Skip to content
MixologyRecipe
Tequila & MezcalEasy

Naked and Famous

A modern equal-parts cocktail with mezcal, bringing smokiness to the Last Word format.

The Naked and Famous stands as one of modern mixology's most brilliant innovations, proving that great cocktails can emerge from inspired experimentation. This equal-parts masterpiece transforms the classic Last Word template by swapping gin for smoky mezcal, creating a drink that's both familiar and revolutionary. Born from the creative minds at Death & Co in New York, it showcases how contemporary bartenders can honor cocktail tradition while pushing boundaries. Each sip delivers a perfect symphony of smoke, herbs, bitterness, and citrus that has captivated cocktail enthusiasts worldwide and earned its place among essential modern classics.

3 min
4 oz
🥃Coupe
Share:
Naked and Famous cocktail served in a Coupe

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: None

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

  2. Shake until well-chilled.

  3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

  4. No garnish needed.

Flavor Profile

SmokyBitterCitrusComplex

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

View on Amazon →
Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

View on Amazon →
OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

View on Amazon →
Fine Mesh Strainer

Fine Mesh Strainer

View on Amazon →
Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

View on Amazon →
Coupe Glass Set

Coupe Glass Set

View on Amazon →

💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use a high-quality joven mezcal with pronounced smokiness - espadin varieties work beautifully, but experiment with different agave types for unique flavor profiles

  • 2

    Double strain religiously to remove all ice chips and pulp, as the equal-parts format means any dilution or texture issues will be magnified across all four components

  • 3

    Chill your coupe glass thoroughly in the freezer - the cocktail has no dilution after shaking, so proper glassware temperature is crucial for optimal serving temperature

  • 4

    Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable; even day-old juice will throw off the delicate balance between the bitter Aperol and sweet Chartreuse

  • 5

    Try variations with different amaros in place of Aperol - Campari for more bitterness, Cynar for earthiness, or Averna for deeper sweetness

📜 History & Origin

The Naked and Famous was created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co, one of New York City's most influential cocktail bars. Simó, known for his innovative approach to classic cocktail structures, was inspired by the Prohibition-era Last Word cocktail but wanted to create something distinctly modern. The name comes from a song by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, reflecting the cocktail culture's connection to contemporary music and arts. Simó's genius lay in recognizing that mezcal's smoky complexity could replace gin while maintaining the Last Word's equal-parts balance. The substitution of Aperol for maraschino liqueur added approachable bitterness, while Yellow Chartreuse provided the herbal backbone. This cocktail quickly gained recognition in the craft cocktail community, appearing on menus worldwide and inspiring countless variations. It represents the golden age of modern mixology, when bartenders began treating classic cocktails as templates for innovation rather than unchangeable recipes. The Naked and Famous has become a teaching tool for understanding flavor balance and demonstrates how mezcal can shine in applications beyond traditional Mexican cocktails.

🍸 Related Recipes

Last Word

Last Word

Paper Plane

Paper Plane

Green Envy

Green Envy

Midnight Margarita

Midnight Margarita

Desert Smoke

Desert Smoke

Sherk

Sherk

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Naked and Famous taste like?

The Naked and Famous has a smoky, bitter, citrus, complex flavor profile. A modern equal-parts cocktail with mezcal, bringing smokiness to the Last Word format.

What ingredients do I need for a Naked and Famous?

A Naked and Famous requires 4 ingredients: Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, Fresh Lime Juice.

How long does it take to make a Naked and Famous?

A Naked and Famous takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Naked and Famous?

A Naked and Famous is traditionally served in a Coupe, garnished with None.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Naked and Famous?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Naked and Famous by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Naked and Famous?

The Naked and Famous was created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co, one of New York City's most influential cocktail bars. Simó, known for his innovative approach to classic cocktail structures, was inspired by the Prohibition-era Last Word cocktail but wanted to create something distinctly modern. The name comes from a song by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, reflecting the cocktail culture's connection to contemporary music and arts. Simó's genius lay in recognizing that mezcal's smoky complexity could replace gin while maintaining the Last Word's equal-parts balance. The substitution of Aperol for maraschino liqueur added approachable bitterness, while Yellow Chartreuse provided the herbal backbone. This cocktail quickly gained recognition in the craft cocktail community, appearing on menus worldwide and inspiring countless variations. It represents the golden age of modern mixology, when bartenders began treating classic cocktails as templates for innovation rather than unchangeable recipes. The Naked and Famous has become a teaching tool for understanding flavor balance and demonstrates how mezcal can shine in applications beyond traditional Mexican cocktails.