The Naked and Famous is a vibrant and intriguing cocktail that originated at Death & Company in New York City, crafted by the talented Joaquin Simo. Describing it as the “bastard love-child” of a timeless classic and a contemporary favorite, Simo highlighted its unique fusion of flavors. He further noted that the drink was inspired by the rugged beauty of Oaxaca’s Sierra Madre Mountains, the home of earthy, smoky mezcal. This cocktail perfectly balances tradition with innovation, making it a standout on any menu.
Death & Company is still pouring drinks in the original East Village location, but has plans for expansion. With popular outposts in Denver and Los Angeles, they are well on their way to world domination. Their success is driven by constantly changing, inventive liquid creations in a speakeasy and craft cocktail setting.
Conception of a Naked and Famous Love-Child
Joaquin’s description begs the question, who are the parents of the Naked and Famous? Evidence points to a union of The Last Word and a Paper Plane. All use a four equal part recipe, but with different base spirits.
The Naked and Famous inherits aperol from the paper plane and both lime juice and chartreuse from the last word. However, the chartreuse is yellow for a sweeter and softer herbal signature, but that’s close enough. Print
Naked and Famous
Smoky Mezcal, herbal Chartreuse, Aperol and lime.
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz smoky mezcal
- 3/4 oz yellow chartreuse
- 3/4 oz aperol
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 carved lime peel – garnish
Instructions
- Peel and carve your lime for the garnish
- Squeeze the fresh lime juice and reserve
- Combine all the ingredients in an ice filled mixing glass and stir for 15 seconds until very cold
- Strain and pour into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with the carved lime peel
