Naked and famous

Naked and Famous

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A modern classic equal-parts cocktail featuring smoky mezcal, herbal yellow Chartreuse, bitter-sweet Aperol, and fresh lime juice

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Coupe Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (120ml)
  • Mezcal 
    22.5 ml
  • Yellow Chartreuse 
    22.5 ml
  • Aperol 
    22.5 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    22.5 ml
  • Lime 
    1 wheel
Recipe credit: Joaquín Simó at Death & Co, New York City (2011)

Instructions

Step

Chill the coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the cocktail

Step

Measure 22.5ml each of mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice using a jigger, adding each ingredient to the cocktail shaker

Step

Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker becomes frosty and the mixture is well chilled

Step

Empty the chilled coupe glass and double strain the cocktail through both a Hawthorn strainer and fine mesh strainer into the glass

Step

Optionally garnish with a lime wheel (fresh or dehydrated) for visual appeal and aromatic enhancement

Equipment

Shaker
Jigger
Hawthorne Strainer
Fine Mesh Strainer

Description

Created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co in New York City, the Naked and Famous is described as the “bastard love child of a classic Last Word and Sam Ross’s Paper Plane, conceived in the mountains of Oaxaca.” This IBA-recognized cocktail showcases the equal-parts formula, creating perfect harmony between smoky, herbal, bitter, and citrus elements. Its vibrant orange hue and complex flavor profile make it a standout modern classic that’s both approachable for newcomers and sophisticated enough for mezcal enthusiasts.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (120ml)
Calories
165
ABV
22.5 %
Alcohol
21.6 g
Carbs
8.2 g
Carbs from Sugar
6.8 g
Fat
0.1 g
Protein
0.2 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • The equal-parts formula is absolutely crucial for the Naked and Famous - any deviation will upset the delicate balance between smoky, herbal, bitter, and citrus elements

  • Choose a quality mezcal with pronounced but balanced smokiness; brands like Del Maguey Vida or Quiquiriqui work excellently without overpowering the other ingredients

  • Double straining is essential for achieving the cocktail's signature silky texture - this removes ice shards and pulp that would compromise the elegant presentation

  • Yellow Chartreuse and Aperol are irreplaceable in this recipe - substitutions will fundamentally change the drink's character and balance

  • Always use freshly squeezed lime juice as bottled juice lacks the brightness and acidity needed to balance the complex herbal and bitter elements

While green Chartreuse is more readily available, it’s significantly more herbal and potent than yellow Chartreuse, which will overpower the delicate balance of the Naked and Famous. Yellow Chartreuse’s milder, sweeter profile is essential to the cocktail’s character.

While a smoky tequila can work in a pinch, it will create a different cocktail entirely. Mezcal’s distinctive smokiness and earthy complexity are fundamental to the Naked and Famous. If you must substitute, choose the smokiest tequila available, but expect a less complex result.

Creator Joaquín Simó named it after the Breeders song “Divine Hammer” which contains the lyric “I’m the boy named Sue, I’m the naked and the famous too.” The name also reflects the cocktail’s bold, unadorned approach to flavor balance.

Absolutely! The equal-parts formula allows the Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime to soften mezcal’s intensity while still showcasing its unique character. This makes it an excellent introduction to mezcal for those intimidated by its smokiness.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Mezcal
    22.5 ml
  • Yellow Chartreuse
    22.5 ml
  • Aperol
    22.5 ml
  • Lime Juice
    22.5 ml
  • Lime
    1 wheel

Method

  1. Chill the coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the cocktail
  2. Measure 22.5ml each of mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice using a jigger, adding each ingredient to the cocktail shaker
  3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker becomes frosty and the mixture is well chilled
  4. Empty the chilled coupe glass and double strain the cocktail through both a Hawthorn strainer and fine mesh strainer into the glass
  5. Optionally garnish with a lime wheel (fresh or dehydrated) for visual appeal and aromatic enhancement