Sweet, citrusy, and refreshingly green-the Midori Sour is a fun, fruity cocktail that’s been a party favorite since the disco days. With its bright color and melon-forward flavor, this drink is as much a conversation starter as it is a thirst-quencher. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it always brings a pop of color and flavor to the table. Here’s how to mix up the perfect Midori Sour at home, plus a few tips and twists to make it your own.
Midori Sour
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Lowball glass (also known as an old fashioned glass)
Make-ahead: You can mix the base ingredients ahead of time and chill. Just add soda and garnish when ready to serve.
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) Midori melon liqueur
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (see tips for substitutions)
– A splash of soda water
– Ice cubes (enough to fill your shaker and glass)
– 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish
– 1 orange slice, for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the Midori, lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill your lowball glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top with a splash of soda water. You’ll hear a gentle fizz and see that lovely sparkle.
- Garnish with a cherry and a slice of orange. For a little extra flair, you can add a thin slice of fresh melon if you have it.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh citrus juice-it makes a world of difference. Bottled juice can taste flat or too sour.
– Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved. Let it cool before using.
– Want less sweetness? Cut the syrup down to 0.25 oz (7 ml) or skip it entirely if your Midori is already sweet enough for your taste.
– You can swap simple syrup with honey syrup (mix honey with warm water) or agave nectar for a different sweetness.
– No soda water? Try plain sparkling water or a citrus-flavored one for extra zip.
What Does It Taste Like?
A Midori Sour hits you with juicy melon up front, then the tart lemon and lime slide in to balance things out. The soda water lightens the whole thing, keeping it crisp and not too heavy. It’s sweet, but not cloying-especially if you adjust the syrup to your liking. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails, and this one always hits the spot with its playful yet grown-up flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines as a pre-dinner drink or a fun party sipper. It pairs well with:
– Sushi or Asian-inspired appetizers: The fruity and citrus notes cut through rich sauces and creamy textures.
– Grilled chicken skewers: Sweet and smoky flavors play off each other beautifully.
– Cheesecake or citrus tarts: The drink’s acidity balances out creamy desserts.
Storage
You can mix the Midori, citrus juices, and syrup ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a shake or stir before pouring and add the soda water and garnish right before serving to keep things fizzy and fresh.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Midori Sour
– Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker. Muddle it lightly before adding the other ingredients for a subtle heat that lingers behind the melon.
Frozen Midori Sour
– Blend all the ingredients with 1 cup of crushed ice until slushy. Serve in a chilled glass with a spoon or thick straw.
Berry Midori Sour
– Muddle a few fresh raspberries or blackberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Strain well for a berry twist with a pinkish hue.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Replace the Midori with a melon-flavored syrup or Italian soda syrup. Skip the soda water if you’re using a fizzy melon drink.
Common Questions
Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely. Reduce or skip the simple syrup, or use a lighter hand with the Midori. You can also balance it with extra lime juice.
Is this drink strong?
Not really. Midori is a low-alcohol liqueur (around 20% ABV), and you’re only using a shot and a half. It’s more about flavor than booze.
Can I make a big batch?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by however many servings you want, mix everything except the soda water in a pitcher, and chill. Add soda and garnish when serving.
What if I don’t have Midori?
Look for another melon liqueur-there are a few out there. Just note they may vary in sweetness and color.
What kind of melon is used in Midori?
Midori is made with Yubari and musk melons from Japan. That’s where the sweet, floral melon flavor comes from-and its signature green color.
Final Thoughts
The Midori Sour is a classic that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s easy to make, easy to tweak, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a retro-themed party or just want something fun to sip on a warm evening, this cocktail delivers. Try out a few variations, find your favorite balance, and enjoy the bright, fruity vibes. Cheers!
