A disco- era, neon green cocktail made with Midori a Japanese melon liqueur.
Looking for a fun retro cocktail to make at home? The Midori sour is a simple and easy option that doesn't require any special bar tools. Simply stir the ingredients together in a glass and you're good to go!
While there are a few different ways to make it, most recipes involve combining Midori, vodka, lemon and lime juice, and club soda. Keep in mind that Midori is a very sweet liqueur, so be careful not to add too many additional sweeteners and throw off the balance of flavors. Some variations may skip the vodka or use sour mix instead of fresh juice, and others may be served as a martini-style drink without the soda. Give it a try and see which version you like best!
Do you know what Midori is?
Midori, a liqueur with a unique flavor and color derived from Japanese muskmelons and yubari fruit, enjoyed success during the sweet cocktail era of the 1980s and 90s but lost popularity during the craft cocktail renaissance. You can easily find it at most liquor stores. However, it has recently regained favor among bartenders who have discovered new uses for it. Midori has few substitutes and is a go-to choice for occasions that call for a bright green drink or a melon-flavored cocktail.
Midori is typically blended with brandy and sugar and dosed with food coloring before bottling to achieve its signature bright green color. Although it can be used in a variety of drinks, Midori Sour is the cocktail that made it a household name.
However, the original recipe often masks the melon flavor with corn-syrup-rich sour mix. A modern version of the recipe incorporates fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juices and soda water, allowing the melon flavor to shine through.
Instructions:
1 1/2 ounces Midori melon liqueur
1 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, from 1/2 small lemon
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, from 1/2 medium lime
3 ounces cold club soda
Lemon or lime wheel, for garnish
Directions:
Add the Midori, vodka and lemon and lime juices to a glass with ice.
Stir to combine, then top with the soda water.
Garnish with a lemon or lime wheel.
