Between the Sheets
This classic brandy, rum, and orange liqueur cocktail is bright, strong, and citrusy. Shake it hard with fresh lemon juice and serve it very cold in a coupe glass.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mDrinks
Between the Sheets is a classic shaken cocktail made with cognac, white rum, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. It is related to the Sidecar, but the rum gives it a lighter, slightly tropical edge.
The drink is simple, but balance matters. Use fresh lemon juice, measure the spirits, and shake with plenty of ice so the cocktail gets cold and a little diluted.
This is a full-strength alcoholic drink. Serve it only to adults of legal drinking age, and enjoy it slowly.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
6 items · 1 cocktail
- 1 ounce cognac or brandy
- 1 ounce white rum
- 1 ounce triple sec, such as Cointreau
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Ice, for shaking
- Lemon twist, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Place a coupe or small cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes. A cold glass helps the drink stay crisp after shaking.
2. Juice the lemon
Cut a fresh lemon and squeeze enough juice to measure 3/4 ounce. Strain out seeds if needed. Bottled lemon juice tastes flatter, so fresh is worth it here.
3. Measure the spirits
Add the cognac, white rum, and triple sec to a cocktail shaker. Use a jigger or small measuring cup so the drink stays balanced.
4. Add the lemon juice
Pour the fresh lemon juice into the shaker. This is the sour part of the cocktail, and it keeps the orange liqueur from tasting too sweet.
5. Fill with ice
Add enough ice to fill the shaker about two-thirds full. More ice chills the drink quickly and gives the right amount of dilution.
6. Shake hard
Seal the shaker and shake for 12 to 15 seconds, until the outside feels very cold. Shaking chills, mixes, and lightly softens the alcohol with melted ice.
7. Strain and garnish
Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass. Twist a strip of lemon peel over the top to release its oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: You can measure the cognac, rum, and triple sec into a covered jar up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate. Add the lemon juice and shake with ice just before serving.
- Storage: This cocktail is best served right away. Once shaken, the texture and chill fade quickly.
- Swap the brandy: Cognac gives a smooth, rounded flavor, but a good everyday brandy works well too.
- Choose your orange liqueur: Cointreau makes a clean, bright drink. A less expensive triple sec may be sweeter, so taste and add a few extra drops of lemon if needed.
- Adjust the tartness: If the drink tastes too sharp, add 1/4 ounce simple syrup. If it tastes too sweet, add another small squeeze of lemon juice.
- No coupe glass? Use a small martini glass or any stemmed glass. The drink is served “up,” which means shaken with ice and strained without ice.
Cook's note
The standard Between the Sheets formula is often equal parts cognac, rum, triple sec, and lemon. This version uses a little less lemon for a smoother, more balanced drink while keeping the classic bright finish.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What does a Between the Sheets taste like?
It is strong, citrusy, and lightly sweet. The cognac adds warmth, the rum adds a clean sugarcane note, the triple sec brings orange flavor, and the lemon keeps it sharp.
Can I make a Between the Sheets without cognac?
Yes. Use another brandy if that is what you have. The flavor may be a little less complex, but the cocktail will still work.
Is this the same as a Sidecar?
No, but they are related. A Sidecar usually has cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Between the Sheets adds white rum, making it a bit lighter and more spirit-forward.
Can I serve this over ice?
You can, though it is traditionally served straight up in a chilled glass. If you prefer it over ice, strain it into a rocks glass with one large ice cube.
Can I make a batch for guests?
Yes. For 4 drinks, combine 4 ounces cognac, 4 ounces white rum, 4 ounces triple sec, and 3 ounces lemon juice. Keep chilled, then shake individual portions with ice for the best texture.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium1 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate13 g
- 5%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars11 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium2 mg
- 0%
- Iron0 mg
- 0%
- Potassium23 mg
- 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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