Naked and Famous
The Naked and Famous is a sophisticated and assertive cocktail that masterfully combines four distinct ingredients in equal parts. The smokiness of the mezcal provides a bold foundation, which is elegantly complemented by the sweet, herbal complexity of Yellow Chartreuse. Aperol introduces a vibrant, bitter orange note, while fresh lime juice cuts through with a sharp, citric acidity, tying all the elements together. The result is a memorable drink that is simultaneously smoky, sweet, sour, and bitter.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Naked and Famous is classified as a modern classic cocktail, a category for drinks created in recent decades that have achieved widespread acclaim and popularity. It is typically served as an aperitif due to its balanced bittersweet profile. This places it firmly within the realm of contemporary craft cocktails.
Serving
Served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe glass, this is a spirit-forward but well-balanced drink with a moderate alcohol content. Its cold temperature is crucial for a crisp and refreshing experience.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Created in 2011 by bartender Joaquín Simó at the acclaimed New York City bar Death & Co., the Naked and Famous was designed as a mezcal-based twist on the classic Last Word. Simó sought to create a drink with the same equal-parts structure but with a completely different flavor profile. The name is a nod to a '90s alternative rock song, reflecting the drink's modern and playful character.
Origin
New York City, USA, circa 2011.
Naked and Famous
The drink is consistently known as the "Naked and Famous," sometimes stylized with an ampersand. It has no widely recognized alternative names as it is a relatively modern creation. The name is a reference to a song by the band The Presidents of the United States of America.
Original name
Naked and Famous
Alternative name
The Naked & Famous
Characteristics overview
It boasts a complex flavor profile that is smoky, herbal, and bittersweet, with a refreshing tartness and a smooth texture. The aroma is a captivating mix of smoke, citrus, and herbs, leading to a long, lingering finish.
Flavor
smoky, herbal, bittersweet, tart, citrusy, complex
Aroma
agave smoke, lime zest, sweet herbs, orange peel
Taste balance
smoky, sweet, sour, bitter
Aftertaste
long, complex, smoky, herbal
Fizziness
none, still
Color appearance
pale orange, hazy, light yellow-pink
Texture
smooth, crisp, clean
Seasonality
refreshing, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
This drink is intensely flavorful, dominated by high sourness and moderate bitterness, balanced by a subtle sweetness and a distinct smoky character. It is a moderately strong, still cocktail with no creaminess or saltiness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires four ingredients in equal measures: smoky mezcal, herbal Yellow Chartreuse, bittersweet Aperol, and freshly squeezed lime juice. The quality of each component is key to the final taste.
- Mezcal22.5 ml / 0.75 ozA good quality, not overly smoky mezcal works best to maintain balance.
- Yellow Chartreuse22.5 ml / 0.75 ozAdds herbal sweetness and complexity. Do not substitute with Green Chartreuse for the classic recipe.
- Aperol22.5 ml / 0.75 ozProvides the bittersweet orange notes and vibrant color.
- Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozMust be freshly squeezed for brightness and acidity.
Ice type
- Cubed (for shaking)
Mixing equipments
You will need a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the ingredients, a jigger for precise measurements, and a fine-mesh strainer for a clean pour into the glass.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
- Fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth texture
Instructions
The preparation involves chilling a glass, shaking all four liquid ingredients with ice, and then double-straining the mixture into the prepared glass. A final garnish of lime completes the drink.
1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Measure and pour the mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well-chilled.
5. Empty the ice and water from your chilled coupe glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled coupe glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to catch any small ice shards or lime pulp.
7. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel on the rim or an expressed lime twist.
Garnishing
A simple garnish of a lime wheel or an expressed lime twist is traditional, adding a fresh citrus aroma to the first sip. This aromatic element enhances the overall drinking experience.
- Lime wheel or twist, expressed over the drink and placed on the rim or in the glass
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten, assuming the spirits are properly distilled. It is also suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. It also has a significant sugar and carbohydrate content derived from the Aperol and Chartreuse.
Calories
Averagely 180-210 kcal / 753-879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11-14 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is ideal for sophisticated settings like cocktail parties or as a vibrant aperitif before a meal. Its complex and unique flavor profile makes it a great conversation starter at social gatherings. It is a perfect choice when you want to impress guests with a modern craft cocktail.
- Cocktail party
- Pre-dinner drink
- Sophisticated gathering
- Happy hour
Pairing suggestions
The drink's smoky and tart profile pairs excellently with bold, flavorful foods. It stands up well to spicy Mexican cuisine like tacos or citrus-forward dishes like ceviche. It also complements the richness of smoked cheeses and the char of grilled seafood, making it a versatile choice for pairing.
- Spicy tacos
- Smoked cheeses
- Grilled seafood
- Citrus-marinated ceviche
Naked and Famous: A Modern Symphony of Smoke and Bitters
The Naked and Famous is a testament to the elegance of simplicity and balance in modern mixology. Its equal-parts recipe of mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice creates an unforgettable symphony of smoky, herbal, bitter, and sour notes. Perfect for the adventurous palate, this cocktail is a modern masterpiece that challenges and delights the senses. It stands as a shining example of a successful riff on a classic, carving out its own iconic status in the world of cocktails.