Major Bailey

Name: Major Bailey Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tsp Lime Juice; 1 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice; 1/2 tsp Powdered Sugar; 12 Leaves Mint Leaves; 2 oz Gin

Jump to ingredients

The Major Bailey is a refreshing gin-based citrus cocktail combining fresh lime and lemon juice with muddled mint and a touch of powdered sugar. Its balanced brightness and herbal notes make it an ideal warm-weather drink.

🏷️Equipment: collins glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's and Party Guide

Ingredients

Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.

5 Ingredients

CookOS may earn a commission from Instacart orders.

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Muddle first four ingredients well, pour into collins glass filled with ice and add gin.
2
Stir until glass is frosted.
3
Decorate with sprig of mint and serve with straws.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Juice the lime and lemon fresh—bottled juice will flatten the drink's brightness.
Chill your glass with ice before pouring to keep the cocktail cold longer.
Muddle mint just before mixing to preserve its delicate aromatics and prevent oxidation.
Use a fine bar strainer when pouring to catch any mint fragments or sugar particles.

Substitutions

Powdered sugar → simple syrup (dissolves instantly; use 1/2 tsp)
Gin → vodka (milder, less botanical; shifts the flavor profile toward citrus)

Storage & make-ahead

Enjoy immediately while chilled. Do not store mixed cocktails; batch the citrus and mint elements up to 4 hours ahead and combine with gin and ice just before serving.

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · bar spoon or muddler · fine strainer

Common Questions

Should I muddle the mint gently or aggressively?

Muddle gently for 3–5 seconds just to release oils. Over-muddling bruises leaves and releases bitter compounds.

Can I make this drink ahead?

Prepare up to 4 hours ahead without ice; store in the fridge. Add ice and mint garnish just before serving.

What type of gin works best?

London Dry gin is traditional. Lighter, citrus-forward gins (like Tanqueray or Hendrick's) pair especially well with the lime and lemon.

Is simple syrup a better choice than powdered sugar?

Simple syrup dissolves instantly and offers smoother sweetness; powdered sugar can leave a slight grittiness. Either works, but simple syrup is easier to blend.