Naked and Famous
Uncover the secrets to the Naked and Famous, a sophisticated modern classic cocktail that perfectly balances smoky, bitter, herbal, and citrus notes. Created by Joaquín Simó in 2011, this equal-parts drink combines Mezcal, Aperol, Green Chartreuse (a common twist on the original Yellow Chartreuse), and fresh lime juice. Its vibrant colour and complex flavour profile make it a favourite among craft cocktail enthusiasts. Learn how to craft this intriguing and delicious drink at home with our easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
- 2.25 cl mezcal
- 2.25 cl Aperol
- 2.25 cl green chartreuse
- 2.25 cl lime juice
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer.
Combine the Mezcal, Aperol, Green Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice in a shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled.
Discard the ice from the chilled coupe glass.
Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
Serve immediately, no garnish is traditionally required.
Trivia
- What does a Naked and Famous taste like?
The Naked and Famous cocktail offers a complex flavour profile. It starts with the smokiness of Mezcal, followed by the bittersweet orange notes of Aperol, the herbal complexity of Chartreuse, and finishes with the bright tartness of fresh lime juice. It's a balanced interplay of smoky, bitter, sweet, and sour.
- What is the difference between a Naked and Famous and a Last Word?
Both are equal-parts cocktails with Chartreuse and lime, but the base spirit and modifier differ. The Last Word uses Gin and Maraschino Liqueur, resulting in a sharper, more herbaceous flavour. The Naked and Famous uses Mezcal and Aperol, creating a smokier, bittersweet profile.
- Who created the Naked and Famous cocktail?
The Naked and Famous was created by bartender Joaquín Simó in 2011 while he was working at the acclaimed New York City bar, Death & Co. It's considered a modern classic and a riff on the Last Word structure.
- Can I use Yellow Chartreuse instead of Green Chartreuse?
Yes, absolutely! The original Naked and Famous recipe actually calls for Yellow Chartreuse, which is slightly sweeter and has milder herbal notes than Green Chartreuse. Using Green Chartreuse, as listed here due to availability, offers a bolder, more intensely herbal variation.
- What kind of Mezcal works best in a Naked and Famous?
An Espadín Mezcal is generally recommended for a Naked and Famous. Look for one with a moderate smoke level that won't completely overpower the other ingredients. The goal is balance, allowing the Aperol and Chartreuse to shine alongside the Mezcal.
- Is the Naked and Famous served with a garnish?
Traditionally, the Naked and Famous cocktail is served straight up in a chilled coupe glass without any garnish. Its vibrant colour and aromatic complexity are usually considered sufficient presentation.