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Between the Sheets Cocktail Drink

Between the Sheets

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you in the mood for a timeless cocktail? The Between the Sheets drink recipe combines all ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up and enjoy.

Between the Sheets Cocktail Recipe

Try this classic Between the Sheets recipe! With brandy, rum, and triple sec, this delightful cocktail is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

221 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz Light Rum
  • 1 oz Triple Sec
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Cocktail Glass
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your cocktail glass to chill it.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon to get ½ oz fresh lemon juice, and add it into the shaker.
  • Add Triple Sec: Pour 1 oz Triple Sec.
  • Add Rum: Measure 1 oz Light Rum and add it to the mix.
  • Add Brandy: Finish by adding 1 oz Brandy into the shaker.
  • Shake: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
  • Strain: Fine strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  • Garnish: Add a lemon twist into the glass for garnish and aroma.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Brandy: I've occasionally swapped out brandy for cognac, both of them are wine spirits. An aged rum can also work if you're in a pinch, though it will alter the drink's profile.
  • Light Rum: Dark rum can be a substitute but will give the cocktail a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
  • Triple Sec: Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be excellent alternatives if you still need Triple Sec. They both bring a lovely orange essence, with Grand Marnier adding a touch of richness.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To prepare a pitcher serving 8, use 8 oz of brandy, 8 oz of light rum, 8 oz of triple sec, and 4 oz of fresh lemon juice.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients with ice cubes and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Brandy Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic brandy or a simple syrup infused with a hint of vanilla and caramel.
  • Light Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum alternative available in the market.
  • Triple Sec Substitute: A non-alcoholic orange liqueur or an orange-infused simple syrup can work here.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace the alcoholic ingredients with the non-alcoholic substitutes, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The original Between the Sheets cocktail is inherently vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. However, always ensure that the specific brands of spirits and liqueurs you're using don't employ any non-vegan processing methods or additives.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
221
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.04
g
0
%
Sodium
 
3
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
10
g
3
%
Fiber
 
0.04
g
0
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Potassium
 
24
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.03
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
1
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
5
mg
6
%
Calcium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Between the Sheets Cocktail Drink

Between the Sheets Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Try this classic Between the Sheets recipe! With brandy, rum, and triple sec, this delightful cocktail is a must-try for any occasion.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 221

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Brandy
  • 1 oz Light Rum
  • 1 oz Triple Sec
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Cocktail Glass
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your cocktail glass to chill it.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon to get ½ oz fresh lemon juice, and add it into the shaker.
  • Add Triple Sec: Pour 1 oz Triple Sec.
  • Add Rum: Measure 1 oz Light Rum and add it to the mix.
  • Add Brandy: Finish by adding 1 oz Brandy into the shaker.
  • Shake: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
  • Strain: Fine strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  • Garnish: Add a lemon twist into the glass for garnish and aroma.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Brandy: I've occasionally swapped out brandy for cognac, both of them are wine spirits. An aged rum can also work if you're in a pinch, though it will alter the drink's profile.
  • Light Rum: Dark rum can be a substitute but will give the cocktail a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
  • Triple Sec: Cointreau or Grand Marnier can be excellent alternatives if you still need Triple Sec. They both bring a lovely orange essence, with Grand Marnier adding a touch of richness.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To prepare a pitcher serving 8, use 8 oz of brandy, 8 oz of light rum, 8 oz of triple sec, and 4 oz of fresh lemon juice.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients with ice cubes and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Brandy Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic brandy or a simple syrup infused with a hint of vanilla and caramel.
  • Light Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum alternative available in the market.
  • Triple Sec Substitute: A non-alcoholic orange liqueur or an orange-infused simple syrup can work here.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace the alcoholic ingredients with the non-alcoholic substitutes, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The original Between the Sheets cocktail is inherently vegan, containing no animal-derived ingredients. However, always ensure that the specific brands of spirits and liqueurs you're using don't employ any non-vegan processing methods or additives.

What is a Between the Sheets Cocktail?

A Between the Sheets is a cocktail that combines brandy, rum, triple sec, and lemon juice. Renowned for its smooth yet potent flavor profile, this drink expertly balances the richness of brandy with the lively kick of rum. Many consider it a close cousin to the Sidecar, with rum adding a distinct twist. Additionally, it is recognized as an official cocktail official cocktail by the International Bartenders Association (IBA).

A side shot of a Between the Sheets cocktail in a cocktail glass on a wooden tray placed on a white cloth with a jigger, 3 lemon pieces, a knife, and a lemon twist around,on a black background.

What is a Between the Sheets Cocktail made of – The ingredients

To get ready for making a Between the Sheets Cocktail, collect these ingredients:

  • Brandy: A distilled wine that adds depth and warmth to the cocktail.
  • Light Rum: A clear spirit distilled from sugarcane introduces a subtle sweetness and tropical undertone.
  • Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur that imparts a citrusy brightness to the mix.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice that provides a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Brandy, Triple Sec, Light Rum and two lemons laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Between the Sheets Cocktail?

This detailed guide shows you each step in preparing a Between the Sheets Cocktail:

1
<p>Start by chilling a cocktail glass, placing it in the freezer, or stirring some ice cubes in it.</p>

Start by chilling a cocktail glass, placing it in the freezer, or stirring some ice cubes in it.

2
<p>Measure out the fresh lemon juice and pour it into the shaker, adding a zesty twist.</p>

Measure out the fresh lemon juice and pour it into the shaker, adding a zesty twist.

3
<p>Pour the Triple Sec for a sweet and tangy flavor.</p>

Pour the Triple Sec for a sweet and tangy flavor.

4
<p>Measure and add Rum for a tropical flair.</p>

Measure and add Rum for a tropical flair.

5
<p>Add Brandy contributing to the depth and warmth of the cocktail.</p>

Add Brandy contributing to the depth and warmth of the cocktail.

6
<p>Add ice cubes into the shaker to ensure the mixture gets well-chilled.</p>

Add ice cubes into the shaker to ensure the mixture gets well-chilled.

7
<p>Shake the ingredients vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold.</p>

Shake the ingredients vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold.

8
<p>Remove the ice cubes from your chilled cocktail glass if you use that method.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from your chilled cocktail glass if you use that method.

9
<p>Fine strain the mixture from the shaker into the cocktail glass, ensuring no ice or debris enters the final drink.</p>

Fine strain the mixture from the shaker into the cocktail glass, ensuring no ice or debris enters the final drink.

10
<p>Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired, to enhance the drink’s visual appeal and add a hint of zest, by squeezing a lemon peel over the glass.</p>

Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired, to enhance the drink’s visual appeal and add a hint of zest, by squeezing a lemon peel over the glass.

11
<p>Then, drop it into the drink.</p>

Then, drop it into the drink.

12
<p>Enjoy your Between the Sheets cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Between the Sheets cocktail!

What is the difference between a Sidecar and a Between the Sheets Cocktail?

The traditional Sidecar cocktail uses a combination of brandy, Cointreau or triple sec, and lemon juice, whereas the Between the Sheets cocktail incorporates not only brandy but also light rum, triple sec, and lemon juice. The inclusion of rum is a defining feature of the Between the Sheets, setting it distinctly apart from the Sidecar, which omits rum. While both cocktails utilize citrus flavors, the presence of rum in the Between the Sheets imparts a slightly sweeter and more tropical undertone than what is found in the Sidecar. Additionally, the Sidecar is often presented with a sugared rim on the glass, adding an extra layer of sweetness, a feature that is typically absent in the Between the Sheets.

Best Rum for a Between the Sheets Cocktail

When crafting a Between the Sheets, the choice of rum plays a pivotal role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors. While the cocktail traditionally calls for light rum, you’ll want a bottle that brings quality and character. Bacardi Superior is a popular choice, known for its crisp, clean profile that seamlessly melds with the brandy and triple sec. For those seeking a slightly richer undertone, Mount Gay Silver offers a nuanced hint of the tropics without overpowering the drink. However, if I were to make a personal recommendation, Flor de Caña 4-Year Extra Seco stands out. This Nicaraguan rum is smooth, with subtle notes of vanilla and citrus that elevate the Between the Sheets to new heights.

A Between the Sheets cocktail on a white marmol table with a Brandy bottle, a Light Rum bottle, a Triple Sec bottle and two lemons around.

History and Origins

The Between the Sheets cocktail boasts a history as intriguing as its name. While its origins remain murky, many attribute its creation to Harry MacElhone, the legendary bartender from Harry’s New York Bar in Paris during the 1920s.

The name certainly captures attention and sparks curiosity. Some speculate that the name reflects the cocktail’s potency, suggesting it has the power to lead one “between the sheets” after consumption. Others believe it’s a playful nod to the mix of spirits from different “sheets” or categories – brandy and rum.

 

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Between the Sheets cocktail?
The standard version contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the specific brands and proportions used.
How strong is the Between the Sheets cocktail in terms of ABV and proof?
The alcohol by volume (ABV) usually ranges from 20-30%, making the proof between 40 and 60, depending on the spirits used and their respective proofs.
What types of alcohol are used in the Between the Sheets cocktail?
The primary alcohols are brandy, light rum, and triple sec.
In which type of glass is the Between the Sheets cocktail typically served?
The drink is traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass.
What does the Between the Sheets cocktail taste like?
It offers a balanced blend of citrusy brightness from the lemon and triple sec, combined with the warmth and depth of brandy and rum.
What is the typical ratio of ingredients in the Between the Sheets cocktail?
The classic ratio is equal parts brandy, light rum, and triple sec, with a splash of lemon juice.
How is the Between the Sheets cocktail typically served in terms of ice?
The cocktail is usually shaken with ice and then strained into a glass, serving it "up" without ice.

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