Between the Sheets has a sexy name, and sounds like it could be a really intriguing cocktail. What’s going on inside that glass, and why the sensual name ? Let’s find out.
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What is Between the Sheets?
Between the Sheets is essentially a modified Sidecar, if you will. Where the sidecar uses cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice, Between the Sheets splits the base spirit into cognac and white rum.
Now, Between the Sheets is an old cocktail (dating back to the 1920s) and it’s suffered a couple of modifications as time went on, and the tastes have changed. The idea is to use equal parts spirits, and less citrus juice, to get an exceptionally strong drink.

Between The Sheets Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz cognac
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz triple sec
- 0.25 oz lime juice
Instructions
- In a shaker combine cognac, rum, triple sec, lime juice, ice. Shake very well.
- Strain into chilled coupe glass.
Notes
When is this drink best ?
I think Between the Sheets works best as winter and autumn cocktail, because of the warm notes in cognac, and the citrusy flavor of triple sec and lemon juice. It’s also a very strong cocktail, so definitely something to drink and enjoy alongside a hearty cold season meal, at a Christmas party, or even just visiting friends when the first snow falls.
Read Also: 6 Best Cognac Cocktails
My thoughts on Between the Sheets
I found Between the Sheets very potent, almost too much. Triple sec and cognac work well together, but I think a dark rum would’ve been better than white rum in this. The orange express was a nice touch, and I think made everything work together better than without.
This isn’t a sweet drink, it relies on the triple sec for sugar, and the small amount of lemon juice balances things out a bit. Still, this is something I think you need some preparation for. If you’re not accustomed to drinking spirits neat (I’m not), it will be very overwhelming.
If you like Between the Sheets, you might also like…
Sidecar – the classic cognac and orange sipper
Cable Car – a variation on the side car, with spiced rum
White Lady – a classic gin sour, with extra flair
Negroni – the unmistakable gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth concoction
Leap Year – gin, sweet vermouth, triple sec, and lemon juice pack a punch
Notes, substitutes, and tips
There is far more spirit than mixer in this, and if this proves too strong you can up the lemon juice from 0.25 to 0.75 ounces.
The orange peel express isn’t mandatory but it sure helps a lot. You could try this with another citrus peel, such as grapefruit for example.