Naked & Famous

Naked & Famous

Alessandro Scire Calabrisotto

The Naked & Famous: A Modern Cocktail with a Bold Statement

Brief Introduction

The Naked & Famous is a contemporary cocktail that’s equal parts intriguing and delicious. Its perfect balance of smoky mezcal, herbal Chartreuse, citrusy lime, and sweet Aperol makes it a standout choice for adventurous drinkers. Despite its bold flavor profile, this drink remains approachable and simple to prepare.

History of the Naked & Famous

The Naked & Famous was created by Joaquín Simó in 2011 at Death & Company, a renowned cocktail bar in New York City. Simó wanted to craft a cocktail that embodied simplicity while delivering complex flavors. Drawing inspiration from the Last Word, a pre-Prohibition classic, he replaced the gin with smoky mezcal and substituted the maraschino liqueur with Aperol for a vibrant, bittersweet twist.

The cocktail’s name—a cheeky nod to the world of excess and glamour—captures its unapologetically bold character. Its rise to fame mirrors the ethos of modern mixology: combining classic techniques with innovative ingredients to create something entirely unique.

Over the years, the Naked & Famous has become a staple in cocktail bars worldwide, celebrated for its ability to showcase mezcal’s depth and versatility while maintaining a balanced and approachable profile.

Recipe: How to Make a Naked & Famous

This cocktail is equal parts simplicity and sophistication. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 22.5 ml (0.75 oz) Mezcal

  • 22.5 ml (0.75 oz) Yellow Chartreuse

  • 22.5 ml (0.75 oz) Aperol

  • 22.5 ml (0.75 oz) Fresh Lime Juice

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add the mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice to a shaker filled with ice.

  2. Shake: Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.

  3. Strain: Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

  4. Garnish: While traditionally served ungarnished, you can add a lime twist for a touch of flair.

Tips for Perfection:

  • Use a high-quality mezcal with a balanced smokiness, such as Del Maguey Vida or Los Amantes.

  • Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential to maintain the cocktail’s bright and zesty profile.

  • Ensure your ingredients are measured precisely; the equal parts ratio is key to the Naked & Famous’s harmony.

Additional Recommendations

Variations:

  • Substitute Aperol: Swap Aperol with Campari for a more intense bitterness and vibrant red hue.

  • Experiment with Chartreuse: Replace Yellow Chartreuse with Green Chartreuse for a stronger herbal flavor.

  • Add a Smoky Garnish: Enhance the mezcal’s smoky character with a smoked salt rim or a flamed orange peel.

Pairings:

The Naked & Famous pairs beautifully with bold and smoky dishes. Try serving it alongside:

  • Barbecue: The cocktail’s citrusy and herbal notes complement smoky, charred meats.

  • Spicy Tacos: Its balanced sweetness and acidity cut through heat and rich flavors.

  • Roasted Vegetables: Mezcal’s earthy undertones pair well with caramelized vegetables like sweet potatoes or squash.

Presentation:

  • Serve in an elegant coupe or Nick & Nora glass to highlight its vibrant orange color.

  • Use clear ice for shaking to ensure a clean presentation and crisp flavor.

  • Optionally, add a garnish like a thin lime wheel or an orange twist to enhance visual appeal.

Curiosity: A Fun Fact About the Naked & Famous

The Naked & Famous was Joaquín Simó’s playful response to the rise of mezcal in cocktail culture. When he created the drink, mezcal was still a relatively niche spirit in the U.S., and this cocktail helped propel its popularity by showcasing how mezcal’s smoky complexity could work harmoniously with other bold ingredients.

Sources

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