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The Between the Sheets cocktail is essentially a twist on the Sidecar, incorporating rum alongside cognac, triple sec (or orange liqueur), and lemon juice. This delicious combination creates a drink that’s balanced, citrusy, and slightly boozy. A must-try classic!
Table of Contents
Brief History
The Between the Sheets cocktail is a classic pre-Prohibition-era drink, first appearing in the 1920s or early 1930s. It is believed to have originated at the famed Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, a historical spot busting with new creations during the cocktail boom.
Some variations may include a touch of simple syrup for added sweetness, however I prefer it without. It’s a subtly sweet, citrusy, and tart cocktail that can take on a different personality if you substitute white for lightly aged rum. It’s one of my all-time favorite classics!
If you’re looking for other citrusy, yet spirit-forward cocktails, try the Whiskey Sour, New York Sour, Gold Rush cocktail, and Paper Plane cocktail!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cognac: a fine brandy made from grapes rather than corn or grains. While you can use brandy for this cocktail, cognac is a little smoother. I like Pierre Ferrand and Rémy Martin.
- White rum: I use Bacardi white rum 99% of the time because it’s cheap and works. I do prefer this cocktail with lightly aged rum, such as a 5-year Jamaican rum. It adds depth and more flavor.
- Cointreau (orange liqueur): while you can substitute triple sec for Cointreau, Cointreau has a smoother finish and is a bit higher in alcohol, making it a better match for cognac. You can also use Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao or similar dry orange liqueurs.
- Lemon juice: I always opt for freshly squeezed citrus, however, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. My favorite option is ReaLemon.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glasses in the freezer. A cold glass prevents warming and keeps your drink colder for longer.
- To make a fancy lemon peel garnish, trim the edges of a thin lemon peel with a sharp knife into your desired shape. A peeler works best for creating a thin peel. Garnish the cocktail with a twist of orange or lemon.
- Always double-strain shaken cocktails. This prevents tiny ice chips from entering the drink, creating further dilution. Get more helpful cocktail tips and my list of essential bar tools.
Similar Classic Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Between the Sheets Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounce Cognac
- 3/4 ounce white rum, or aged
- 3/4 ounce Cointreau
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine Cognac, rum, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake and double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
