Naked and Famous Cocktail: A Wonderful Last Word Riff from Death and Co

If you’re a cocktail connoisseur, then you’re probably already familiar with the Naked and Famous cocktail. This classic drink was invented in 2011 at the renowned cocktail bar Death and Co in New York City, and has since become a staple on cocktail menus around the world.

By the way, if you haven’t read any of the Death and Co cocktail books, I highly recommend you check all 3 of them out. Start with Cocktail Codex.

But what makes the Naked and Famous cocktail so special, you might ask? Well, let me tell you.

First and foremost, the Naked and Famous cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. It’s made with equal parts mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, lime juice, and Aperol, resulting in a complex and flavorful drink that is both smoky and refreshing.

In addition to its delicious taste, the Naked and Famous cocktail is also known for its beautiful color. The Aperol gives the drink a unique, orange hue that is super inviting, especially on a patio in the Summer 🙂

The Naked and Famous was created by Joaquín Simó at NYC staple Death and Co. I tried to visit the bar on my trip after a couple hours at Double Chicken Please, but even a decade plus later, you can still expect a multi-hour wait to get in if you’re not there as soon as it opens.

I kind of think about the Naked and Famous as essentially a mezcal Last Word. It’s equal parts everything, so it’s super easy to make and the Yellow Chartreuse adds an herbal flavor that those less versed in classic cocktails will find super unique.

Now, without further ado, here’s the recipe for the Naked and Famous cocktail.

How to Make a Naked and Famous Cocktail

What I love about this drink is that it’s super easy to make. Because it’s all equal parts, you can double up the recipe and make two at a time if you have guests over.

Ingredients in a Naked and Famous Cocktail:

• 1 oz mezcal
• 1 oz yellow Chartreuse
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz Aperol

How to Make the Drink:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add all ingredients to the shaker and shake for 15-20 seconds until the shaker is ice cold.
3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

And there you have it, a perfectly balanced and beautifully colored Naked and Famous cocktail. So next time you’re looking to impress your friends or just treat yourself to a delicious drink, give this classic cocktail a try.

Cheers!

Other Similar Drinks to Make

• Last Word Cocktail – The recipe that this drink was built off of.
• Aviation – Another drink with a very cool color 🙂
• Mezcal Margarita – A delicious smoky margarita