Modern Drunkard Magazine’s articleThe 86 Rules of Boozing, by Frank Kelly Rich states:

The Rule 37 series of posts chronicle my attempts to accomplish this feat every week. For the recipes of R37s past, click the Htf do I make these drinks? tab.


Another Friday, another cocktail night.
With the cooler temps, I’ve been dragging the Lady Friend (with some reluctance on her part) towards a seasonal shift in liquors. Summertime is for the light, clear liquors – gin, tequila, light rum, etc. – and light, refreshing, fruity summer drinks. The Tom Collins. The Margarita. The Daiquiri. Now that the autumn is clearly upon us (excluding last weekend’s 80 degree temps) the time has come for the darker liquors, the browns: brandy, cognac, whiskey, medium/aged/dark rum, scotch. Warm happy spirits that slide down your gullet and stoke a small wood stove deep in your belly, heating from the inside out. Since the Lady Friend is a tequila fan, she’s none too happy with this edict, but has been joining in the movement slowly, starting with brandy. As a wine drinker, I think she likes the connection to her precious grapes, (though now is developing more enthusiasm for my guarded whiskey supply) and has enjoyed several Sidecars in the past. This drink was an interesting little twist on the classic Sidecar.

Between the Sheets

– 3/4 oz brandy
– 3/4 oz light rum (Bully Boy!)
– 3/4 oz triple sec
– 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

Gently introduce the brandy and rum in a mixing glass; they’ll come to appreciate each other quickly. While their comfort level is warming, add the triple sec to the ménage. Gradually ease in the lemon juice, as a wicked delight to the threesome of spirits. Add ice and shake the group frantically until they collapse in a satisfied heap. Dribble the ensemble into a chilled cocktail glass to rest in the afterglow.

Seductively twirl a lemon spiral, as one would coquettishly play with a lock of hair, trying to win favor with an admirer across the bar. Whilst their attention is undivided, garnish delicately with the lemon, as a token keepsake bestowed on a paramour.

This is a sexy-time drink. Sweet and tasty, with some triple sec dry finish. Especially enjoyable was the ability to pick out each individual ingredient in the taste, though they blend together with wonderful results. Between the Sheets makes a nice transition between the light and dark liquors. It’s got the summery light rum (though the Bully Boy has a lovely sugary dark rum taste) and the brown brandy. It’s practically a Sidecar, but with some rum in it. There is another variation of Between the Sheets, with more brandy, no rum, and a little Benedictine, but this version was just the thing for a quiet cocktail evening in the cozy setting of my Cocktail Cavern, the Libation Lair, the Den of Drink. Try one by candlelight with your lady friend or gentleman caller when the leaves begin to fall.