Midori Sour on the Rocks

This Midori Sour recipe is such a fun drink, from the bright green color to the deliciously fruity taste, and it's so easy to make! If you love vibrant, sweet, and refreshing cocktails, you have to try this classic Midori Sour recipe.

You'll love this Midori sour

It's easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, including Midori melon liqueur, this Midori Sour cocktail comes together effortlessly. It's a perfect drink for beginner mixologists or anyone looking for a quick yet flavorful cocktail.

It's sweet. If you’re a fan of sweeter drinks, you’ll love this Midori Sour! The combination of Midori liqueur, citrus juices, and a hint of bubbles creates a well-balanced flavor that’s not overly sweet but just right, and that's coming from someone who isn't a huge fan of overly sweet drinks! The melon flavor makes it refreshing and smooth, making it an excellent choice for warm weather or any festive occasion.

What is Midori

Midori is a melon-flavored liqueur originally manufactured in Japan, though it's now produced in the United States, Mexico, and France as well. This bright green liqueur gets its signature flavor from Yubari King melon and Japanese muskmelons, giving it a distinct fruity taste.

If you enjoy a sweet cocktail, Midori is a must-try ingredient. Its candy-like essence is often compared to a Jolly Rancher, but it doesn’t mimic any single fruit flavor exactly. The refreshing melon notes pair well with a variety of spirits, including vodka, white rum, tequila, and gin. It also complements fruit juices like pineapple juice, lemonade, and fresh citrus juices. You can find Midori at most liquor stores, and it’s a great liqueur to keep stocked in your home bar. 

Ingredients

Midori. This Japanese melon liqueur is the star of the show! It brings the signature bright green color and a deliciously sweet melon flavor.

Vodka. A neutral spirit that enhances the Midori without overpowering it. You can also substitute with tequila or white rum for a different twist.

Lime Juice. You absolutely have to use fresh lime juice for this cocktail, and any cocktail for that matter! If you're having trouble juicing a lime, try rolling it on your counter and microwaving it for 10 seconds. Works like a charm. 

Lemon Juice. Similar to lime juice, fresh lemon juice is best! Real citrus is always best when making a great cocktail.  

Club Soda. Adding a splash of club soda to cut some of the sweetness and also add some bubbles is a must. If you're not a club soda fan, I included some other substitutions for you below!

How to make a Midori sour

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in 2 oz Midori, 2 oz vodka, ½ oz lime juice, and ½ oz lemon juice.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Top off with a splash of club soda.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel, lime wheel, and maraschino cherry.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Substitutions and variations

Egg White. If you want to make this into a true sour, here's how. In a cocktail shaker, add in all your ingredients plus one egg white. Dry shake, meaning shake with no ice, for 30 seconds. Add ice into your shaker and shake for an additional 30-60 seconds. Strain into a martini glass. The egg white gives you this velvety texture and delicious foam on top! If you are wondering if it is safe to consume raw egg, yes, it is! 

Club Soda. If you don't have club soda or just don't like it, you can always use lemon-lime soda, soda water, or flavored sparkling water! 

Vodka. If you don't prefer vodka, you can also use blanco tequila or white rum for this vibrant Midori sour cocktail. 

Frozen.​ If you want to make a refreshing frozen version of a Midori sour, it's so easy to! Simply blend everything together, garnish, and pair it with a sunny summer day. 

Pineapple Juice.​ If you want even more of a tropical twist on this cocktail, add a splash of pineapple juice. I recommend using 1 oz of pineapple juice. 

Garnish ideas

• Lime Wheel – A fresh pop of citrus
• Lemon Wheel – Complements the citrus juices in the drink
• Maraschino Cherry – A classic garnish for sours
• Orange Wheel – Great for a fun, festive look, especially for St. Patrick’s Day

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What to Serve with a Midori Sour

This cocktail pairs well with:

• Salty Snacks. The sweetness of the Midori Sour balances salty snacks like pretzels, chips, and mixed nuts.
• Spicy Foods. The refreshing melon flavor contrasts nicely with spicy dishes like buffalo wings, jalapeño poppers, or spicy Thai food.
• Fruity Desserts. Serve with fruit tarts, sorbets, or citrus-infused cakes to enhance the cocktail’s fruity notes.

FAQs

What Alcohol Is in a Midori Sour?

A Midori Sour typically contains Midori liqueur and vodka, but you can substitute vodka with tequila, white rum, or even gin for a different variation.

Is Midori Sour a Strong Drink?

This cocktail has a moderate alcohol content. Midori itself has a lower ABV (around 21%), and when mixed with vodka and club soda, the drink remains smooth and easy to sip.

Can You Make a Midori Sour Without Alcohol?

Yes! You can create a mocktail version by using melon syrup instead of Midori and omitting the vodka. Mix it with fresh lemon and lime juice, then top with club soda for a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative.

How Do You Store Midori Liqueur?

Midori should be stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature. Since it's a liqueur with a relatively high sugar content, it has a long shelf life. Refrigeration is not necessary, but chilling it can make for a colder, smoother cocktail.

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