Today’s cocktail comes from New York City, from the Death & Company bar in New York’s East Village to be exact. It was invented by Joaquin Simó and gradually became known to a wider audience. The cocktail is – like so many recipes – a twist on a well-known classic. Although the result is rather different.

The old friend is no one less than the Last Word cocktail. While reading this, you may expect a variation that only substitutes one ingredient for another but in this case it’s 3 out of 4. Granted, on of them is very close to the other, but nonetheless it is a completely different drink we’re dealing with. So the Naked & Famous and the Last Word have two ingredients more or less in common: Chartreuse and lime juice. But in contradiction to the Last Word the Naked & Famous relies on the less strong yellow Chartreuse. In addition to that there a two new, but very interesting ingredients (as you can see below). Perhaps, the proportionality of the ingredients is also a reminiscence since the Last Word is also uses ingredients in the equal proportions.

But as stated at the beginning the Naked & Famous is quite different, especially when it comes to its flavor. It consists of Mezcal, lime juice, Chartreuse jaune and the Italian bitter liqueur Aperol. The whole thing is tasty a revelation: smoke, herbs, fruity and bitter notes along with fresh lime – absolutely marvelous. I don’t want to make more words about the drink because it can speak for itself. Don’t believe me? Convince yourself!

By the way: Why this drink bears the “interesting” name Naked & Famous I do not know.

Recipe:

2.5 cl mezcal (a smoky Joven mezcal is sufficient)
2.5 cl Chartreuse Jaune
2.5 cl lime juice
2.5 cl Aperol

Preparation:

Shake all ingredients vigorously on ice and strain into your pre-chilled glass.

Glass: Coupette

Garnish: none

Buying sources: Mezcal can be found in very few well-stocked supermarkets in Europe. Chartreuse and Aperol are a lot more common. If you’re not sure, visit a specialized liqueur shop.