Midori Splice Cocktail Recipe

The Midori Splice brings together the bright, melon sweetness of Midori liqueur with creamy coconut and tangy pineapple.

This vibrant green drink offers a taste of tropical paradise with each sip. Perfect for summer gatherings or when you need a mental vacation, this cocktail combines simple ingredients to create a memorable drinking experience.

What Goes Into a Midori Splice

To make this eye-catching green cocktail at home, you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 oz Midori melon liqueur
• 1 oz coconut cream
• 4 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz white rum
• Ice cubes
• Pineapple slice and cherry for garnish

These ingredients work together to create a balanced drink with sweet, tangy, and creamy notes that transport you straight to a beachside resort.

How to Mix the Perfect Midori Splice

Making this cocktail requires no special equipment or techniques:

1. Fill a hurricane glass or tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Midori melon liqueur.
3. Add the white rum.
4. Pour in the pineapple juice.
5. Float the coconut cream on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a spoon.
6. Do not stir – the layered effect is part of the appeal.
7. Garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry.

The visual layering of this drink makes it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. The green Midori sits beneath the white coconut cream, creating a stunning two-tone effect.

Ingredient Substitutions

Can’t find all the ingredients? Try these alternatives:

For Midori:

• Green apple schnapps with a touch of honeydew or cantaloupe juice
• Honeydew melon syrup with a splash of vodka
• Any melon-flavored liqueur

For coconut cream:

• Coconut milk mixed with a small amount of simple syrup
• Cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez)
• Non-dairy coconut creamer for a lighter version

For pineapple juice:

• Fresh pineapple juice offers the best flavor
• Pineapple-orange juice blend
• Mango juice provides a different but complementary flavor profile

For white rum:

• Vodka for a cleaner taste
• Coconut rum to enhance the tropical notes
• Skip altogether for a less potent version

These substitutions let you customize the drink based on your preferences or what you have available.

Why This Cocktail Stands Out

The Midori Splice wins fans for several reasons:

• The vibrant green color makes it instantly recognizable and perfect for themed parties.
• The flavors work in harmony – the melon sweetness from the Midori balances perfectly with the tangy pineapple and creamy coconut.
• The texture offers an interesting contrast between the smooth liqueur and the creamy coconut topping.
• It’s versatile enough to serve at summer parties, tropical-themed events, or even during the winter when you want to evoke warmer climates.
• The visual presentation impresses guests without requiring complex bartending skills.
• This cocktail proves that sometimes simple combinations create the most memorable drinks.

The Story Behind Midori Splice

The Midori Splice builds on the legacy of Midori itself, which debuted in 1978 at Studio 54 in New York City. The distinctive melon liqueur quickly became a favorite in tropical and disco-era drinks.

While the exact origin of the Midori Splice remains somewhat obscure, it likely emerged during the 1980s cocktail renaissance when bartenders experimented with the vibrant green liqueur in various tropical combinations.

The “splice” in the name likely refers to the joining or combining of distinct layers and flavors – the melon liqueur, pineapple, and coconut cream – into one cohesive drinking experience.

The cocktail shares similarities with the classic Piña Colada but stands apart with its distinctive melon flavor and striking appearance.

Today, the Midori Splice remains popular in resort destinations and tiki bars, where its tropical flavors and eye-catching presentation make it a natural fit.

Flavor Profile

Taking a sip of a Midori Splice reveals a complex but harmonious blend of flavors:

• The first note comes from the sweet, honeydew melon flavor of the Midori.
• This transitions into the tangy, tropical taste of pineapple juice.
• The finish brings creamy coconut that softens the other flavors and adds richness.
• The rum provides subtle depth without overwhelming the fruit flavors.
• The overall effect is sweet but balanced, with the acidity of the pineapple preventing it from becoming cloying.
• The mouthfeel starts light and becomes progressively creamier as you reach the coconut layer.

This cocktail offers a multi-sensory experience that evolves from first sip to last.

How to Serve Your Midori Splice

To elevate your Midori Splice experience:

• Serve in a hurricane glass or tall collins glass to showcase the layered effect.
• Chill all ingredients before mixing for the best flavor integration.
• Use crushed ice instead of cubes for a more slushy, resort-style presentation.
• Consider rimming the glass with shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
• Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and a high-quality maraschino cherry.
• For special occasions, add a small paper umbrella or tropical flower for authentic tiki presentation.
• Serve with a straw so guests can choose to mix the layers or enjoy them separately.
• The presentation plays a key role in the overall enjoyment of this visually striking cocktail.

Food Pairings for Midori Splice

The sweet, tropical flavor profile of the Midori Splice works well with:

• Coconut shrimp – the coconut coating complements the cocktail’s creamy elements.
• Pineapple skewers – either plain or grilled with a light dusting of cinnamon.
• Teriyaki chicken bites – the sweet-savory balance pairs nicely with the drink’s fruity profile.
• Crab rangoon – the creamy filling contrasts with the crisp exterior much like the drink’s layered textures.
• Mango salsa with tortilla chips – the fresh fruit flavors echo the tropical notes in the cocktail.
• Mini pork tacos with pineapple salsa – offering a savory counterpoint to the sweet drink.
• Cucumber slices with a light wasabi dip – the cool crispness refreshes the palate between sips.

These pairings provide complementary or contrasting flavors that enhance both the food and the cocktail.

Alcohol Content

The Midori Splice falls into the medium strength category for cocktails:

• Midori liqueur contains 20-21% ABV (40-42 proof).
• White rum typically contains 40% ABV (80 proof).
• When combined with non-alcoholic pineapple juice and coconut cream, the overall ABV of the cocktail comes to approximately 12-15%.
• This makes it stronger than beer or wine but less potent than spirit-forward cocktails like Manhattans or Martinis.

The sweet, fruity flavors can mask the alcohol content, so enjoy responsibly.

Nutritional Information

For those tracking dietary intake, here’s what to expect from a standard Midori Splice:

• Calories: Approximately 300-350 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g, primarily from fruit sugars and added sugars
• Fat: 8-10g, mainly from the coconut cream
• Protein: 1-2g Sugar: 35-45g

The cocktail is:

• Dairy-free (unless made with dairy-based cream)
• Gluten-free
• Nut-free (coconut is technically a fruit)
• Vegan (when made with plant-based ingredients)

For a lighter version, consider:

• Using light coconut milk instead of coconut cream
• Reducing the Midori portion
• Adding sparkling water to dilute
• Using fresh pineapple juice without added sugars

The Midori Splice offers a delightful tropical experience that transports you to island life with every sip. Its striking appearance makes it perfect for parties, while its balanced flavor profile appeals to both cocktail enthusiasts and those who prefer sweeter drinks. Try mixing one up for your next gathering or when you need a mini mental vacation.

Want to explore more tropical cocktails? The techniques and flavor combinations in the Midori Splice open the door to countless variations that capture the essence of paradise in a glass.