Between the Sheets Cocktail: Provocatively Potent
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The Between the Sheets Cocktail is a sophisticated sipper that you can order at a fancy bar or craft at home with just a handful of ingredients. Follow this easy recipe if you prefer the latter option.
The Between the Sheets cocktail caught our eye for two reasons.
First, there’s no denying that this cocktail’s moniker demands attention. We thirsted to know what was in such a provocatively named drink. Knowing those ingredients led us to our second reason – cognac.
We’re always looking for ways to repurpose liquor. We’d previously bought a bottle of cognac to craft Vieux Carré cocktails and later used it to craft Brandy Alexanders. The Between the Sheets cocktail became our third cognac cocktail crafted with the same bottle.
True Confession
We don’t just craft cocktails with cognac. Sometimes we sip it on the rocks.
What Is the Between the Sheets Cocktail?
The Between the Sheets cocktail is a four-ingredient cocktail that’s easily crafted with cognac, rum, orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. But don’t be deceived by this cocktail’s playful name and short ingredient list.
It’s a sophisticated sipper that packs a wallop. In fact, you’ll soon be sleeping under the sheets (with a companion or not) if you drink one too many of these particular potent potables.
History of the Between the Sheets Cocktail
As is often the case with cocktail origins, the history of the Between the Sheets cocktail is a bit of a mystery. In this drink’s case, there are three potential origin contenders.
The most probable origin story credits the cocktail’s creation to Harry MacElhone, a Scottish bartender who achieved fame by publishing Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails and owning Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. The bar’s impressive repertoire includes the Bloody Mary, Old Pal, Sidecar and White Lady cocktails.
If MacElhone didn’t invent the Between the Sheets cocktail, then it’s likely that its origin traces to The Berkeley in London. This possible origin story dates the cocktail back to 1921, a decade earlier than the MacElhone version.
However, the third and least likely origin story is the one that tickles our fancy. Since this version involves French brothels and prostitutes, it’s an appropriately juicy start for a cocktail named after bed linen.
Ingredients
Our Between the Sheets cocktail recipe has a short ingredient list that includes two spirits, a liqueur and a lemon. You may even have the following ingredients at home:
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Craft A Between the Sheets Cocktail
Measure each of the four liquid ingredients and pour each directly into a shaker. We use a Japanese jigger to ensure accurate measurements and make clean pours. We also like to use a Boston shaker to avoid fuss and muss.
Buy a Japanese jigger from Amazon if you need a jigger or want an inexpensive upgrade.
The next step is to add ice to the shaker and vigorously shake for about 20 seconds until the liquids are chilled and combined.
The final step is to strain the cocktail into a martini or coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Variations
Your secret is safe with us if you want to take this recipe beyond the sheets. If so, we recommend starting with the following variations:
Discover 10 essential bar tools for the home mixologist.
Between the Sheets Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce rum
- 1 ounce cognac
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- ¼ ounce lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 lemon peel (garnish)
- ice cubes (for shaking)
Instructions
- Combine rum, cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice in a shaker.
- Add several ice cubes and shake for 20 seconds until the liquids are mixed and chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
- You can use a small martini glass instead of a coupe glass.
Nutrition
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
The Between the Sheets cocktail is a four-ingredient cocktail crafted with cognac, rum, orange liqueur and lemon juice.
The Between the Sheets cocktail’s history is a mystery, though it was probably invented at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.
Rum, Cognac, Orange Liqueur, Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice, Ice Cubes (for shaking) and Lemon Peel (garnish)
The Between the Sheets cocktail is shaken, not stirred.
We like to serve this cocktail in a coupe glass, but you could use a small martini glass instead.
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