Equal Parts Smoke
A modern conceptual cocktail embodying the elegant simplicity of equal-parts recipes with the dramatic flair of smoked cocktails. Built on the foundation of the Naked & Famous, it harmoniously balances smoky mezcal with herbal Chartreuse, bittersweet Aperol, and bright lime.
23%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
History & Heritage
“The "Equal Parts Smoke" is not a historically recognized cocktail but rather a modern concept embodying two significant trends in mixology: the elegant simplicity of equal-parts recipes and the dramatic flair of smoked cocktails. This conceptual cocktail is essentially a descriptive name for the Naked & Famous, created by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co. in New York City in 2011. The name captures the drink's character - using equal proportions of ingredients while featuring the smoky notes of mezcal as the foundation. It represents the craft cocktail renaissance's emphasis on fresh ingredients, balanced recipes, and the popularization of mezcal in modern mixology.”
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 in the freezer for at least 15 minutes
Add mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker with high-quality ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled
Double strain through a Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass
Express the oils from a grapefruit peel over the drink and drop it in
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish
Express oils over drink
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-quality, artisanal mezcal for the best smoky character
Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable - never use bottled
Double strain to ensure a silky-smooth texture
Chill glassware thoroughly for optimal temperature
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Equal Parts Smoke.
Naked & Famous (Original)
The cocktail that inspired Equal Parts Smoke, with identical ingredients and proportions.
Changes
Smokier Version
Increase the mezcal to 1 oz while keeping other ingredients at ¾ oz.
Changes
More Bitter
Swap Aperol for Campari for a more assertive bitter profile.
Changes
Peated Smoke
Substitute mezcal with peated Scotch whisky for a different smoky profile.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Naked and Famous
A quintessential modern classic created by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co. in 2011. This audacious equal-parts cocktail combines smoky mezcal, honeyed Yellow Chartreuse, bittersweet Aperol, and fresh lime juice in perfect harmony.
Naked & Famous
A modern classic that masterfully balances smoky mezcal with bittersweet Aperol and herbal Yellow Chartreuse, all brightened by fresh lime juice. Created by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co in 2011.
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.