Melon Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Melon Cooler Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:22g
Alcohol content:15%
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
Contents
History
The Melon Cooler is a refreshing cocktail that combines the crispness of cucumber with the sweet, tropical flavor of melon. It's a relatively modern concoction, likely inspired by the rise of flavored vodkas and the trend of incorporating fresh ingredients into cocktails.
- Popularity: This drink has found its niche among those who appreciate a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the classic, heavier cocktails.
- Occasions: Perfect for summer gatherings, poolside sipping, or as a palate cleanser at a cocktail party.
How Melon Cooler Tastes?
The Melon Cooler is a harmonious blend of sweet and slightly tart flavors. The Midori brings a vibrant melon sweetness, which is perfectly balanced by the zesty lime juice. The cucumber vodka adds a subtle vegetal note that's both refreshing and light, making the cocktail an easy-drinking choice.
Interesting facts about Melon Cooler
- Midori is a bright green melon liqueur from Japan and is a key ingredient in giving the Melon Cooler its signature color and flavor.
- Cucumber vodka not only adds a unique twist to the cocktail but also enhances its refreshing qualities.
- The Melon Cooler can be easily customized with different garnishes or flavored syrups to suit one's taste.
Ingredients
- Cucumber vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Midori melon liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Cucumber slices: 4
- Melon balls: 3
A few good options for Melon Cooler are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Cucumber Vodka
Used for its subtle, refreshing flavor that complements the melon liqueur. If you use more than 2oz, it might overpower the other ingredients, less and you won't feel the cucumber zest. Without it, the drink loses its unique twist. An alternative could be regular vodka for a less cucumbery taste.
Mary Mitkina
Midori Melon Liqueur
A sweet, vibrant melon flavor that gives the drink its name. 0.5oz is enough to sweeten without overwhelming. If left out, the cocktail loses its melon character. Substitute with another melon liqueur for similar results but different nuances.
Alex Green
Lime Juice
Adds a bright acidity for balance. Too much and the drink becomes too tart; too little and it may be too sweet. If omitted, the cocktail would lack complexity. Lemon juice could be used for a different citrus profile.
Emma Rose
Simple Syrup
Sweets to balance the lime's tartness. A careful 0.25oz keeps the sweetness in check; too much would make it cloying. No syrup and the drink might be too sour. Honey syrup is a possible alternative for a richer sweetness.
Mary Mitkina
Cucumber slices
Four slices provide aromatic freshness and a touch of green color. More slices might make the drink too vegetal, fewer and you'll miss the subtle flavor. Omitting them would make the drink less refreshing. Zucchini could be a quirky alternative.
Alex Green
Melon Balls
Three melon balls act as both a garnish and a sweet, edible treat that infuses the drink with more melon flavor. Less and you miss out on the fun; more could overcrowd the glass. Without them, the cocktail would lack presentation and that extra melon kick. Watermelon balls offer a different taste and color.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Melon Cooler Drink
- Muddle the cucumber slices, lime juice, and simple syrup in a mixing tin.
- Add ice to the tin.
- Pour in the cucumber vodka and Midori.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture over fresh ice in a Collins glass.
- Top with soda water if desired.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and melon balls.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Glass: Before serving, chill the Collins glass to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice and make your simple syrup to ensure the best flavors.
- Balance: Adjust the sweetness with the simple syrup to balance the Midori's sweetness if needed.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Sushi: The light and fresh flavors of the Melon Cooler complement the delicate taste of sushi, especially with cucumber or avocado rolls.
- Chicken Satay: The citrus notes in the cocktail can cut through the richness of the peanut sauce.
- Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers would harmonize with the melon flavors.
Main Courses
- Grilled Fish: A simple grilled white fish would go nicely with the refreshing qualities of the Melon Cooler.
- Salads: A light, garden-fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing would pair well without overpowering the drink.
Desserts
- Lemon Sorbet: A tart lemon sorbet could be a palate cleanser that complements the cocktail's citrus notes.
- Melon Fruit Salad: Enhance the melon theme with a melon-focused fruit salad.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Melon Cooler
- Cucumber Vodka: If unavailable, use regular vodka with a few extra slices of cucumber for infusion.
- Midori: A honeydew melon syrup can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute, though the alcohol content will be affected.
- Simple Syrup: Agave syrup or honey diluted with water can be used as a natural sweetener alternative.
Explore all drinks starting with M here
And of course - twists🍹
Melon Cooler Sparkle
Replace soda water with sparkling wine for added celebratory flair. You’ll get a Melon Cooler with a bubbly personality and a hint of sophistication.
Ingredients: Cucumber Vodka, Midori, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Cucumber, Melon Balls, Sparkling Wine Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but top with sparkling wine instead of soda water.
Spicy Melon Cooler
Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for those who like it hot. This version isn’t afraid to show its spicy side!
Ingredients: Cucumber Vodka, Midori, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Cucumber, Melon Balls, Jalapeño Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño with cucumber, lime juice, and simple syrup before following the original recipe.
Melon Cooler Royale
Blend the ingredients instead of shaking for a slushy texture. This royal cousin of the original is ready for a summer coronation.
Ingredients: Cucumber Vodka, Midori, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Cucumber, Melon Balls Recipe: Instead of shaking, blend all ingredients with ice until smooth, then pour into a glass and garnish as usual.
In case you forgot basics how to make Melon Cooler
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 syrupAdd 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 shakePlace 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 strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing 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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Melon Cooler
What glassware is best suited for serving a Melon Cooler?
A Collins glass is typically used for serving a Melon Cooler due to its tall and narrow shape, which is ideal for drinks that are topped with soda water and require ice.
What is the ideal season to enjoy a Melon Cooler?
A Melon Cooler is best enjoyed in the spring and summer seasons when the weather is warm, as its refreshing qualities make it a perfect drink for cooling down.
Can the Melon Cooler be made into a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, a non-alcoholic version of the Melon Cooler can be made by substituting the cucumber vodka with sparkling water or club soda and using a non-alcoholic melon syrup in place of Midori.
How can I tell if my lime juice is fresh?
Fresh lime juice should have a bright, tangy flavor with a slight sweetness. It should not taste bitter or overly sour, which can indicate that the limes are either overripe or have been sitting for too long after juicing.
What can be used as a substitute for cucumber slices if they are not available?
If cucumber slices are not available, one can use a small amount of cucumber essence or muddle a few pieces of zucchini as a substitute to achieve a similar vegetal quality in the drink.
More similar recipes to Melon Cooler!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Japanese Slipper
The Japanese Slipper is a sweet and tangy cocktail with a fruity and refreshing taste. It has a smooth and velvety texture, with a hint of sourness from the lemon juice and a subtle sweetness from the Midori and Cointreau.
Melon Ball
The Melon Ball cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing drink with a vibrant green color. The combination of Midori melon liqueur, vodka, and pineapple juice creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is neither too strong nor too light. The sweetness of the Midori is balanced by the tartness of the pineapple juice, while the vodka adds a subtle kick.
Midori Sour
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.
Pink Lady
The Pink Lady has a delicate, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The gin provides a subtle, herbal undertone, while the grenadine and egg white create a smooth, velvety texture.
Caipiroska
Caipiroska is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly tart cocktail. The combination of lime, sugar, and vodka creates a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The muddled lime adds a burst of citrus, while the sugar helps to soften the acidity.
Rickey
The Rickey cocktail is a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet drink with a hint of citrus. It has a light, crisp taste that is perfect for warm weather or as a palate cleanser.
Bellini
The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.
Cucumber Martini
The Cucumber Martini is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a subtle hint of botanicals. It has a light, slightly sweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The cucumber adds a cool, fresh flavor that balances the sharpness of the gin and the tanginess of the lemon.
Swimming Pool
The Swimming Pool cocktail has a sweet, fruity, and slightly creamy taste. It is not too strong, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer lighter cocktails. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and citrus flavors creates a refreshing and tropical experience.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.