Bourbon and Famous
A theoretical but compelling variation of the modern classic Naked and Famous, substituting bourbon for mezcal to create a rich, warming cocktail with notes of caramel, spice, herbs, and a bittersweet citrus finish.
25%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Bourbon and Famous is a theoretical variation of the Naked and Famous, which was created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co in New York City. Simó described the original as the "bastard love child" of the Last Word and Paper Plane cocktails. This bourbon variation maintains the equal-parts formula while substituting the smoky mezcal with spicy bourbon and lemon juice instead of lime, creating a more warming and robust drink that showcases American whiskey's character alongside the complex herbal sweetness of Yellow Chartreuse.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker with ice
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled
Double-strain into the chilled glass
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a high-rye bourbon for spicy backbone to stand up to bold flavors
Lemon juice works better than lime with bourbon's caramel notes
Temperature is crucial - shake vigorously and serve ice-cold
The equal-parts formula creates perfect balance when executed properly
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Bourbon and Famous.
Original Naked and Famous
The original version using mezcal and lime juice instead of bourbon and lemon.
Changes
Rye and Famous
Using rye whiskey instead of bourbon for an even spicier profile.
Changes
With Campari
Substitute Campari for Aperol for a more bitter, intense version.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Bacanora Naked and Famous
A Sonoran variation of the Naked and Famous using Bacanora instead of mezcal—drier, more herbaceous, and mineral-driven with desert terroir.
Bourbon Basil Smash
A modern classic that brilliantly marries American whiskey tradition with vibrant, herbaceous character. This descendant of the Gin Basil Smash swaps botanical gin for bourbon's rich vanilla and caramel, creating a refreshing yet complex cocktail.
Bourbon Penicillin
A significant variation of the modern classic Penicillin, substituting bourbon for Scotch whisky. This swap creates a more approachable yet equally complex drink, trading smoky and peaty notes for the sweeter, fuller-bodied profile of bourbon.