The Best Midori Cocktails to Make at Home: Bright, Fruity & Seriously Fun

There’s something magical about the bright green glow of Midori. This melon-flavoured liqueur, once a staple of 80s and 90s bar menus, is making a major comeback, and for good reason. Whether you’re revisiting a classic like the Midori Sour or mixing something new and unexpected, Midori cocktails are refreshing, easy to make, and always a conversation starter.

At Tasty Plated, we love taking retro favourites and giving them a fresh twist. With Chef Rachael’s creative flair and modern methods, this guide will show you how to bring Midori back into your home bar rotation, deliciously and beautifully.

 

• What Is Midori and Why Do We Love It in Cocktails?

Midori is a Japanese melon liqueur that’s famous for its vibrant neon green colour and sweet, fruity flavour. The word “midori” actually means “green” in Japanese. Launched in 1978 by Suntory, Midori gained popularity in the United States through party-friendly drinks like the Melon Ball and Midori Sour.

Flavor Profile

• Sweet and smooth

• Notes of honeydew and cantaloupe

• Low alcohol content (typically 20–21%)

• Best used in cocktails that balance with citrus, spirits, or soda

Midori blends well with vodka, rum, tequila, and even gin. It adds a signature pop of colour and a tropical vibe to any drink.

 

• Must-Try Classic Midori Cocktails

These three classics show just how versatile Midori can be, whether you’re after something bright and citrusy, tropical and sweet, or bold and fruity.

1. Midori Sour

• 2 oz Midori

• 1 oz fresh lemon or lime juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• Optional: splash of soda or egg white for foam

This is probably the most famous of all midori cocktails. It’s sweet, tangy, and neon green in all the right ways.

2. Japanese Slipper

• 1 oz Midori

• 1 oz Cointreau

• 1 oz lemon juice

Invented in Australia in the 80s, this cocktail is elegant and surprisingly balanced, despite its bold colour.

3. Melon Ball

• 1 oz Midori

• 1 oz vodka

• 3 oz orange juice

4. Electric Circus

• 3/4 ounce gin
• 3/4 ounce Midori
• 3/4 ounce génépy
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1 dash Bar Keep Chinese Bitters

5. The 7% Solution

• 1 1/2 ounces fluffy pineapple juice
• 1 ounce coconut water (without pulp)
• 3/4 ounce Midori
• 3/4 ounce Cointreau
• 1/4 to 1/2 ounce lemon juice, to taste
• 1 bar spoon banana liqueur

6. Coqodaq’s Alaska

• 1 ounce gin, such as Boatyard Gin
• 3/4 ounce blanc vermouth
• 1/2 ounce vodka
• 1/4 ounce green Chartreuse
• 1/4 ounce Midori

Think of it as a tropical screwdriver with a sweet melon twist, perfect for brunch or a poolside afternoon.

 

• Step-by-Step: How to Make a Midori Sour (The Right Way)

The Midori Sour has been unfairly labelled as overly sweet or “dated,” but with fresh ingredients and proper proportions, it’s a modern crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Midori

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• 1 dash orange bitters (optional)

• Egg white (optional, for a foamy texture)

• Ice

Method

1. Add Midori, lime juice, syrup, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker.

2. Dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds to emulsify.

3. Add ice, shake again until cold.

4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.

5. Garnish with lime wheel or cherry.

The result? A tart, balanced, and frothy drink with a smooth texture and that unmistakable green glow.

 

• Chef Rachael’s Midori Cocktails for Tasty Plated

At Tasty Plated, Chef Rachael has a soft spot for colourful, nostalgic drinks that surprise you with great flavour. She sees Midori as a hidden gem, a versatile liqueur that, when treated with respect, can elevate your cocktail game.

Chef Rachael’s Tips for Mixing with Midori

• Balance the sweetness with acid, fresh lemon or lime is key

• Use quality spirits to support Midori’s flavour without overpowering it

• Garnish intentionally, a little flair goes a long way with such a bold drink

• Don’t overdo it, Midori works best in moderation

Signature Cocktail: The Green Garden

• 1 oz Midori

• 1 oz gin

• ¾ oz lime juice

• ¼ oz cucumber syrup

• Mint sprig garnish

It’s light, herbal, and refreshing, perfect for spring and summer sipping.

 

• Table: Classic vs. Modern Midori Cocktails

This table gives you an easy visual to explore and compare different directions for your midori cocktails.

 

• Creative Twists and New Midori Recipes to Try

When you’re ready to go beyond the basics, try these inventive Midori cocktail ideas.

 

Spicy Melon Margarita

Midori + tequila + lime + jalapeño slices

Frozen Midori Daiquiri

Midori + white rum + lime juice + crushed ice

Midori Mule

Midori + vodka + lime juice + ginger beer

Cucumber Melon Cooler

Midori + gin + cucumber juice + soda

 

Each recipe is a vibrant and fun way to showcase Midori’s unique flavour and visual appeal.

 

• Hosting Tips: Pairing Food with Midori Cocktails

Because Midori is fruity and sweet, it pairs best with foods that contrast its flavour or enhance its tropical profile.

Pair With:

• Spicy appetizers like jalapeño poppers or chili-glazed shrimp

• Sushi rolls with cucumber and spicy mayo

• Grilled pineapple skewers or glazed pork

• Salty snacks like edamame or wasabi peas

• Desserts like lemon bars, coconut macaroons, or matcha cookies

Planning a brunch or a party? Midori cocktails add a burst of colour and fun to the drink menu.

 

• FAQs About Midori Cocktails

 

1. What is Midori made from?
Midori is made with melon flavours, mainly honeydew, and blended with neutral spirits and sugar.

2. Is Midori very strong?
It’s lower in alcohol than most liquors, typically around 20% ABV, so it’s perfect for light drinks or mixing.

3. Can I drink Midori straight?
It’s sweet on its own but best used as a mixer to balance its sugary profile.

4. What’s the best spirit to mix with Midori?
Vodka, gin, tequila, and even rum work well, each brings out a different side of Midori.

5. How should I store Midori?
Keep it tightly sealed in a cool, dark place. No refrigeration needed after opening.

6. Can I use Midori in non-alcoholic drinks?
You can use melon syrup or non-alcoholic melon liqueur for mocktails with a similar taste.

 

• Final Pour: Rediscovering Midori in Modern Mixology

 

Midori cocktails are making a comeback, and it’s easy to see why. With their bold colour, fruity flavour, and endless creative potential, they add something joyful and unexpected to any drink menu.

At Tasty Plated, Chef Rachael encourages home mixologists to have fun with colour, flavour, and texture, and Midori checks all those boxes. Whether you’re mixing up a classic Midori Sour or crafting your own cucumber-laced creation, this vibrant liqueur deserves a second look.

Try one tonight. Shake up something green. And rediscover why Midori is still one of the most exciting bottles on the shelf.