A Little Fun Between the Sheets...

Your host recently returned from a short trip to Honolulu and Waikiki. While Hawaii is more known for blended and umbrella style drinks, there are several bastions of cocktail refinement. One of these is the Lewer's Lounge at the Halekulani Hotel on Waikiki Beach.

According to their bartender, the lounge is the only establishment on Oahu to own its own Kold-Draft style ice machine, which makes special hard ice that melts more slowly. While Lewer's cocktail list is not inventive by SF or Seattle standards, they do make reliable classic drinks without the excessive use of sugary mixers. One drink that appears on the menu is the "Between the Sheets," a variation on the Sidecar, and a drink seldom seen today.

While its origin is unclear, the "Between the Sheets" cocktail actually has two variations, one with white rum, and one with Benedictine, a bitter french liqueur. It is the Benedictine version that is most complex, and the one they serve at Lewer's Lounge. For an extra kick, add a few dashes of Regan's Orange Bitters. The general bitterness matches well to the sweetness of the Cointreau and brandy.

Between the Sheets Cocktail

1.5 oz cognac or fine brandy
1/2 oz Benedictine
1/2 oz Cointreau
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
Few dashes Regan's Orange Bitters #6.

Shake with good quality ice in cocktail shaker. Strain into cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.