What mezcal should I use for the Naked & Famous?

Opt for a joven (unaged) mezcal with a clean, balanced smokiness. Del Maguey Vida and Banhez are popular, accessible choices that work beautifully in cocktails.

Can I substitute Green Chartreuse for Yellow Chartreuse?

Green Chartreuse is more potent and herbal than yellow. If you use it, the drink will be noticeably bolder and more intense. Stick to yellow for the classic, balanced flavor.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Naked & Famous?

You can make a 'mocktail' version using a smoky non-alcoholic spirit, a bitter orange aperitif alternative, herbal syrup, and lime juice. The taste won’t be identical, but you’ll capture the drink’s essence.

Why is the Naked & Famous shaken and not stirred?

The cocktail contains citrus juice, which needs to be shaken to properly blend the flavors and achieve a light, frothy texture. Stirring is reserved for all-spirits drinks.

Naked & Famous

Name: Naked & Famous
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 0.75 oz Mezcal; 0.75 oz Aperol; 0.75 oz Yellow Chartreuse; 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice

The Naked & Famous is an enchanting modern classic cocktail, perfectly balancing smoky, bitter, and citrusy flavors. Bright yellow and bold in character, it’s a mesmerizing union of mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice. The result? A drink that’s as intriguing as its name, with a flavor profile that dances between earthy smoke and zesty fruit, rounded out by herbal complexity.

5 minutesEasy1 serving

Featured

Ingredients

1 serving

Mezcal
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Choose a good-quality joven mezcal for best results
Aperol
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Provides bittersweet orange character and color
Yellow Chartreuse
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Herbal liqueur adds floral and spicy notes
Fresh lime juice
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Freshly squeezed for brightness

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Jigger
Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Coupe or Nick & Nora glass

Instructions

Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
Add mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until well chilled.
Double strain the mixture into your chilled glass to achieve a silky-smooth texture.
Garnish and serve immediately.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Perfect balance of smoky, bitter, and citrus flavors
Easy to make with equal parts—no complicated measurements
A modern classic with a compelling backstory
Vibrant color and presentation make it a showstopper
Great introduction to mezcal for new drinkers

History & Origin

The Naked & Famous was created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at New York City's renowned Death & Co cocktail bar. Inspired by the Paper Plane (another modern favorite), Simó swapped out bourbon for mezcal and Campari for Aperol, giving this drink its signature smokiness and approachable bitterness. Its name is a playful nod to being both bold and unforgettable, just like the drink itself. Since its debut, the Naked & Famous has quickly become a staple on craft cocktail menus worldwide, beloved for its simplicity and dazzling flavor.

Garnish

A thin lime wheel or twist, perched on the rim or floated on top, accentuates the drink’s citrus aroma and adds visual appeal.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 170 calories per serving. Contains alcohol, moderate sugar from liqueurs, and vitamin C from lime juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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