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.
24%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Naked and Famous was created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at the influential New York City bar Death & Co. This drink exemplifies the craft cocktail revival of the early 21st century and played a significant role in popularizing mezcal in American bars. Simó famously described it as "the bastard love child of a classic Last Word and a Paper Plane, conceived in the mountains of Oaxaca." The cocktail demonstrates the "Mr. Potato Head" theory of cocktail creation, where classic formulas are reimagined with entirely new ingredients. Originally designed around Del Maguey Chichicapa mezcal, the drink quickly became a modern classic and was added to the International Bartenders Association's official cocktail list in 2020.”
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 thoroughly for at least 30 minutes
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-frosted
Double strain into the chilled glass using both Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh sieve
Serve immediately without garnish
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use Del Maguey Chichicapa mezcal for the definitive version, or Montelobos Espadín for an accessible alternative
The equal-parts formula is crucial - each ingredient balances the others perfectly
Serve ice-cold for optimal balance; temperature is paramount for this cocktail
Fresh lime juice is absolutely critical - never use bottled
Vigorous shaking creates the proper texture and dilution
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Naked and Famous.
Smokier Version
Increases mezcal slightly to amplify the smoky character.
Changes
Sweeter Profile
Slight increase in Yellow Chartreuse for a more herbaceous, honeyed profile.
Changes
Green Chartreuse Naked and Famous
A bolder, more intense variation using Green Chartreuse for aggressive herbal complexity.
Changes
Bacanora Naked and Famous
Using bacanora, another smoky agave spirit, for different regional terroir.
Changes
Campari Naked and Famous
Substitutes Campari for Aperol, creating a more bitter, aggressive profile.
Changes
Reposado Naked and Famous
Swaps mezcal for reposado tequila for a less smoky, more agave-forward character.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
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.
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.