Between the sheets

Between the Sheets

(0 ratings)

A classic spirit-forward cocktail with cognac, rum, orange liqueur, and lemon juice

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Coupe Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (120ml)
  • Cognac 
    22.5 ml
  • Aged Rum 
    22.5 ml
  • Cointreau 
    22.5 ml
  • Lemon Juice 
    22.5 ml
  • Lemon Peel, Orange Peel 
    1 twist
Recipe credit: Classic cocktail from the 1930s

Instructions

Step

Chill your coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill with ice water while preparing the cocktail.

Step

Add 22.5ml each of cognac, aged rum, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.

Step

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to thoroughly chill and dilute the mixture.

Step

Discard ice from the chilled glass and double strain the cocktail using both the shaker strainer and fine mesh strainer.

Step

Express the oils from an orange zest twist over the drink, then drop it in as garnish.

Equipment

Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer
Fine Mesh Strainer
Jigger

Description

The Between the Sheets is a sophisticated classic cocktail that perfectly balances cognac, rum, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. This spirit-forward drink offers complexity and elegance, making it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate harmonious flavor profiles.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (120ml)
Calories
185
ABV
28 %
Alcohol
22 g
Carbs
8 g
Carbs from Sugar
6 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.1 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use premium spirits as this is a spirit-forward cocktail where quality makes a significant difference in the final taste.

  • Fresh lemon juice is absolutely essential - bottled juice will significantly dull the drink's brightness and balance.

  • Double straining ensures a silky smooth texture without ice shards or pulp, creating a more elegant drinking experience.

  • The classic equal parts recipe can be adjusted by reducing lemon juice to 15ml if you prefer a less tart profile.

Yes, any quality brandy will work well in this cocktail. VS or VSOP cognac is preferred, but American brandy or Armagnac can be excellent substitutes that add their own character to the drink.

Both work well – aged rum adds complexity and depth with its oak and spice notes, while white rum keeps the cocktail lighter and allows the cognac to shine more. Choose based on your preference for complexity versus brightness.

Cointreau offers superior balance with more refined orange flavor and better integration with the spirits. Triple sec can work as a substitute but may make the drink sweeter and less sophisticated. Cointreau is worth the investment for this classic cocktail.

While possible, this cocktail is best served immediately after preparation. The fresh lemon juice will lose its brightness over time, and the texture won’t be as optimal. If you must prepare ahead, do so no more than 2 hours in advance and keep well chilled.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Cognac
    22.5 ml
  • Aged Rum
    22.5 ml
  • Cointreau
    22.5 ml
  • Lemon Juice
    22.5 ml
  • Lemon Peel, Orange Peel
    1 twist

Method

  1. Chill your coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill with ice water while preparing the cocktail.
  2. Add 22.5ml each of cognac, aged rum, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to thoroughly chill and dilute the mixture.
  4. Discard ice from the chilled glass and double strain the cocktail using both the shaker strainer and fine mesh strainer.
  5. Express the oils from an orange zest twist over the drink, then drop it in as garnish.