Major Bailey No.2 is a vibrant rum cocktail that balances tropical pineapple with zesty citrus and a hint of mint. This sling-style drink delivers a pleasantly boozy profile thanks to a solid pour of light white rum, while triple sec and fresh lemon and lime juices lift the palate. The combination works well when served over crushed ice in a sling glass and finished with a fragrant mint bouquet.
What defines the Major Bailey No.2?
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The Major Bailey No.2 is a tiki-influenced sling built around light white rum and tropical fruit notes. Its character comes from the mix of pineapple juice and orange liqueur, which add sweetness and aromatic citrus that pair well with the rum. Classic techniques like gentle muddling of mint and a fine strain over crushed ice create both aroma and texture.
This cocktail reads as boozy and lively rather than sweet-only, thanks to the fresh lemon and lime juices that introduce a dry, sour edge. The name ties back to vintage cocktail traditions while the recipe feels modern and balanced.
Readers who enjoy rum-forward tiki drinks will find this recipe approachable and adaptable. Small tweaks to syrup or rum quality will shift the drink toward subtlety or punch.
Which ingredients are essential for this recipe?
Gather fresh citrus, a good white rum, triple sec, pineapple juice, mint leaves, and a rich sugar syrup. Using freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice makes a clear difference in brightness and balance. Choose a light white rum filtered and aged one to four years for a clean, fragrant base.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh mint leaves | 12 leaves |
| Light white rum (1–4 years, charcoal-filtered) | 60 ml |
| Triple sec (40% ABV) | 30 ml |
| Pineapple juice | 30 ml |
| Fresh lemon juice | 7.5 ml |
| Fresh lime juice | 7.5 ml |
| Rich sugar syrup (2:1) | 10 ml |
How should you prepare and serve this cocktail?
Begin by pre-chilling a sling glass and preparing mint sprigs for garnish. Place the mint in the base of a cocktail shaker and gently muddle to bruise the leaves without pulverizing them. This releases the essential oils without adding vegetal bitterness.
Add the rum, triple sec, pineapple juice, lemon and lime juices, and the rich sugar syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously until the shaker is well chilled, then fine strain over a glass packed with crushed ice for a slushy, aromatic presentation.
Finish with a generous bouquet of mint and a straw. If vous prefer a softer alcohol presence, reduce the rum by 10 to 15 ml or increase pineapple juice slightly to soften the bite.
How strong is the Major Bailey No.2 and what should you expect?
This cocktail carries a noticeable strength due to the straight 60 ml measure of white rum combined with triple sec. The overall profile lands on the boozy and dry/sour side rather than very sweet, thanks to balanced citrus and a modest amount of syrup.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard drinks | 2 |
| Alcohol by volume | 18.26% alc./vol. |
| Pure alcohol | 28.4 grams |
- Use freshly squeezed citrus for the best balance.
- Fine strain to avoid mint bits and maintain a silky texture.
Are there simple variations to try?
Swapping the pineapple juice for passionfruit or guava will alter the tropical profile but keep the drink’s spirit. Adjusting the sugar syrup concentration changes sweetness quickly, so increase it in small increments and taste as you go.
For a lighter version reduce the rum or split the spirit with a milder aged rum. Garnish creativity such as a flamed orange twist will add theatrical aroma without changing the core recipe.
Andrew Cole focuses on everyday drinks, from warm comfort beverages to refreshing options. His writing emphasizes balance, clarity, and ease of preparation.
