Between the Sheets Recipe

by | Jan 7, 2026 | Classic Cocktails, Cocktail Recipes, Popular Cocktails, Signature Drinks

coupe cocktail between the sheets garnished with a lemon on a counter top and fresh sliced lemon behind it

The Between the Sheets cocktail is a classic pre-Prohibition sour made with white rum, cognac, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice. Bright, citrusy, and deceptively strong, it is closely related to the Sidecar with the added complexity of rum.

If you are wondering what a Between the Sheets cocktail is or how to make it the traditional way, this recipe follows the International Bartenders Association (IBA) ratios with bartender tips to keep the drink balanced and smooth.

Jump straight to ingredients, instructions, tips, or FAQs.

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  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 0 minutes
  • Total time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cocktail
  • Glassware: Coupe or cocktail glass
  • Flavor profile: Bright, citrusy, dry
Things to know: Between the Sheets is essentially a Sidecar with the addition of light rum. The two-spirit base makes it stronger and more complex than it tastes.

Ingredients for a Between the Sheets Cocktail

  • 1 oz white rum
  • 1 oz cognac
  • 1 oz triple sec (Cointreau preferred)
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist (optional garnish)

How to Make a Between the Sheets Cocktail

  1. Chill the glass. Place a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or refrigerator.
  2. Add ingredients. Add white rum, cognac, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake well. Shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Strain and serve. Strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist if desired.

Bartender Tips for the Best Between the Sheets

  • Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice makes the drink harsh.
  • Choose a clean white rum. Avoid overly funky styles.
  • Do not oversweeten. Triple sec provides enough sweetness.
  • Shake hard. Proper dilution smooths the strong spirits.

Between the Sheets Variations

  • Between the Sheets IBA: Equal parts rum, cognac, and triple sec with lemon juice as specified above.
  • Sidecar: Omit the rum and use cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice only.
  • Maiden’s Prayer: Replace rum and cognac with gin while keeping the rest of the recipe the same.

Between the Sheets Cocktail FAQs

What is a Between the Sheets cocktail?

Between the Sheets is a classic cocktail made with white rum, cognac, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice. It is a citrus forward sour with a strong but balanced finish.

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

A Sidecar uses cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice. Between the Sheets adds white rum, giving it more depth and a higher alcohol content.

What is the IBA recipe for Between the Sheets?

The International Bartenders Association recipe uses equal parts white rum, cognac, and triple sec, plus fresh lemon juice, shaken and strained into a chilled cocktail glass.

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