Naked & Famous

ABV 20.5% / 2.3 Alcoholic Units

Primary Spirit: Mezcal

A Brief History of a Naked & Famous

The Naked and Famous cocktail emerged in the early 2010s, credited to Joaquín Simó, a prominent bartender based in New York City. The name of the cocktail is a playful nod to the equal parts of its ingredients, creating a balanced and harmonious composition. This modern classic quickly gained popularity for its audacious flavour profile and the skillful interplay of unexpected elements.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Naked and Famous cocktail is an exhilarating experience for the palate:

• Smoky Agave: The robust and earthy notes of mezcal take centre stage, providing a smoky depth that sets the tone for the entire cocktail.

• Bitter Complexity: Aperol, with its bitter orange profile, adds a layer of complexity, balancing the smokiness with a touch of brightness.

• Herbal Nuances: Yellow Chartreuse contributes herbal and floral undertones, bringing a sophisticated and aromatic dimension to the mix.

• Citrus Zest: Fresh lime juice provides a burst of citrusy freshness, rounding out the cocktail with a lively kick.

The Naked and Famous cocktail is a daring dance of smoky, bitter, herbal, and citrus notes, creating a symphony of flavours that captivate the senses.

Food Pairings

The adventurous flavour profile of the Naked and Famous cocktail pairs exceptionally well with certain culinary delights:

• Spicy Cuisine: Embrace the bold flavours by pairing with spicy dishes, such as Thai or Mexican cuisine, creating a delightful contrast.

• Smoked Meats: The smoky notes in the cocktail complement the flavours of smoked meats, making it an excellent companion to charcuterie.

• Citrus Desserts: Enhance the citrusy elements with desserts like lemon tarts or citrus-infused sorbets for a refreshing finale.

Bar Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine sieve 
• Coupe glass
• Jigger

Ingredients

• 25ml Mezcal - artesanal
• 25ml Yellow Chartreuse 
• 25ml Aperol
• 25ml Freshly squeezed lime juice
• Garnish: Lime wedge

Method

• Add ice and all ingredients into the shaker and shake until cooled 
• Double strain into a chilled coupe glass
• Garnish with a lime wedge

What's the best Mezcal for a Naked & Famous?

Choosing the best mezcal for a Naked and Famous cocktail largely depends on personal preferences, as different mezcals bring distinct smoky, earthy, and agave-forward flavors. Here are some mezcal options that are commonly recommended for the Naked and Famous cocktail:

• Montelobos Mezcal: Montelobos offers a balanced mezcal with notes of citrus and herbs alongside the signature smokiness. It complements the Aperol and Yellow Chartreuse in the Naked and Famous.

• Ilegal Joven Mezcal: With a distinctive smoky character, Ilegal Joven adds depth to the cocktail. Its slightly sweet and fruity undertones contribute to the overall complexity.

• Madre Mezcal Espadin: This mezcal has a well-rounded flavour profile, featuring both smoky and fruity notes. A single varietal exploration that allows the full spectrum flavor of Espadin agave to shine through.

When selecting a mezcal for your Naked and Famous cocktail, consider whether you prefer a mezcal with a pronounced smokiness or one with a more delicate balance of flavours. It's also worth exploring the 3 different mezcal production methods, as these all differ adding depth and character - mezcal, artisanal and ancestral . Ultimately, the best mezcal is the one that aligns with your taste preferences and enhances the overall experience of the cocktail.