I hope everyone is having a great end to 2025, or if necessary, a merciful end. Today’s cocktail is a New Year’s Eve special to toast the end of 2025 or welcome 2026. It’s appropriately boozy and will definitely dampen those inhibitions. Between the Sheets is a variation on the Sidecar, probably invented at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, though London, as they do, disagrees.

This is a Prohibition era cocktail that should have been developed in the United States. Prohibition is a shining example of what happens when we try to imbue the Constitution, or any prime directive, with substantive goals. Such documents are for laying out the rules of the game, not choosing winners and losers. With the exception of who is permitted to play the game (vote and engage freely in civic life), attempts to constitutionalize substantive aims are roundly a disaster, Prohibition among the most deleterious. Between the Sheets is an old cocktail - from the 1920s - likely the darkest era of history for the United States as Prohibition spoiled America’s imbibing and cultural aspirations. Time to tip one and see what we’re missing.

Chill your glass well. Add all ingredients sans garnish to one half of a shaker tin. Load the other half of the tin with ice. Bring them together and shake until frigid. Fine strain into your chilled glass. Express the lemon oil from the twist and garnish the drink.

Milk Clarification - If you choose, this one can be milk (or coconut milk) clarified for a bit more New Year’s Eve elegance and less of a brandy on the beach feel. To do so, simply combine all ingredients sans garnish in a mixing glass. In another mixing glass, add 1 ¼ oz of room temperature milk. Add the drink to the milk, NOT the other way around. Let this stand for a half hour or so. Strain through a coffee filter. Once done, there’s no need to shake the drink. Stir with ice until cold and proceed as above.

Options - If your version is a low budget project, Paul Masson Grande Amber works fine in place of the Cognac. Most recipes will call for Triple Sec where I have the Clement Creole Shrub. Cointreau is a good choice. This makes the drink much drier. I opted for the Creole Shrub to add more richness. The Creole Shrub is also made from rum agricole, so its a bit more grassy and earthy than typical for the category. In general, Triple Sec will be drier, give a brighter orange flavor, and a fresh, zesty take on the drink. Curaçao style orange liqueurs (e.g., Gran Marnier, Creole Shrub, Pierre Ferrand) will give more complexity and a richness to the drink. So, choose as you please.

Watch this drink, it will make for a boozy end of the year. If you have more than a few, be aware what you’re in for. It is, however, a great way to make you forget 2025 or to celebrate the coming of 2026, whichever suits your perspective. Happy New Year!

Postscript: New Year’s Eve is my Anniversary. I’m sure you can tell from my ramblings that my person is very patient, kind, beautiful, and surpasses me in every way. Happy Anniversary Mrs. W.