Now this isn’t your typical Amaro. I surprisingly find a ton of Anise notes to this, and it’s slightly light on that palate. It’s not the syrupy, rich sauce you can find in some bottles. It worked, and although it’s not on LCBO shelves, you can shop ALL of Dillon’s products, via their website and they make it super convenient to do so. May I add that they have my favourite line up of liqueurs, period. Give them a try!
To Aperitivo or Not to Aperitivo
Listen, I wanted to incorporate an Aperitivo, but I was focused on making sure that they products I featured were made here in Canada. So today we are highlighting a Non-Alcoholic Italian Aperitivo! I love this because we’re bringing more balance to the cocktail, and especially for those limiting their alcohol intake. Plus it’s a great way of introducing a product to your life that can create an infinite number of options when it comes to Alcohol-Free Beverages!
Introducing Grapefruit Syrup
This won’t be the last you see Prosyro recommended on Liquid Culture. I’ve long been a fan of this Montreal brand, and they create some of the very best, high-quality syrups out there for your cocktails. And somewhat strangely, the Grapefruit Syrup is so vibrant, yet lends into its mission of syrup, that I love it. And you’ll love it. That’s a guarantee.
PLUS, I’ve got a Discount code for you! Use MONICA10 at the checkout for 10% off your Prosyro purchases on Alambika. You won’t regret it, trust me.
And thanks to all these wonderful ingredients, we were able to create something uniquely Canadian with this Canadian Paper Plane Riff. Share your thoughts on this cocktail!
Rye in the Sky
A Paper Plane Riff with a Canadian influence, using Rye Whisky, Dillon's Black Walnut Amaro, Grapefruit Syrup and more!
– Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Reifel Rye
- 0.5 oz Dillon’s Black Walnut Amaro
- 0.2 cups Berry Mixture
- 0.25 oz Water
- 0.25 oz Noa’s Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo
- 0.25 oz Prosyro Grapefruit Syrup
Instructions
- Muddle Berry Mixture in your shaker. Add in the rest of your ingredients and shake well.
- Double Strain into Coupe Glass.
Recipe Notes
Berry Mixture is a mixture of your local berries (from Strawberries, Blackberries, Currants, Blueberries, Haskap and more). Use what you have, even if it’s just 1 variety and let this cocktail change with the seasons. Be mindful of the fruit, as they may not be as sweet as typical. Ensure to taste after shaking to make sure you’re happy with the mix!
