The Midori Sour has a reputation as a neon party drink, which is exactly why it deserves a second look. Made with fresh citrus instead of bottled sour mix, the melon liqueur turns crisp, juicy, and bright, with a tart snap that keeps the sweetness in check. Think of it as the most colorful member of the sour family, and one of the easiest to make.
A Little History
Midori is a bright green melon liqueur made by the Japanese distillers at Suntory, and its name simply means “green” in Japanese. It is flavored with Yubari King and muskmelons, and it was famously launched in New York at Studio 54 in 1978. The disco crowd took to its glowing color right away, and the Midori Sour became a bar staple through the 1970s and 80s.
The original version leaned on bottled sour mix, which gave the drink its overly sweet reputation. The modern take swaps in fresh lemon and lime and lets the melon shine. You can find it alongside its peers in my guide to 30 of the best classic cocktails everyone should know, and the same sour template runs through the Amaretto Sour and the Whiskey Sour.
Tips
- Squeeze fresh citrus. Bottled sour mix is what gave this drink its sugary reputation. Fresh lemon and lime make all the difference.
- Balance to taste. Midori is sweet, so lean on the citrus. If your drink tastes too sweet, add a small splash more lime.
- Shake hard. Ten to fifteen seconds gives you a brisk chill and just enough dilution to soften the melon.
- Serve over fresh ice. Strain onto new ice instead of the shaken ice, which keeps the drink cold without watering it down.
- Chill your glass. A few minutes in the freezer keeps every sip crisp.
Variations
- Vodka Midori Sour. Add 1 oz vodka for a drier, stronger drink. The Vodka Sour shows how well that base works.
- Silky Midori Sour. Add an egg white and dry shake first for a smooth, foamy top, the same trick used in the Pisco Sour.
- Midori Collins. Strain into a tall glass over ice and top with soda water for a lighter, longer drink. My Tom Collins is the template.
- Midori Margarita. Use lime only and add tequila for a green twist on the Margarita.
- More Japan-inspired sips. Try the Sake Martini or the Grapefruit Chuhai next.
Why Lush Life Loves It
The Midori Sour has been blamed for the sins of bottled sour mix, and it is time to set the record straight. Made with fresh lemon and lime, the melon tastes crisp instead of cloying, the color is pure fun, and the whole drink comes together in a minute. It is also a lovely introduction for anyone who thinks liqueur cocktails are too sweet. This is still a sour at heart, just one with a disco-era sparkle.
Here is the recipe
Midori Sour
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Midori
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- Club sode
- Garnish: lemon wheel
Instructions
- Add the Midori, vodka, lemon juice and lime juice to a Collins glass with ice.
- Stir to combine, then top with a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel.