I still remember the first time I walked into Sam Ross's renowned cocktail bar in New York City. The ambiance was electric, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh citrus and aged spirits. Sam Ross, a legendary mixologist known for his innovative creations like the Penicillin, introduced the world to the Naked & Famous in 2011.
The Naked & Famous cocktail is a modern twist on the classic Last Word. Ross was inspired to create a drink that balanced the smoky depth of Mezcal with the bitter sweetness of Aperol and the herbal complexity of Yellow Chartreuse. The result is a cocktail that's equal parts enigmatic and approachable—a true testament to modern mixology.
Quick facts about the Naked & Famous cocktail
- Method: shaken with ice for 15 - 20 seconds
- Flavor profile: dry, sour, smoky, bittersweet
- How to serve it: chilled without ice
- Glassware: Coupe glass
- Alcohol content: ~ 17.2% ABV, 15.5 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients You'll Need
Before you start shaking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- ¾ oz Mezcal
- ¾ oz Aperol
- ¾ oz Yellow Chartreuse
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
Mezcal Selection Tips
For making a Naked & Famous, choosing the right Mezcal is crucial. For those new to the agave spirit, opt for a joven (young) Mezcal with a mild smoky flavor. Brands like Del Maguey Vida are excellent choices.
I personally prefer Montelobos Espadin as the base in most of my Mezcal cocktails. It has a more pronounced smoky taste but is still well-balanced. It is an excellent base for smoky Mezcal drinks.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Naked & Famous
Equipment You'll Need
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger or Measuring Tool
- Strainer
- Chilled Coupe or Nick & Nora Glass
Steps to make the drink
- Measure the ingredients: Using a jigger, measure ¾ oz of each ingredient.
- Combine in a shaker: Add Mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice into your cocktail shaker of choice.
- Add ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously: Shake the dough for about 15 seconds or until the shaker is frosty on the outside.
- Double Strain: Use a fine mesh strainer in combination with a Hawthorne strainer to catch all ice shards.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the cocktail into your chilled glass and garnish with citrus peels or wedges.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Naked & Famous
Crafting the perfect Naked & Famous cocktail for your taste buds requires quite some attention to detail and a bit of personalization. The key is to balance the flavors in the drink. For example, if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, consider reducing the amount of lime juice by a quarter ounce. This small adjustment softens the tartness without compromising the cocktail's integrity. Another solution could be using aged lime juice instead of fresh. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more citrus-forward drink, adding an extra splash of lime juice can brighten the overall flavor.
Citrus peels, slices, and wedges work great in this drink. A thin slice of dehydrated lime floats elegantly on the surface, releasing subtle citrus aromas with each sip. Alternatively, a twist of grapefruit peel adds a fragrant zest that complements the smoky Mezcal and bitter Aperol. If you're a bit lazy like me, simply garnish with a lime wedge.
Serving it in a coupe glass isn't just about aesthetics; the wide bowl allows the complex aromas of Mezcal, Aperol, and Chartreuse to fully develop. As you bring the glass to your lips, you're greeted with a bouquet of scents that enhance the tasting experience. Keep that in mind when choosing a glass for the drink. It's also a fun experiment to experience the difference glassware makes by serving two drinks, one in a Nick & Nora glass, and the other in a coupe.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Coupe glass
Ingredients
- 0.75 oz Mezcal
- 0.75 oz Aperol
- 0.75 oz Yellow Chartreuse
- 0.75 oz Lime juice - use aged lime juice for a more mellow taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker.
- Fill your shaker with ice.
- Shake for 15 seconds or until the shaker gets frosty on the outside
- Double-strain into a Coupe glass and garnish with a lime wedge or citrus peels
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but green Chartreuse is stronger and more herbal. Adjust the quantity to ½ oz to prevent it from overpowering the cocktail.
Del Maguey Vida, Illegal Joven Mezcal, and Montelobos Joven Espadin are all excellent choices in this cocktail.
Multiply each ingredient by the number of servings. Dilute the mix by adding 20% of the total volume of water. Mix all ingredients in a large pitcher and chill it in the fridge for a few hours before serving.