⏱ 1 min read
The Short Version
Beware the Between the Sheets: a cocktail so potent it once triggered warnings of "sudden intoxication" and "sick headaches." Today, bar director Ryan Gannon honors this dangerous legacy by refining its vintage complexity through decades of expert experimentation.
In This Article
Patrick Gavin Duffy issued a stark warning in his 1934 book The Official Mixer’s Manual: the specific spirit combination found in a Between the Sheets cocktail can trigger “sudden intoxication” and “sick headaches.” While modern drinkers might view such vintage cautions as hyperbole, the drink’s complex history suggests its potency is well-earned. Originally appearing in Frank Shay’s 1929 Drawn from the Wood, the recipe called for gin, Bacardi rum, and Cointreau. By 1930, it had crossed the Atlantic and evolved into something more sophisticated, swapping gin for Cognac and adding lemon juice to enter the lineage of the Sidecar.
Gannon has been tweaking his recipe for the Between the Sheets for the past two decades.
A Two Decade Evolution
Ryan Gannon, bar director for Ingas Bar and the new restaurant Lonnie’s, has spent twenty years refining this forgotten classic. His approach treats the cocktail almost like an equal-parts drink, utilizing a significant measure of lemon and simple syrup—a technique common during the cocktail’s original era. Gannon has been tweaking his recipe for the Between the Sheets for the past two decades. This long-term experimentation helped shape his professional style, including an eight-year tenure at Cure in New Orleans. During his time there, he featured the drink on the “Cocktails We Love” menu, using El Dorado 3 rum and Pierre Ferrand Cognac to anchor the profile.
Versatility in Modern Programs
As bar programs evolve, so must the ingredients used to support them. At Lonnie’s, Gannon manages a smaller backbar, which necessitates a shift toward high-utility components. Rather than maintaining a massive inventory of niche bottles, he prioritizes versatile spirits that can bridge the gap between historical classics and modern original creations. This lean approach mirrors a broader industry trend where quality is defined by how hard a single ingredient can work across a diverse menu. Whether you are chasing the punchy history of the 1920s or the streamlined efficiency of a contemporary program, the Between the Sheets remains a potent reminder of why certain cocktails earned their place in the canon.
Do you prefer cocktails that prioritize vintage complexity or those built around versatile, modern ingredients?
Questions & Answers
What are the ingredients in a Between the Sheets cocktail?
The Between the Sheets cocktail is composed of rum, Cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup. While the original 1929 recipe utilized gin instead of Cognac, the drink evolved as it crossed the Atlantic to become more sophisticated. Modern refinements by experts like Ryan Gannon often treat the recipe similarly to an equal-parts drink. This approach ensures a balanced profile that utilizes significant measures of citrus and sweetener to complement the potent spirit combination.
Why did Patrick Gavin Duffy warn drinkers about Between the Sheets?
Patrick Gavin Duffy warned that the specific spirit combination in a Between the Sheets cocktail could cause sudden intoxication and sick headaches. He issued this stark warning in his 1934 publication, The Official Mixer’s Manual. Although some modern drinkers might view these vintage cautions as mere hyperbole, the drink's complex history and potent ingredients suggest that the warning was based on the actual strength of the cocktail.
How has the recipe for Between the Sheets changed over time?
The recipe for Between the Sheets has evolved from a gin-based drink into a more sophisticated Cognac-based cocktail. Originally appearing in Frank Shay’s 1929 book Drawn from the Wood, the drink initially called for gin, Bacardi rum, and Cointreau. By 1930, the recipe transitioned to use Cognac and added lemon juice, which placed the cocktail into the same lineage as the Sidecar. This evolution reflects a shift toward the more complex flavor profiles found in modern classics.
How does Ryan Gannon approach making a Between the Sheets cocktail?
Ryan Gannon approaches the Between the Sheets cocktail by treating it almost like an equal-parts drink. He utilizes significant measures of lemon juice and simple syrup to refine the flavor profile, a technique common during the cocktail's original era. Throughout his twenty years of experimentation, including his time at Cure in New Orleans, he has used high-quality spirits like El Dorado 3 rum and Pierre Ferrand Cognac to anchor the drink's profile and maintain its historical potency.
Originally reported by Punch Drink.
