The vibrant green Midori Sour stands out in any cocktail lineup with its eye-catching color and refreshing taste.
This sweet-tart drink combines the unique melon flavor of Midori liqueur with sour notes for a balanced cocktail that appeals to both cocktail beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Looking for a signature drink for your next gathering? The Midori Sour might be exactly what you need.
What Goes Into a Midori Sour
A classic Midori Sour requires just a few key ingredients to create its signature flavor:
- 2 oz Midori melon liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz soda water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or maraschino cherry for garnish
The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity. With just these few ingredients, you can create a drink that looks stunning and tastes even better.
How to Make the Perfect Midori Sour
Creating this cocktail at home is straightforward when you follow these steps:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the Midori melon liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with soda water for a slight fizz.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or maraschino cherry.
The key to a great Midori Sour is using fresh lemon juice rather than bottled sour mix. This small change makes a huge difference in the final taste profile.
Midori Sour Variations and Substitutes
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Try these variations:
Alternative Spirits:
- Replace soda water with lemon-lime soda for a sweeter version
- Substitute 1/2 oz vodka for some of the Midori to reduce sweetness
- Try using lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus note
No Midori Available?
- While there’s no perfect substitute for Midori’s unique melon flavor, you can try:
- Green apple liqueur with a splash of honeydew or cantaloupe juice
- A mix of blue curaçao and yellow banana liqueur to create a green color with a fruit-forward taste
The versatility of this cocktail framework allows you to customize based on your preferences and available ingredients.
Why the Midori Sour Stands Out
After testing dozens of melon cocktails, the Midori Sour remains one of my favorites for several reasons:
The color grabs attention immediately. That electric green shade makes it a conversation starter and perfect for themed parties.
The balance between sweet and sour creates a refreshing experience that isn’t cloying. Unlike many liqueur-based drinks, a well-made Midori Sour isn’t overly sweet when properly balanced with fresh citrus.
It’s approachable for new cocktail drinkers but can be appreciated by experienced palates. The simple flavor profile makes it accessible while still offering complexity.
The drink is extremely versatile and can be adjusted to suit different preferences by tweaking the sweet-sour balance.
The Story Behind the Green Sensation
The Midori Sour emerged after Midori liqueur itself launched in the United States in 1978. Midori, which means “green” in Japanese, made its American debut at Studio 54 in New York City during a Saturday Night Fever party.
This bright green melon liqueur quickly captured attention during the disco era, when vibrant colors and sweet flavors were gaining popularity in the cocktail world. The Midori Sour became a staple in the 1980s bar scene, though it fell out of fashion in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Recently, the Midori Sour has experienced a revival as part of the nostalgic cocktail movement, with craft bartenders creating refined versions using fresh ingredients rather than the sour mix often used in its heyday.
What Does a Midori Sour Taste Like?
The Midori Sour delivers a complex yet approachable flavor profile:
- The first sip greets you with sweet honeydew and cantaloupe notes from the Midori.
- This is quickly balanced by the bright acidity from fresh lemon juice.
- The simple syrup rounds out the sharpness of the citrus.
- The soda water adds a light effervescence that lifts the entire experience.
The overall effect is reminiscent of a melon candy but with a sophisticated edge from the fresh citrus. The taste is refreshing and not overly complex, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
How to Serve Your Midori Sour
For the best presentation and taste experience:
Glassware Options:
- Rocks glass (traditional choice)
- Collins glass for a longer drink with more soda
- Coupe glass for a more elegant presentation without soda
Temperature Matters:
- Always use plenty of ice both in the shaker and in the serving glass
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving
Garnish Ideas:
- Lemon wheel on the rim
- Maraschino cherry
- Small melon ball on a cocktail pick
- Fresh mint sprig for aroma
Serve immediately after making to preserve the drink’s temperature and effervescence.
Perfect Food Pairings for Midori Sour
The sweet-tart profile of a Midori Sour works well with these appetizers:
Savory Options:
- Asian-inspired finger foods like spring rolls or gyoza
- Coconut shrimp with sweet chili dipping sauce
- Lightly seasoned grilled chicken skewers
Cheese Pairings:
- Mild creamy cheeses like brie or camembert
- Fresh mozzarella with basil and tomato
- Goat cheese with honey drizzle
The melon flavor in the Midori complements foods with subtle sweetness while the sour elements cut through richer dishes.
Midori Sour Alcohol Content
The Midori Sour is a relatively low-alcohol cocktail compared to spirit-forward drinks:
- Midori liqueur contains 20-21% ABV (alcohol by volume)
- A standard Midori Sour has approximately 10-12% ABV
- This makes it comparable to a glass of wine in strength
The lower alcohol content makes it suitable for occasions where you want to enjoy a cocktail without the strong effects of higher-proof options.
Nutritional Information
For those watching their intake, here’s what to expect from a standard Midori Sour:
- Calories: Approximately 175-200 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g (primarily from sugar)
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
The majority of calories come from the sugar in the Midori liqueur and simple syrup. For a lighter version, you can reduce the simple syrup or use a sugar-free alternative.
When to Serve a Midori Sour
This versatile cocktail works well for many occasions:
- Summer parties and poolside gatherings
- Retro or 80s-themed events
- St. Patrick’s Day celebrations (thanks to its green color)
- Brunch alternatives to mimosas
- Halloween parties (rebrand it as a “monster” or “slime” cocktail)
The Midori Sour is casual enough for a backyard barbecue but can also fit into more elegant settings when served in appropriate glassware.
Expert Tips for Midori Sour Success
Want to take your Midori Sour to the next level? Try these professional bartender tips:
- Use a fine mesh strainer when pouring to remove ice shards for a smoother texture
- Add egg white for a silky texture and impressive foam (dry shake ingredients without ice first, then shake again with ice)
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for optimal temperature control
- For large batches, mix the Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time but add soda individually to each glass
Have you tried making this classic green cocktail at home? What variations have you discovered? The Midori Sour remains a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create a memorable drinking experience that has stood the test of time.
