Naked & Famous Cocktail

Hi, again! OK, I’m on a huge mezcal kick lately, and what we’re making today is definitely at the top of my mezcal cocktail recipes.

 

Table of Contents:

• How to Make a Naked & Famous (with Video)
• History of the Naked & Famous Cocktail
• Naked and Famous Ingredients
• Mezcal Overview
• Variations
• Our Variation
• Recipe

The Naked and Famous is a super unique modern cocktail that perfectly blends the exotic flavors of mezcal (a smoky cousin of tequila) with the herbal notes of yellow Chartreuse and the tartness of Aperol and lime.

As a part of the new cocktail Renaissance, this modern classic is seriously as bold as its name suggests. While it’s not a wildly popular cocktail (a true shame), the smoky notes mixed with earthy and bitter flavor profiles make it such a balanced combination that I can’t get enough of. If you really want to up your cocktail game, keep reading to get the recipe of what might just be your new favorite drink.

 

 

How to Make the Naked & Famous Mezcal Cocktail

Check out the video to see how Chris crafts this complex drink and how to achieve the perfect balance between these four intriguing ingredients. It’s not hard to make, but it sure is rich and deep thanks to that smoky mezcal base with the other uniquely-paired flavors.

 

History of the Naked and Famous Drink

This excellent cocktail was created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó, an award-winning bartender who worked at New York City’s renowned cocktail bar Death & Co bar at the time. Simó was inspired by the classic cocktail, The Last Word, as well as the Paper Plane, another equal-parts cocktail featuring green Chartreuse. In his words (not mine), his creation is the “bastard love child” of the two.

(Side note: Simó most recently was a partner in the now-defunct hot spot, Pouring Ribbons, in New York’s East Village.)

The acclaimed bartender combined smoky mezcal, bitter Aperol, sweet & herbal yellow Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice to create a uniquely balanced drink. The resulting drink quickly gained popularity for its audacious combination of flavors– it’s so good, so unusual, and so fun to drink.

 

Naked & Famous Cocktail Ingredients

The Naked and Famous shines with its simple yet balanced mix of slightly eccentric ingredients. Technically, this nuanced cocktail is in the sour family with a split base between the mezcal and Aperol. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Mezcal: The key ingredient, this base spirit provides a smoky depth that holds together the entire drink.
• Aperol: This Italian liqueur adds bitter notes & tangy flavor, along with a signature vibrant orange color.
• Yellow Chartreuse: A French herbal liqueur, Chartreuse contributes sweet flavor with herbaceous notes, toning down the bitter aperitif, smoky spirit, and acidity of lime.
• Fresh Lime Juice: A much needed addition to lighten up the drink, lime brings a bright, tart flavor that balances out the sweetness of Chartreuse and the edge of bitter liqueur.

 

 

What is Mezcal?

New to mezcal? Well, I’ll preface this with saying it’s not for everyone, but it’s currently my absolute favorite type of liquor to work with. Mezcal is a popular spirit that can be made from multiple varieties of agave plants (not just the blue agave plant, like some believe). The agave is roasted, bringing a bit of smoke to the finished product.

The smokiness of mezcal is what throws off even some of the most seasoned cocktail connoisseurs; like I said, it’s not for everyone. The key is to find a great version of this agave-based spirit that offers a nice hint of smoke, vs. one that tastes like a campfire. (Believe me, I’ve had plenty. Sometimes less is more, my friends.) It may take some trial and error, but there are plenty of good ones out there. Here are a few of our favorites:

 

• 400 Conejos (tobala or cuishe– Their joven mezcal is OK, but it’s worth the money to upgrade to the tobala.)
• Ojo de Tigre
• Madre Mezcal
• Mezcal el Silencio (espadin)
• Del Maguey Vida
• Ilegal Mezcal
• Gracias a Dios (espadin)
• Splurge-worthy: Hedonistas De La Fe Mezcal Artesanal Tobala (about $110 in the States currently)
• Monday mezcal– non-alcoholic mezcal (Like most non-alcoholic spirits, it’s a bit watery and mimics more of a tequila bite than the richness of quality mezcal, but it will do in a pinch for a spirit-free version.)

To learn more about this complex spirit, how it’s made, and how it differs from tequila, check out this article and this podcast interview.

 

N&F Variations

While I personally think the original recipe is a super balanced cocktail with really interesting and fun flavor combinations, there are a few tweaks you can make to personalize it:

• Use green Chartreuse instead of yellow Chartreuse for a stronger herbal kick. However, be mindful that green Chartreuse has a higher alcohol content and a more intense flavor.
• Adjust the ratios to suit your taste. While this is typically an equal-parts cocktail, if you prefer a more smoky flavor, increase the amount of mezcal slightly. For a sweeter touch, add a bit more Chartreuse.
• Garnish: Traditionally, this fancy cocktail doesn’t have a garnish, but you could include a lime twist or orange peel to add a unique aromatic note and some visual appeal.
• Genepy: Can’t find Chartreuse or don’t want to spend the bucks? Try Heirloom Genepy instead! It’s for sure my favorite substitute. For more on Chartreuse alternatives, check out this article.
• Base Spirit: Not feeling smoky mezcal? Swap out the Mexican spirit with bourbon (for more of a Paper Plane style drink),  reposado tequila, or even white rum. While I think this refreshing cocktail is perfect as is, I totally get that the unexpected base spirit isn’t for everyone.
• Change the Acid: If you don’t have limes on hand or just want to play with the ingredients, consider using bright lemon juice instead. I’ve tried it with lemon when I’m out of limes and love both– I even sometimes prefer the lemon juice, depending on the day!

 

Our Variation

While the original recipe is amazing as is, we played with it a little bit and came up with our own variation. Instead of mezcal, we used bacanora, another smoky spirit; the addition of pineapple amaro brings a tropical vibe that plays off the spiced honey notes of Bénédictine and our homemade herbal bitters. Want to make your own bitters, too? Check out our Bitters & Tinctures Workshop!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 ounce Bacanora
• 3/4 ounce Pineapple Amaro (Heirloom brand)
• 3/4 ounce Bénédictine Liqueur
• 3/4 ounce Lime Juice
• 3 dashes Herbal Bitters (homemade)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all ingredients into a shaker tin, add ice, and give a good shake. Double strain into a Nick & Nora glass or coupe.

 

 

Make It Your Own

The Naked and Famous really shows off the creativity of modern mixology, marrying bold flavors in pretty surprising ways. Its daring name matches its equally daring blend of ingredients, appealing to those who enjoy an exceptional cocktail with a bit of flair. OK, I’m biased, but still…

Whether you’re savoring it at a trendy bar or mixing one up at home (like I often do), this smoky cocktail offers a refreshing departure from the ordinary with its complex flavor profile. I’m super curious to hear how you like it and what you would do to modify this modern classic drink, so leave me a comment and let me know. Cheers!