between the sheets drink recipe…variation of the classic sidecar

Between the Sheets is a variation of the classic Sidecar cocktail. There are couple of different variations of this drink, all called Between the Sheets. The drink tastes and has a similar look as the traditional Sidecar but gives an interesting twist with the addition of another liqueur.

Many recipes calls for adding light or white rum, but that means you have two base spirits: Rum and Brandy. Another interesting variation is adding Benedictine instead of White Rum.

The drink is believed to have originated at the Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in the 1930s. But as with many drinks of the era, it is unsubstantiated and an alternate origin theory attributes the drink to the Berkeley Hotel in London. The recipe below is a variation found in The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale DeGroff.

Ingredients

  • 2 shots of Brandy or Cognac
  • 1/2 shot of Benedictine
  • 1/2 shot of Cointreau
  • 1 shot of Lemon Juice
  • Lemon or Orange Peel for Garnish

Recipe/Preparation

  1. Add ice cubes into a martini shaker
  2. Add 2 shots of Brandy into the shaker
  3. Add 1/2 shot of the Benedictine into the shaker
  4. Add 1/2 shot of Cointreau or an orange liqueur into the shaker
  5. Add 1 shot of freshly squeezed lime juice
  6. Shake well several times to mix the ingredients well
  7. Strain the contents of the shaker into a chilled martini glass
  8. Garnish with a lemon peel
Between the Sheets Cocktail

Variations and Similar Drinks

  • Sidecar: Sidecar is a classic cocktail which has all the ingredients except the Benedictine.
  • Many recipes for Between the Sheets call for White Rum instead of the Benedictine
  • Some recipes call for equal parts of all the ingredients, namely Brandy, Benedictine, Cointreau and Lemon Juice.

Tips

  • You can substitute Cointreau with another orange liqueur such as Triple Sec.
  • Just as the Sidecar, you can also use Cognac instead of the Brandy.
  • Always use freshly squeezed Lemon juice for best taste
  • You can also rim the martini glass with sugar, as in a Sidecar