Midori Sour Cocktail Recipe

Midori Sour Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Midori cocktail, also known as the Midori Melon Ball, was created in the 1970s in Japan. Midori, which means 'green' in Japanese, is a bright green, melon-flavored liqueur that quickly gained popularity in the United States and around the world. This cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy fruity and refreshing drinks.

  • Originated in Japan
  • Popular in the 1970s
  • Favored by those who enjoy fruity and refreshing drinks

How Midori Sour Tastes?

The Midori cocktail has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of melon flavor. It is light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather or as a palate cleanser.

Interesting facts about Midori Sour

  • Midori is made from Japanese melons, giving it its distinct flavor and color
  • The Midori cocktail is often served in a martini glass, giving it an elegant appearance
  • The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a melon ball or a cherry for added visual appeal

Ingredients

A few good options for Midori Sour are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Midori

Midori is a vibrant green, melon-flavored liqueur that provides the distinctive color and sweet melon flavor to the Midori Sour. The classic ratio leans on the liqueur's sweetness - if you used less, the drink might be too sour, and if you used more, it could overshadow the other ingredients. Without Midori, it wouldn't be a Midori Sour!

Mary Mitkina

Vodka

Vodka is a neutral spirit that adds alcoholic strength without altering the flavor profile. The right amount keeps the cocktail balanced in terms of both taste and potency. Without it, the drink would be less alcoholic and more like a melon lemonade.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

The lemon juice adds a zesty sourness that counters the sweetness of the Midori and simple syrup. It’s all about balance - too much could make it uncomfortably sour, and too little would make it overly sweet. No lemon juice would result in a flat, sweet cocktail with no complexity.

Emma Rose

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is the sweetener that rounds out the flavors. It brings harmony between the tartness of the lemon juice and the vodka's kick. Too much could make the drink cloying, and too little might leave it tart. Don’t have it? The cocktail will miss out on a smooth sweet finish.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

Ice chills the drink and slightly dilutes it as it shakes, which is essential for the perfect sip. Without ice, your cocktail would be not only warm but also too strong in flavor.

Alex Green

Melon Ball or Cherry

A Melon Ball or Cherry is more than just decoration; it's a cue to the flavors inside your glass. Plus, it adds a bit of edible intrigue. Skip the garnish, and your cocktail still tastes good, but you’ll miss that ‘gram-worthy look and playful final bite!

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Midori Sour Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add Midori, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass
  5. Garnish with a melon ball or cherry

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor
  • Shake the cocktail shaker until it's frosty on the outside for the best chill

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers and Snacks

  • Sushi: The sweet and tangy profile of the Midori Sour complements the delicate flavors of sushi, especially ones with avocado or cucumber.
  • Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses, such as mozzarella and gouda, can balance the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like pineapple, honeydew, and cantaloupe can enhance the melon notes of Midori.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken: The acidity of the lemon juice in the cocktail can cut through the richness of the chicken.
  • Seafood Pasta: The light and citrusy characteristics of Midori Sour pair nicely with seafood dishes.

Desserts

  • Lemon Sorbet: The sour elements in both the sorbet and the cocktail can create a refreshing combination.
  • Vanilla or Matcha Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness contrasts delightfully with the Midori Sour's sharpness.

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What you could change in Midori Sour

  • Melon liqueur can be used as a substitute for Midori
  • Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile
  • Agave syrup can replace simple syrup for a more natural sweetness

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Midori Sour with a Herbal Twist

  • Ingredients: Replace vodka with gin, and add a sprig of fresh mint.
  • Recipe: Use gin instead of vodka and muddle fresh mint at the bottom of the shaker before adding the rest of the ingredients. Garnish with a mint leaf.
  • Flavor: The botanicals in the gin and the fresh mint will add an herbal freshness to the cocktail, giving it a more complex and garden-fresh taste.

Spicy Midori Sour

  • Ingredients: Keep the original recipe, but add a few slices of jalapeño.
  • Recipe: Muddle jalapeño slices with the simple syrup before adding the rest of the ingredients. Shake with ice and strain.
  • Flavor: The heat from the jalapeño will contrast with the sweet and sour flavors, creating a cocktail with a kick for those who like a little spice in their sip!

Midori Sour Fizz

  • Ingredients: Original recipe plus a splash of club soda.
  • Recipe: After shaking the Midori, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice, strain into a glass with fresh ice and top with club soda. Stir gently.
  • Flavor: The addition of the bubbly club soda makes the drink more refreshing and light, perfect for a hot day or as an aperitif.

In case you forgot basics how to make Midori Sour

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Midori Sour

What other types of cocktails can I make with Midori?

A few other popular cocktails that incorporate Midori are the Japanese Slipper and the Melon Ball.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Midori Sour?

Yes, you can replace the Midori and vodka with melon flavored syrup. The taste won't be exact, but still enjoyable.

What's the best way to store Midori?

You should store Midori in a cool, dark place and it will last for up to a year.

How long does it take to mix a Midori Sour?

Following the provided instructions, it should take less than 5 minutes to prepare a Midori Sour.

What types of food pair well with a Midori Sour?

The fruity and sweet taste of a Midori Sour pairs well with light appetizers, such as seafood, salad, or sushi.

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