Between the Sheets is one of those classic cocktails that feels both elegant and a little mischievous. It’s citrusy, bold, and smooth all at once—a drink that knows how to make an entrance. With a mix of rum, brandy, and orange liqueur, it’s got a little sweetness, a little tartness, and a whole lot of charm. I’ve made this drink countless times—especially for summer get-togethers—and I always come back to it when I want something simple but a little special.
Between the Sheets
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Cocktail or coupe glass
Make-ahead note: You can mix the spirits ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then just shake with lemon juice and ice when ready to serve.
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) brandy (or Cognac for a smoother flavor)
– 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec (or swap in Cointreau for a bolder orange taste)
– ¼ oz (7.5 ml) fresh lemon juice
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Method
- Chill your cocktail or coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep.
- In a cocktail shaker, add:
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz brandy
- 1 oz triple sec
- ¼ oz fresh lemon juice
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard—about 15 seconds—until the outside feels icy cold.
- Dump the ice from your chilled glass and strain the cocktail in.
- Garnish with a lemon twist. Give it a little squeeze over the drink first to release the oils for extra aroma.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t give the same brightness.
- Chill your glass. It helps keep the drink cold without watering it down.
- Measure carefully. This cocktail is all about balance—too much of one spirit can throw off the whole thing.
Flavor Notes
Between the Sheets is often compared to the Sidecar, and for good reason—they share a lot of the same ingredients. But the rum in this one brings a slightly tropical edge, while the brandy gives it depth and richness. The triple sec adds a sweet orange layer, and the lemon juice cuts through it all with a clean, zesty finish.
It’s smooth, citrusy, and just strong enough to make you sit up and take notice.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is great before dinner or as a late-night sipper. It’s light enough to start the evening, but bold enough to stand alone. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner pairings too—Between the Sheets with a square of dark chocolate? Heavenly.
Food Pairings
– Spicy Tapas: The cocktail’s citrus cuts through heat and spice beautifully.
– Grilled Chicken Skewers: The smoky, savory flavors pair well with the sweet-tart balance of the drink.
– Dark Chocolate: A bold, bittersweet bite complements the richness of the brandy and rum.
Variations to Try
Maiden’s Prayer
– Swap the rum for gin to add a botanical twist.
– Follow the same method—shake, strain, and garnish.
Florida Between the Sheets
– Add a splash (about ½ oz / 15 ml) of orange juice for a fruitier, more tropical flavor.
Between the Sheets Sour
– Add 1 egg white for a creamy texture and frothy top.
– Dry shake (shake without ice) the egg white first, then add the other ingredients and ice. Shake again before straining.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Mix 1 oz fresh lemon juice with 1 oz orange juice and a splash of simple syrup.
– Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist for a mocktail that still feels fancy.
Storage Tips
You can mix the rum, brandy, and triple sec ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just shake with fresh lemon juice and ice right before serving.
Common Questions
Can I make a batch for a party?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need. Mix everything except the lemon juice ahead of time. Add the lemon and shake individual servings when ready.
What if I don’t have triple sec?
Cointreau or another orange liqueur works just as well. Grand Marnier will give it a deeper, slightly richer flavor.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut the triple sec down a bit or add a splash more lemon juice. It’s easy to tweak to your taste.
Why shake instead of stir?
Shaking chills the drink faster and mixes the citrus thoroughly. Plus, it gives the cocktail a nice light texture.
Is Between the Sheets strong?
It’s definitely on the stronger side—three spirits and just a splash of citrus. But it doesn’t taste overly boozy thanks to its balance.
How should I garnish it?
A simple lemon twist works perfectly. It adds a little aroma and looks lovely in the glass.
Final Thoughts
Between the Sheets is one of those timeless cocktails that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, endlessly tweakable, and always impressive in the glass. Whether you’re new to cocktail mixing or a seasoned home bartender, this one’s worth adding to your regular rotation.
And if you’re ever hosting and want a drink that feels a little flirty, a little classic, and totally delicious—this is the one. Cheers!
