Between the Sheets Cocktail

The cocktail Between the Sheets is a rum version of the classic sidecar! With cognac and orange liqueur it’s crisp, lemony and cheeky.

Here’s a lively and tangy drink that’s a little cheeky: the Between the sheets Cocktail! A twist on the classic sidecar that packs rum and brandy: something that was considered a little awkward in Prohibition days. The rum adds nuance to this citrusy drink and it’s a great tart cocktail that’s easy to drink. Of course, if you’ve never had a sidecar before: build one first. Then you will enjoy this drink in all its glory. But if you can’t wait… let’s mix!

What is a Between the Sheets cocktail?

Between the Sheets is a rum cocktail made with cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice. It is a derivative of the classic sidecar, probably invented by a famous bartender (Harry) in his bar in Paris (Harry’s New York Bar) in the 1930s. Where does the name “Between the Leaves” come from? Well, there’s no definitive answer, but the name might indicate just how effective the two spirits in the drink are!

The sidecar is the mother of many popular cocktails, including the margarita. All sorts of beverages have emerged from this simple formula of alcohol, orange liqueur and citrus fruits. The sidecar uses the cognac formula and the margarita with tequila. The Between the Sheets simply adds rum to the mix! This drink is on the International Bartender Association’s list of official IBA cocktails, meaning there is an official definition. The Cocktail Between the Sheets consists of:

• cognac
• rum
• Orange liqueur: Cointreau or Triple Sec
• lemon juice

How to make a cocktail between the sheets

A Between the Sheets Cocktail doesn’t require much: just shake and strain! Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You covered yourself too. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):

1. Shake! Take brandy, rum, Cointreau and lemon juice and shake in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. You do not have ? Use a large jar or glass.
2. Pour into a glass and add ice. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Don’t have a cocktail strainer? Use a fine mesh strainer or poke holes in the top of a mason jar. Serve with a lemon wedge.

Triple Sec or Cointreau?

Triple sec is often used in a Between the Sheets cocktail, but our favorite orange liqueur is Cointreau. Cointreau has a balanced orange perfume flavor between bitter and sweet, while Triple Sec can have a harsher taste. If you’re not sure if you want to buy a bottle, there’s a long list of Cointreau drinks that use them: all of our best recipes from Margarita, Cosmopolitan, White Lady, Mimosa, and more.

Use good quality cognac

Cognac is a type of French brandy, a liqueur made from the distillation of wine. There are several qualities of cognac that indicate how long it has been aged:

• AGAINST or 3 stars (2 years)
• VSOP (4 years)
• Napoleon (6 years),
• XO (ten years)

Warning, bottles of XO can cost up to $200! Of course you don’t have to go that high. You can use a mid-range VS or VSOP cognac for this cocktail. Fancy more brandy or cognac cocktails? Try Entre les draps, Sazerac, Stinger or French Connection.

Cousin cocktails between the sheets

There are many drinks related to the Between the Sheets cocktail! Because the sidecar was so popular, it spawned a lot of riffs. Here are some of the closest relatives:

When to serve!

Between the Sheets Cocktail is a chic classic that’s delicious because it’s versatile. It’s perfect for sipping as:

• Happy hour drink
• Drink at dinner
• summer drink
• Late night drinks
• Evening drink between boys or between girls
• Aperitif at aperitif time

Rather classic cocktails

Here are a few more of our classic top cocktails that you might enjoy as well:

• Whiskey Sour The best version of this classic: perfectly balanced with bourbon and lemon.
• Gin Fizz Tart and Refreshing! This is how you get the perfect egg white mousse filling.
• Tom Collins This popular gin cocktail is light, tart and sparkling!
• Classic Mojito This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and balanced, with rum, lime and mint!
• Manhattan or Martinez Add some style to your evening with these sophisticated classics, paired with a whiskey and a gin.