If you’re looking for a drink that takes you straight to summer nights and throwback vibes the Midori Sour is it. It’s bold bright and looks like a party in a glass with that electric green color.
But don’t let the glow fool you. It’s not just about the looks. The Midori Sour is sweet, tangy and way too easy to drink.
You’re hanging with friends music’s low and you’re passing around glasses that look like neon green lightning bolts. Every sip is a hit of sweet melon balanced with a kick of lemon and lime. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’re in a late-night diner scene from an old movie.
Whether you’re kicking back solo or trying to impress your crew with something that’s a little nostalgic and a lot of fun the Midori Sour is your go-to. It’s simple to make impossible to forget and basically a vibe in a glass.
What Is a Midori Sour and Where Did It Come From?
The Midori Sour is that electric green drink that grabs attention before you even take a sip. It’s a cocktail that’s sweet tangy and just a little bit retro. The secret? Midori liqueur, a melon-flavored liqueur that’s as bold as it is bright.
Midori came on the scene in the 70s, back when everything was loud and colorful. The Midori Sour took that vibe and ran with it. Think sweet melon with a sharp hit of lemon and lime. Add a splash of soda and you’ve got a drink that’s crisp fizzy and just the right amount of extra.
And yeah, it’s kind of a throwback. But that’s the point. The Midori Sour is a little nostalgic, a little flashy and all about having fun. Whether you’re sipping it poolside or pouring it for a night in with friends, it’s the kind of drink that knows how to set a mood.
Tips to Make the Perfect Midori Sour at Home
A Midori Sour is all about balancing sweet and tangy without going overboard. Here’s how to get it right every time:
- Fresh citrus juice: Skip the bottled stuff and squeeze your own. Fresh lemon and lime juice cut through the sweetness and keep the drink crisp.
- Chill your glass: Throw your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring. A cold glass keeps the drink icy and refreshing.
- Go easy on the soda: A splash of soda water adds a little fizz without watering it down. Too much and you lose that melon punch.
- Ice is everything: Fill the glass all the way up with ice to keep the drink cold and stop it from getting too syrupy.
- Garnish smart: Lime wedge is classic but if you want to go extra drop in a cherry or a slice of fresh melon.
- Play with proportions: If it’s too sweet add a little more lime juice. If it’s too tart a splash of simple syrup will fix it.
Best Food Pairings for a Midori Sour
A Midori Sour is bright, sweet and a little tart which means it pairs best with snacks that can handle the boldness. Here’s what to serve it with:
Spicy shrimp skewers: The sweet melon flavor cools down the heat while the citrus keeps it fresh.
Tortilla chips and salsa: Salty crunchy and just the right amount of bite to balance the sweetness of the drink.
Citrus salad: Think mixed greens, orange slices and a zesty vinaigrette to play up the tangy lime and lemon notes.
Coconut shrimp: The crispy coating and sweet coconut flavor vibe perfectly with the melon and citrus in the cocktail.
Edamame with sea salt: Simple, salty and just the right snack to keep things light without overpowering the drink.
Chocolate-covered pretzels: Sweet, salty and just a little decadent. The chocolate brings a rich finish that goes surprisingly well with the melon flavor.
The Ultimate Midori Sour Cocktail
This Midori Sour cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet and sour flavors that will quench your thirst and refresh your senses. The combination of zesty lime juice and tart lemon juice balances perfectly with the luscious, sweet notes of Midori liqueur, creating a cocktail that’s both fun and easy to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Midori liqueur
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 1 oz Lemon juice
- Soda water to top
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge or cherry for garnish
Zero-proof Midori Sour: Swap the Midori for melon-flavored syrup and use lime seltzer in place of soda water. Keep the citrus juices for that tangy kick.
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Mix the Ingredients: Pour the Midori liqueur, lime juice, and lemon juice into the shaker. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into Glass: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with Soda: Add a splash of soda water to the top of the glass for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge or a cherry. Enjoy your refreshing Midori Sour cocktail!
Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 216 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
Midori Sour Variations You Need to Try
Tropical twist: Add a splash of pineapple juice for a sweet island vibe. Garnish with a pineapple slice or a cherry.
Berry burst: Muddle a few raspberries or blackberries with the lime juice for a fruity, colorful upgrade.
Spicy kick: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker to give it a little heat. Garnish with a chili salt rim if you’re feeling bold.
Extra sour: Double up on the lemon juice and lime juice for a puckery punch that cuts through the sweetness.
Frozen style: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy version that’s perfect for hot days.
Need some more green cocktails for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Why not try a Leprechaun Mimosa, an Incredible Hulk, or a Gin Gimlet?
To pin for later:
Midori Sour Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 45 ml Midori liqueur
- 30 ml Lime juice
- 30 ml Lemon juice
- Soda water to top
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge or cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Mix the Ingredients: Pour the Midori liqueur, lime juice, and lemon juice into the shaker. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into Glass: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with Soda: Add a splash of soda water to the top of the glass for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge or a cherry. Enjoy your refreshing Midori Sour cocktail!
Notes
Zero-proof Midori Sour: Swap the Midori for melon-flavored syrup and use lime seltzer in place of soda water. Keep the citrus juices for that tangy kick.
