In 2020 it was added to the International Bartenders Association's (IBA) list of official cocktails as a new era drink.

The IBA suggests the drink should be prepared without garnish,[2] but Difford's Guide and Esquire magazine both recommend a lemon twist.

[5][6] When the drink was first served at The Violet Hour, Maloney listed it on the menu as the paper airplane, because he misheard Ross's "slightly buzzed" voicemail.

After submitting the recipe to Maloney, Ross began having second thoughts and revisited the drink, determining that it was too bitter and didn't reach his desired level of sweetness.

[6][7] He also says he tried several different spirits as the drink's base, including rye, applejack, and brandy, before selecting bourbon.