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
Contents
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
- Midori: 1 oz(30ml)
- Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: 1cup
- Melon ball or cherry: 1 (for garnish)
A few good options for Midori Sour are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
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
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add Midori, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass
- 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.
🍹 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 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 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 strainGarnishing 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 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.
More similar recipes to Midori Sour!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
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.
White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
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.
Cucumber Cooler
The Cucumber Cooler is a crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the lime juice. It has a light, clean taste with a subtle cucumber flavor.
Green Eyes
The Green Eyes cocktail has a sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy taste. The combination of pineapple, lime, and melon flavors creates a refreshing and tropical sensation on the palate. The drink is also light and easy to sip, making it a perfect choice for warm weather or poolside relaxation.
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.
Pearl Harbor
The Pearl Harbor is a sweet and fruity cocktail with a light hint of sourness. The dominant flavors are the tropical pineapple and the smooth, sweet melon from the Midori. The vodka adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
Cherry Bomb
The Cherry Bomb cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and slightly tart drink with a strong cherry flavor. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a vibrant red color that is sure to catch the eye.
Golden Dream
The Golden Dream has a rich, creamy texture with a sweet and tangy citrus flavor. It is a well-balanced drink, with the sweetness of the Galliano and the tartness of the orange juice complementing each other perfectly. The drink is smooth and velvety, making it a delightful treat for the taste buds.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Bramble
The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
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.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
French 75
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
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.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
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.
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lime and sugar provides a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the cachaça adds a unique, earthy flavor. The drink is strong, yet smooth and easy to sip.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a savory, spicy, and tangy cocktail with a strong tomato flavor. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Worcestershire and hot sauce provide a complex depth of flavor. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, and the celery salt and black pepper give it a slight earthiness.
Mudslide
The Mudslide cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors. The combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vodka creates a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of warmth from the alcohol.