Major Bailey

Pro tips

• Use fresh-squeezed lime and lemon juice within 2 hours of juicing for maximum brightness and acid balance.
• Pre-chill your glass by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink to maintain temperature.
• Muddle mint in the bottom of a mixing glass before adding other ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavor.
• Taste and adjust powdered sugar slightly if your citrus is unusually tart or mild — a quarter teaspoon either way changes the balance.

Substitutions

• Lime juice → additional lemon juice (reduces brightness, increases tartness)
• Powdered sugar → simple syrup, 1/2 tsp (faster to incorporate, slightly smoother texture)
• Mint leaves → basil leaves (shifts flavor profile, more savory and herbaceous)

Should I muddle the mint hard or gently?

Muddle gently to release mint oils without bruising leaves, which releases bitter chlorophyll. Press and twist lightly for 3-5 seconds.

Can I make Major Bailey without fresh mint?

Fresh mint is essential to the recipe's character. Dried mint will not deliver the same bright flavor and aromatics.

What type of powdered sugar works best?

Standard powdered sugar (10x sugar) dissolves quickest. Dissolve it in a small amount of citrus juice first for a smoother drink.

Should this drink be shaken or stirred?

Recipe does not specify; typically citrus cocktails with mint are shaken with ice to chill and dilute slightly, then strained into a fresh glass.

How do I scale this recipe for a crowd?

Multiply all ingredients by the number of servings. Muddle mint in batches to avoid over-bruising, or prepare a large batch pitcher with pre-muddled mint and citrus.