This high-potency cocktail may be what led to its provocative name.

The Between the Sheets is a classic cocktail made up of equal parts cognac, light rum, and triple sec with freshly squeezed lemon juice and an orange peel garnish.

Essentially a variation on the Sidecar, the provocatively-named drink is thought to have been created by bartender and author Harry MacElhone of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. There is also a theory that the drink had even earlier origins at the Berkeley Hotel in London and was created around 1921 by a worker there known as “Mr. Polly.” However, because MacElhone is also credited with featuring one of the earliest Sidecar recipes in his 1922 edition of Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails — calling for equal parts cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice — this is the more accepted origin.

Though the recipe has evolved, the traditional mix includes equal parts of cognac, light rum, and orange liqueur, complemented by a splash of lemon juice, yielding a strong concoction. The intense alcoholic content of this beverage is what likely inspired its provocative name.

This version increases the lemon juice to balance the three ounces of spirits, adding acidity to enhance the drink’s complexity. Cognac and light rum provide a robust foundation, while triple sec, or another chosen orange liqueur, brings sweetness and a bit of extra alcohol bite.

An orange peel garnish plays a crucial role by releasing citrus oils and a hint of bitterness from the skin.

Like any cocktail recipe, customization for personal taste is key. As presented, the cocktail is on the drier side, but simple syrup can be added according to individual preference.

1 ounce cognac

1 ounce rum

1 ounce triple sec

1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Orange peel, for garnish

Add the cognac, rum, triple sec, and lemon juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Express the oils from the orange peel over the top of the drink, then add to the glass as garnish.