Naked and Famous Cocktail Drink

Naked and Famous

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Make your gatherings shine with this easy Naked and Famous cocktail recipe, blending simple ingredients for an unforgettable drink!

Naked and Famous Drink Recipe

Start the party with our simple Naked and Famous recipe, a perfect blend of mezcal, Aperol, and citrus to energize your summer nights!

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

263 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Mezcal
  • 1 oz Yellow Chartreuse
  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wheel or twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Prep glass: Fill up your coupe glass with ice cubes to chill it.
  • Add Lime Juice: Squeeze and measure 1 oz fresh lime juice, adding it into the shaker.
  • Add Aperol: Pour in 1 oz Aperol.
  • Add Yellow Chartreuse: Measure and add 1 oz Yellow Chartreuse.
  • Add Mezcal: Pour 1 oz Mezcal into the shaker.
  • Prep shaker: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Cap the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.
  • Strain: Fine strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Add a lime wheel or twist onto the rim of the glass for a decorative touch.

Notes

Substitutes:

I've experimented with a few swaps here, especially when my bar ran low. For mezcal, tequila is a good alternative; it keeps the agave spirit profile, though it's less smoky. If Yellow Chartreuse is too pricey or hard to find, Strega is an herbal, albeit sweeter, substitute. Aperol is distinct, but Campari can work in a pinch, bringing a deeper bitterness. Always remember substitutes might alter the final taste, but experimentation is part of the fun in mixology!

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To serve 8 people, you'll need 8 oz each of mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice.
  • Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Rather than shaking it with ice, I'd chill the mixture in the refrigerator to preserve the consistency. You can add to the mix 20-30 % of water to dilute the drink as you would do with the shaking technique. 
  • Serve: Stir well before serving, pour into individual chilled coupe glasses, and garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

For complexity, replace mezcal with a smoky, non-alcoholic distilled spirit or a smoky tea-based infusion. Non-alcoholic herbal liqueurs can mimic Yellow Chartreuse, and for Aperol, try a mix of non-alcoholic orange bitters and a dash of simple syrup. Use fresh lime juice as usual. Combine all in a shaker with ice, shake, strain, and serve in a coupe glass garnished with lime.

Making it Vegan:

The standard Naked and Famous recipe should be vegan, containing no animal products. However, if you're substituting ingredients, verify that they're vegan. Some liqueurs and spirits may use animal products in processing. For a guaranteed vegan version, stick with trusted brands known for their plant-based production methods, and check the labels of non-alcoholic substitutes to ensure no animal-derived ingredients are used.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
263
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.03
g
0
%
Sodium
 
3
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
23
g
8
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
21
g
23
%
Potassium
 
42
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.04
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
14
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
9
mg
11
%
Calcium
 
4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Naked and Famous Cocktail Drink

Naked and Famous Drink Recipe

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Start the party with our simple Naked and Famous recipe, a perfect blend of mezcal, Aperol, and citrus to energize your summer nights!
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 263

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Mezcal
  • 1 oz Yellow Chartreuse
  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wheel or twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Prep glass: Fill up your coupe glass with ice cubes to chill it.
  • Add Lime Juice: Squeeze and measure 1 oz fresh lime juice, adding it into the shaker.
  • Add Aperol: Pour in 1 oz Aperol.
  • Add Yellow Chartreuse: Measure and add 1 oz Yellow Chartreuse.
  • Add Mezcal: Pour 1 oz Mezcal into the shaker.
  • Prep shaker: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Cap the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.
  • Strain: Fine strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish: Add a lime wheel or twist onto the rim of the glass for a decorative touch.

Notes

Substitutes:

I've experimented with a few swaps here, especially when my bar ran low. For mezcal, tequila is a good alternative; it keeps the agave spirit profile, though it's less smoky. If Yellow Chartreuse is too pricey or hard to find, Strega is an herbal, albeit sweeter, substitute. Aperol is distinct, but Campari can work in a pinch, bringing a deeper bitterness. Always remember substitutes might alter the final taste, but experimentation is part of the fun in mixology!

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To serve 8 people, you'll need 8 oz each of mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice.
  • Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Rather than shaking it with ice, I'd chill the mixture in the refrigerator to preserve the consistency. You can add to the mix 20-30 % of water to dilute the drink as you would do with the shaking technique. 
  • Serve: Stir well before serving, pour into individual chilled coupe glasses, and garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

For complexity, replace mezcal with a smoky, non-alcoholic distilled spirit or a smoky tea-based infusion. Non-alcoholic herbal liqueurs can mimic Yellow Chartreuse, and for Aperol, try a mix of non-alcoholic orange bitters and a dash of simple syrup. Use fresh lime juice as usual. Combine all in a shaker with ice, shake, strain, and serve in a coupe glass garnished with lime.

Making it Vegan:

The standard Naked and Famous recipe should be vegan, containing no animal products. However, if you're substituting ingredients, verify that they're vegan. Some liqueurs and spirits may use animal products in processing. For a guaranteed vegan version, stick with trusted brands known for their plant-based production methods, and check the labels of non-alcoholic substitutes to ensure no animal-derived ingredients are used.

What is a Naked and Famous Drink?

A Naked and Famous cocktail blends mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice. It’s the brainchild of mixologist Joaquín Simó, who crafted this modern classic at New York’s renowned Death & Co. The name ‘Naked and Famous’ is a playful nod to the cocktail’s transparent yet bold nature, much like a celebrity living under the constant gaze of the public eye. Additionally, this cocktail has earned a spot on the prestigious International Bartenders Association’s (IBA) official list, marking its status as a recognized classic in the cocktail world.

A side shot of a Naked and Famous cocktail in a coupe glass on a striped white cloth on a wooden board with three limes, a jigger, a shaker, and a green cloth around, on top of a blue table and in front of a turquoise wall.

What is a Naked and Famous Drink made of – The ingredients

To get ready for a Naked and Famous, assemble these items:

  • Mezcal: Provides the cocktail with its characteristic smoky depth, forming the robust base of the drink.
  • Yellow Chartreuse: Infuses the mix with complex herbal and sweet flavors, enhancing the cocktail’s aromatic profile.
  • Aperol: Contributes a bittersweet, citrusy layer, balancing the cocktail’s overall flavor with subtle hints of orange and herbs.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a fresh, zesty tang, cutting through the sweetness and rounding out the drink with its crisp acidity.

Mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse and two limes laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Naked and Famous Drink?

Easily master making a Naked and Famous with our instructions:

1
<p>Fill up your glass with ice cubes, then stir the ice cubes to chill your glass.</p>

Fill up your glass with ice cubes, then stir the ice cubes to chill your glass.

2
<p>Extract juice from lime and pour it into the shaker to introduce a necessary tang, balancing the cocktail’s sweetness.</p>

Extract juice from lime and pour it into the shaker to introduce a necessary tang, balancing the cocktail’s sweetness.

3
<p>Follow with the measured Aperol, infusing the concoction with its unique bittersweet, citrusy profile.</p>

Follow with the measured Aperol, infusing the concoction with its unique bittersweet, citrusy profile.

4
<p>Carefully measure and introduce the Yellow Chartreuse to your mix, bringing in a sweet, herbal complexity.</p>

Carefully measure and introduce the Yellow Chartreuse to your mix, bringing in a sweet, herbal complexity.

5
<p>Use your jigger to get the right amount of mezcal, ensuring the smoky base of your cocktail is precise.</p>

Use your jigger to get the right amount of mezcal, ensuring the smoky base of your cocktail is precise.

6
<p>Adding ice to the shaker will allow the mix to chill and dilute once shaken.</p>

Adding ice to the shaker will allow the mix to chill and dilute once shaken.

7
<p>Secure the lid of your cocktail shaker and give it a vigorous shake, blending and chilling the ingredients thoroughly for a harmonious mix.</p>

Secure the lid of your cocktail shaker and give it a vigorous shake, blending and chilling the ingredients thoroughly for a harmonious mix.

8
<p>Remove the ice cubes from your chilled coupe glass, to prepare it for the mixture.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from your chilled coupe glass, to prepare it for the mixture.

9
<p>Hold a cocktail strainer on your shaker and a fine strainer over a chilled coupe glass and pour the mixture through, capturing the ice while allowing your chilled drink to flow into the glass.</p>

Hold a cocktail strainer on your shaker and a fine strainer over a chilled coupe glass and pour the mixture through, capturing the ice while allowing your chilled drink to flow into the glass.

10
<p>Cut a thin lime wheel, place it on the rim of the coupe, and serve your creation.</p>

Cut a thin lime wheel, place it on the rim of the coupe, and serve your creation.

11
<p>Enjoy your Naked and Famous drink!</p>

Enjoy your Naked and Famous drink!

A Naked and Famous cocktail in a coupe glass on a striped white cloth on a wooden board with three limes, and a jigger around, on top of a blue table.

Best Mezcal for Naked and Famous Drink

Choosing the right mezcal can elevate your Naked and Famous cocktail from good to unforgettable. While the cocktail shines with almost any quality mezcal, the ideal choice enhances the drink’s signature smoky allure without overpowering the other ingredients. Del Maguey Vida Mezcal serves this purpose perfectly, offering a harmonious blend of smoke and sweetness that doesn’t dominate the palate. It’s accessible in terms of price and flavor profile, making it a favorite among both bartenders and casual drinkers. Another excellent option is Montelobos Mezcal, which delivers a sophisticated, well-rounded smokiness enriched with hints of fruit and spices. Its smoothness complements the Yellow Chartreuse’s herbal notes and Aperol’s citrusy kick. Consider the slightly pricier but more complex Mezcal Union Uno if you want a more adventurous choice. Its blend of Espadin and Cirial agave varieties introduces an intriguing layer of flavors, adding depth to your cocktail. For a Naked and Famous that leaves an impression, we recommend starting with Del Maguey Vida — it’s a choice that respects the cocktail’s balance while introducing you to the captivating world of mezcal.

A side shot of a Naked and Famous cocktail in a coupe glass on a striped white cloth on a wooden board with a lime, a jigger, and a green cloth around, on top of a blue table and in front of a turquoise wall.

History and Origins

The Naked and Famous drink emerged from the creative genius of mixologist Joaquín Simó during his tenure at the famed New York City cocktail bar Death & Co. Drawing inspiration from the classic cocktail, the Last Word, Simó sought to craft a drink that was both innovative and balanced, with a flavor profile that could intrigue and delight patrons.

In his quest for a unique yet harmonious blend, Simó combined the smoky notes of mezcal with the sweet and herbal nuances of Yellow Chartreuse. He didn’t stop there; keen to introduce a refreshing complexity, he added Aperol for its bittersweet qualities and lime juice for a zesty kick. This ingredient quartet created a bold yet approachable cocktail, sophisticated yet unpretentious.

The name itself is a playful jab at the world of celebrities and pop culture. Simó jokingly mentioned that each component of the cocktail represented something “naked” or “famous” in the world of spirits — the “naked” for the relatively unadorned and rustic mezcal, and the “famous” for the well-known and widely appreciated Aperol.

A Naked and Famous cocktail on a white marmol table with a Aperol bottle, a Mezcal bottle, a Yellow Chartreuse, and two limes around.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Naked and Famous cocktail?
The typical version contains approximately 160-200 calories, depending on the exact measurements and specific brands of alcohol used.
How strong is a Naked and Famous cocktail?
It's generally around 25% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), translating to about 50 proof, considering the equal-parts ratio of its ingredients.
What types of alcohol are used in a Naked and Famous?
It utilizes mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, and Aperol as its primary alcoholic components.
In which glass is a Naked and Famous typically served?
This cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe glass, enhancing its elegance and presentation.
What does a Naked and Famous taste like?
It boasts a complex flavor profile: smoky from the mezcal, sweet and herbal from the Yellow Chartreuse, citrusy and slightly bitter from the Aperol, and tart from the lime juice.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Naked and Famous?
The drink follows a simple equal-parts ratio: one part each of mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice.
How is the Naked and Famous served in terms of ice?
The cocktail is shaken with ice to chill and dilute but then strained and served "up," meaning without ice in the glass.

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