Midori Sour Cocktail Drink

Midori Sour

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

This Midori Sour recipe has all the ingredients you need for an exceptional cocktail. It’s easy to make and delivers a balanced and refreshing taste.

Midori Sour Recipe

Get the party started with our easy-to-follow Midori Sour recipe! Combining Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

158 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Midori
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Cherry and lemon slice, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Place your Old Fashioned glass in the freezer to chill or fill it up with ice cubes.
  • Mix Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, combine ½ oz simple syrup, 1 oz lemon juice,  and 1½ oz Midori.
  • Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake well until chilled.
  • Prep Glass: Take your Old Fashioned glass out of the freezer and fill it with ice cubes. Replace the ice with new cubed ice in the other case.
  • Strain: Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
  • Garnish: Add a cherry and a lemon slice for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Midori: If I'm out of Midori, I sometimes use melon liqueur or even make homemade melon syrup as a last resort. The flavor profile changes but still retains that fruity melon essence.
  • Lemon Juice: I've used lime juice when I didn't have lemons. It adds a slightly different tang, but it works.
  • Simple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup works if you're avoiding refined sugar. The taste changes slightly, but it remains a sweetener at its core.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. So you'd need 12 oz of Midori, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a cherry and lemon slice, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Midori Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic melon syrup or make your own by blending melon and straining it.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup: Make sure your simple syrup is made from vegan sugar, as some sugar brands use bone char in the refining process.
  • Garnish: Skip the traditional cherry garnish, as some brands use non-vegan coloring or preservatives. Opt for a vegan-friendly brand, or simply use a lemon slice.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
158
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
9
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
28
g
9
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
27
g
30
%
Potassium
 
38
mg
1
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
2
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Midori Sour Cocktail Drink

Midori Sour Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Get the party started with our easy-to-follow Midori Sour recipe! Combining Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 158

Ingredients
 

  • oz Midori
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Cherry and lemon slice - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Place your Old Fashioned glass in the freezer to chill or fill it up with ice cubes.
  • Mix Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, combine ½ oz simple syrup, 1 oz lemon juice,  and 1½ oz Midori.
  • Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake well until chilled.
  • Prep Glass: Take your Old Fashioned glass out of the freezer and fill it with ice cubes. Replace the ice with new cubed ice in the other case.
  • Strain: Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
  • Garnish: Add a cherry and a lemon slice for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Midori: If I'm out of Midori, I sometimes use melon liqueur or even make homemade melon syrup as a last resort. The flavor profile changes but still retains that fruity melon essence.
  • Lemon Juice: I've used lime juice when I didn't have lemons. It adds a slightly different tang, but it works.
  • Simple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup works if you're avoiding refined sugar. The taste changes slightly, but it remains a sweetener at its core.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. So you'd need 12 oz of Midori, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a cherry and lemon slice, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Midori Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic melon syrup or make your own by blending melon and straining it.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Simple Syrup: Make sure your simple syrup is made from vegan sugar, as some sugar brands use bone char in the refining process.
  • Garnish: Skip the traditional cherry garnish, as some brands use non-vegan coloring or preservatives. Opt for a vegan-friendly brand, or simply use a lemon slice.

 

What is a Midori Sour?

Midori Sour is a cocktail featuring Midori, melon liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This drink gains its notoriety for its striking green hue and well-balanced sweet and sour taste. You don’t have to be an expert bartender to appreciate a good Midori Sour; its appeal lies in its simplicity and refreshing flavors. The cocktail has become a staple in many bars and restaurants, and it’s often a go-to for those seeking something eye-catching and satisfying to drink.

A side shot of a Midori Sour cocktail in an old-fashioned glass on a brown coaster placed on a green table with a bar spoon in front and some lemons on the background

What is a Midori Sour made of – The ingredients

To make a Midori Sour, you need these ingredients:

  • Midori: Provides the signature melon flavor and vibrant green color to the cocktail.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds the sour element, balancing the sweetness of Midori.
  • Simple Syrup: Sweetens the drink, rounding out the tartness from the lemon juice.
  • Ice Cubes: Chill the cocktail to make it refreshing.
  • Cherry and Lemon Slice: Optional garnishes that add a touch of visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.

Midori, lemon juice and simple syrup laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Midori Sour?

Learn to make a Midori Sour with our easy steps:

1
<p>Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill, for a more refreshing drink.</p>

Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill, for a more refreshing drink.

2
<p>Add simple syrup to your shaker.</p>

Add simple syrup to your shaker.

3
<p>Squeeze and pour the lemon juice.</p>

Squeeze and pour the lemon juice.

4
<p>Measure and add the Midori to the shaker.</p>

Measure and add the Midori to the shaker.

5
<p>Add ice cubes to the shaker. </p>

Add ice cubes to the shaker.

6
<p>Shake well until the mixture gets cold.</p>

Shake well until the mixture gets cold.

7
<p>Strain the shaken mixture from the cocktail shaker into your prepared Old Fashioned glass.</p>

Strain the shaken mixture from the cocktail shaker into your prepared Old Fashioned glass.

8
<p>Garnish your Midori Sour with a cherry and a slice of lemon to enhance its look and flavor.</p>

Garnish your Midori Sour with a cherry and a slice of lemon to enhance its look and flavor.

9
<p>Enjoy your Midori Sour!</p>

Enjoy your Midori Sour!

Midori Sour with 3 ingredients

3 ingredient Midori Sour simplifies the cocktail experience without compromising on flavor. All you need is Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This trio works in harmony: Midori brings the melon sweetness, lemon juice adds the necessary tang, and simple syrup smooths it out. Just shake the ingredients with ice strain into an Old Fashioned glass, and you have a vibrant, well-balanced drink that’s easy to make and delightful to sip.

Midori Sour on the Rocks

Midori Sour on the Rocks is a straightforward yet satisfying way to enjoy this classic cocktail. Start by filling an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes, creating a chilled base that slowly melts to mellow the flavors. Pour in your Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then give it a quick stir. The result is a refreshing, well-balanced drink where the icy temperature lets each ingredient shine without overwhelming your palate.

Midori Sour with Vodka

Switching gin for vodka in a Midori Sour can bring a new twist to this familiar cocktail. Vodka’s neutral profile allows the melon and citrus flavors to take center stage, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a less botanical kick. Brands like Tito’s, Grey Goose, or Absolut work exceptionally well due to their clean, smooth finish. I’d suggest using Tito’s if you’re looking for a high-quality yet affordable option. Just combine your vodka, Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup, shake it up, and you have a simple, vibrant drink that puts a new spin on an old favorite.

A side shot of a Midori Sour cocktail in an old-fashioned glass on a brown coaster placed on a green table surrounded by a jigger, a lemon and a bar spoon

Variations

Want to try a new twist? Check our top picks:

  • Frozen Midori Sour: This blend combines the classic ingredients with ice, resulting in a slushy and refreshing experience. The frozen aspect makes it especially enjoyable on hot days, offering a cool twist to the sweet melon flavor. I find the icy texture incredibly refreshing; it turns the usual sipping experience into a delightful summer treat.
  • Midori Sour Mocktail: This non-alcoholic adaptation keeps the essence of the original but omits the alcohol, often replacing it with additional citrus juice or soda. It’s perfect for those who prefer a non-intoxicating option but still want to enjoy the vibrant melon taste. Personally, I appreciate how this mocktail allows everyone to enjoy the flavor of a Midori Sour without the effects of alcohol, making it inclusive and just as enjoyable.

A Midori Sour cocktail, shot from above, in an old-fashioned glass on a brown coaster placed on a green table with a bar spoon in front and a lemon behind

History and Origin

The Midori Sour originates from the introduction of Midori, Japan’s bright green melon-flavored liqueur. Suntory, a Japanese company, launched Midori in 1978 during a promotional event at the famous nightclub Studio 54 in New York City. The eye-catching color and unique melon flavor quickly caught the American public’s attention. Bartenders soon began experimenting with Midori, and among the creations that emerged was the Midori Sour.

This cocktail gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s when colorful and sweet cocktails were all the rage. Its simplicity, bright color, and easy-to-love flavor profile made it a hit, especially among younger drinkers and those new to cocktails. Over the years, the cocktail has evolved, with bartenders and home mixologists developing variations to suit a range of palates. Despite these changes, the core ingredients—Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup—remain the same, making it a lasting favorite on cocktail menus worldwide.

A side shot of a Midori Sour cocktail in an old-fashioned glass on a brown coaster placed on a green table with a jigger and an orange on the side, and a bar spoon in front

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Midori Sour?
Typically contains approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.
How strong is a Midori Sour?
The ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of the drink generally ranges from 12-15%, equating to about 24-30 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Midori Sour?
Midori, a melon-flavored liqueur, is the primary alcoholic ingredient in this cocktail.
In which glass is a Midori Sour typically served?
An Old Fashioned glass is the standard choice for serving.
What does a Midori Sour taste like?
The drink has a sweet and sour profile with prominent melon and citrus flavors.
What's the ratio of the ingredients?
It typically follows a 2:1:1 ratio of Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
How is it served with ice?
It's usually served over ice cubes in an Old Fashioned glass.
What's the difference between a Melon Ball and a Midori Sour?
The Melon Ball typically combines Midori, vodka, and orange juice, while a Midori Sour is made with Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

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