Naked in a Hottub

The Naked in a Hottub is a creative twist on the popular Naked & Famous cocktail. It substitutes Strega for Yellow Chartreuse, adding a more complex, minty, and saffron-infused herbaceousness. The addition of celery bitters provides a surprising savory counterpoint to the bittersweet Aperol and smoky mezcal. This creates a beautifully balanced and intriguing drink for the adventurous palate.
Naked in a Hottub

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Naked in a Hottub is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the family of "equal parts" sours, known for their balanced structure and straightforward recipes. Its use of contemporary ingredients like mezcal in this format solidifies its status as a modern creation.

Serving

This cocktail is served "straight up" in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass for an elegant presentation. Its moderate to high alcohol content is well-integrated, delivering a smooth, spirit-forward experience.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz (pre-dilution)
Alcohol content
25-28% ABV (estimated)
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by bartender Brandon Bramhall at the acclaimed New York City bar Attaboy, this drink is a clever riff on Joaquín Simó's "Naked & Famous." The name is a playful extension of the original, suggesting a more relaxed and perhaps slightly more decadent experience. It perfectly showcases how minor adjustments to a classic formula can result in a completely new and exciting flavor profile.
Origin
Created in the 2010s at Attaboy bar in New York City, USA.

Naked in a Hottub

The name "Naked in a Hottub" is a playful and memorable riff on the cocktail it was inspired by, the "Naked & Famous." It does not have widely recognized alternative names, though it might occasionally be shortened. The name evokes a sense of relaxed indulgence, fitting its complex yet approachable character.
Original name
Naked in a Hottub
Alternative name
Naked Hottub

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a complex aroma of smoke and herbs, leading to a balanced bittersweet flavor with a unique savory note. It has a smooth, crisp texture and a clean, smoky finish, making it a refreshing choice for any season.
Flavor
Smoky, bittersweet, herbaceous, complex, slightly savory, citrusy
Aroma
Mezcal smoke, orange, mint, saffron, celery, herbs
Taste balance
Bittersweet, sour
Aftertaste
Lingering smoke, herbal bitterness, clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale orange, hazy golden
Texture
Smooth, crisp
Seasonality
Year-round, refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is pronounced, with a balanced interplay of moderate sourness and bitterness against a backdrop of smoky mezcal. The sweetness is subtle, and the alcohol provides a pleasant warmth without being overpowering.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is an equal-parts cocktail requiring mezcal, Aperol, Strega liqueur, and fresh lime juice. A single dash of celery bitters is the crucial final touch that defines the drink's unique character.
  • Mezcal22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A good quality, lightly smoky mezcal like Del Maguey Vida or an espadín works best.
  • Aperol22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Provides the characteristic bitter orange notes and vibrant color.
  • Strega22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    An Italian herbal liqueur with notes of mint, fennel, and saffron. It replaces the Yellow Chartreuse from the Naked & Famous.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for brightness and balance.
  • Celery Bitters1 dash
    The key ingredient that adds a unique savory complexity.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set for this recipe. A jigger ensures accurate measurements for balance, and a fine-mesh strainer is recommended for a smooth, ice-chip-free texture.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Fine-mesh strainer (for double straining)
  • Citrus juicer

Instructions

The process involves combining all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shaking until well-chilled, and double straining into a pre-chilled coupe glass. This ensures a cold, smooth, and perfectly diluted drink.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Combine the mezcal, Aperol, Strega, fresh lime juice, and celery bitters in 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.
5. Double strain the mixture through the shaker's built-in strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Serve immediately while cold.

Garnishing

This drink is typically served "naked" without a physical garnish, letting the color and aroma speak for themselves. If desired, you can express the oils from a lime twist over the surface for an extra citrus kick.
  • None, or a lime twist expressed over the drink

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. It is fully suitable for individuals following vegetarian and vegan diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, deriving mostly from the Aperol and Strega liqueurs. It is not considered a low-calorie or low-sugar beverage.
Calories
Averagely 180-210 kcal / 753-879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11-14 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink serves as an excellent and sophisticated aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal. Its unique flavor profile makes it a great conversation-starter at social gatherings or cocktail parties. It's particularly well-suited for adventurous drinkers looking to explore modern flavor combinations.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Aperitif
  • Social Gathering
  • Adventurous Tasting

Pairing suggestions

The bittersweet and smoky profile of the Naked in a Hottub pairs excellently with salty and savory foods. It cuts through the richness of cured meats and cheeses while complementing the brightness of light seafood dishes. Its complexity stands up well to salty snacks, making it a versatile choice for an aperitif course.
  • Salty snacks like olives or Marcona almonds
  • Light appetizers like ceviche or shrimp cocktail
  • Mild cheeses like manchego or a fresh goat cheese
  • Spicy chorizo or salami

Naked in a Hottub: A Smoky and Herbaceous Modern Marvel

The Naked in a Hottub is a sophisticated and compelling modern cocktail that offers a journey of flavors. It builds upon the well-loved "Naked & Famous" template by swapping in the unique herbal notes of Strega and a surprising savory hint of celery. The result is a beautifully balanced drink where smoke, bitterness, herbaceousness, and sour citrus all play in harmony. It's an excellent choice for the discerning drinker seeking a cocktail that is familiar yet excitingly different.

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