Naked and Famous Cocktail

The Naked and Famous Cocktail is known for being smoky, herbaceous, tart, and perfectly balanced in all the right ways. It's a modern classic, and it's also super easy to make.

It's gorgeous, so it's a perfect way to shake things up (pun intended) at your next soiree. (Batching instructions below).

The Naked and Famous cocktail is a bold and balanced libation that combines the smoky notes of mezcal, the bitter-sweetness of Aperol, the herbal complexity of Chartreuse, and the tartness of lime juice. Its harmonious flavors and modern twist make it an amazing choice for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate bold and complex drinks.

Jump to:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is a Naked and Famous Cocktail?
• What's the History?
• Ingredients
• How to Make A Naked and Famous
• Batching and Making Ahead
• What to Serve with It
• More Awesome Cocktails to Try
• 📖 Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Naked and Famous Cocktail?

It's a vibrant, bold drink that packs a punch. It features equal parts of mezcal, Aperol, Chartreuse, and lime juice. The smoky notes of the mezcal combine with Aperol's bitter-sweetness and Chartreuse's herbal complexity to create a beautifully balanced libation.

The tartness of the freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty brightness that elevates the flavors to new heights. This cocktail is a modern classic perfect for those who enjoy bold and complex flavors in their drinks. Whether sipped on its own or enjoyed with friends, this drink is sure to impress and delight your taste buds.

So grab your shaker, measure out the ingredients, and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey with this stunning cocktail. Cheers to indulging in the rich and nuanced flavors of the Naked and Famous!

What's the History?

The Naked and Famous was invented by bartender Joaquín Simó at the iconic and renowned bar Death & Co. in New York City in 2011. Simó, known for his creative concoctions, crafted this modern classic by combining mezcal, Aperol, Chartreuse, and lime juice in equal parts.

The cocktail quickly gained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts for its bold and balanced flavors, and has since become a beloved libation in the modern cocktail scene.

Its exact origins and inspiration are attributed to Simó's creativity and innovation behind the bar, showcasing the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of cocktail culture.

Ingredients

• Mezcal: Smoky and agave-based spirit that adds a unique depth of flavor.
• Aperol: Bitter liqueur with hints of orange, adding balanced bitterness and subtle sweetness.
• Chartreuse: Herbal liqueur with complex flavors of spices, herbs, and botanicals, adding depth and complexity.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds tartness and zesty brightness.

Can I use Green or Yellow Chartreuse?

Yes, you can use either green or yellow Chartreuse, depending on your preference and availability. Green Chartreuse is higher in alcohol content and has a more pronounced herbal flavor. Yellow Chartreuse is slightly sweeter with a milder herbal profile. Both can work well in the cocktail, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile. I often find yellow Chartreuse super hard to find though!

How to Make A Naked and Famous

Alright, so to make a Naked and Famous cocktail, you'll need a cocktail shaker and some ice. Fill the shaker with ice to get started.

Next, grab your mezcal, Aperol, Chartreuse (either green or yellow), and fresh lime juice. Measure out ¾ oz of each ingredient and pour them into the shaker.

Now, it's time to shake things up! Give the shaker a good shake for about 10-15 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail.

Once you're done shaking, strain the mixture into a glass. You can use a rocks glass or a coupe glass, depending on your preference.

Garnish with a twist of lime peel or a slice of lime, if you like. And there you have it - a delicious Naked and Famous cocktail ready to be enjoyed!

It's a refreshing and balanced drink with smoky, bitter, herbal, and citrusy flavors all coming together in perfect harmony. Cheers!

Batching and Making Ahead

This is a great one to mix up ahead of time if you're serving a crowd. Here's what you're going to do!

• 9 oz mezcal
• 9 oz Aperol
• 9 oz Chartreuse (green or yellow)
• 9 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice

1. In a large mixing container, combine 9 oz each of mezcal, Aperol, Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice.
2. Stir gently to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Add to a large pitcher, and keep refrigerated.
4. When serving, pour the desired amount of the pre-mixed cocktail into a shaker with ice.
5. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail.
6. Strain the mixture into rocks glasses or coupe glasses.
7. Garnish with a twist of lime peel or a slice of lime, if desired.
8. Sip and enjoy the convenience of having a pre-mixed Naked and Famous cocktail ready to serve!

What to Serve with It

Spicy Tacos: The smoky mezcal and bitter Aperol in the cocktail complement the heat of spicy tacos, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Citrus-Glazed Salmon: The herbal notes from Chartreuse and zesty lime juice in the cocktail pair well with the richness of citrus-glazed salmon, adding depth and brightness to the dish.

Charcuterie Board: The complex flavors of the Naked and Famous cocktail enhance the savory and salty notes of a charcuterie board, creating a delightful contrast of tastes.

Grilled Vegetables: The smokiness of mezcal in the cocktail complements the natural sweetness of grilled vegetables, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Fresh Ceviche: The bright and tangy notes of lime juice in the cocktail add a zesty kick to fresh ceviche, elevating the citrusy flavors of the dish.

More Awesome Cocktails to Try

📖 Recipe