Vibrant Midori Sour Recipe – Classic Melon Cocktail, Ingredients

Midori Sour Recipe –  Bright, refreshing, and unmistakably green, the Midori Sour is a cocktail that delivers instant nostalgia and tropical charm. Known for its vibrant color and sweet melon flavor, this classic drink has been a favorite in bars since the 1980s. Midori, the liqueur at its heart, is a Japanese melon spirit made from premium muskmelons and yubari melons.

• Save

When combined with citrus, it transforms from simply sweet to beautifully balanced. This detailed Midori Sour Recipe offers a modern, elevated version of the cocktail—one that blends sweetness, acidity, and fizz into a perfectly refreshing drink suitable for any occasion.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American / Japanese-inspired

• Course: Cocktail / Beverage

• Servings: 1 drink

• Calories: Approximately 180–230 calories

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Active Time: 5 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

For One Midori Sour

• 2 oz Midori melon liqueur

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz simple syrup (optional; adjust for sweetness)

• 2 oz soda water or lemon-lime soda (for a sweeter, more classic finish)

• Ice cubes

• Garnish: lime wheel, cherry, or a small melon ball

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker

• Jigger or measuring tool

• Citrus juicer

• Highball glass or rocks glass

• Bar spoon

• Strainer

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Fresh citrus is essential for a well-balanced Midori Sour. Juice your lemon and lime, then measure all liquid components using a jigger.

2. Shake the Base

Add the Midori, lemon juice, lime juice, and optional simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the shaker feels chilled and frosty.

3. Strain Into Glass

Fill your selected glass—highball for a tall drink or rocks glass for a classic presentation—with fresh ice.
Strain the shaken mixture over the ice.

4. Add Soda

Top with 2 oz of soda water for a bright, crisp finish.
If you prefer the classic sweet bar version, use lemon-lime soda instead.

5. Garnish & Serve

Add a lime wheel, cherry, or melon ball.
Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing blend of melon and citrus.

Nutrition Information 

Note: Calories and sugar increase if using lemon-lime soda instead of soda water.

Tips for the Best Midori Sour

Use Fresh Citrus

Pre-bottled juice dulls the cocktail. Fresh lemon and lime bring sharpness and aroma.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste

If using lemon-lime soda, consider skipping the simple syrup.

Shake Hard

Midori is thick and syrupy; shaking ensures proper dilution and integration.

Choose Your Glass Wisely

• Highball: Lighter, more refreshing version

• Rocks glass: Stronger, concentrated flavor

Add Ice After Shaking

Shaking with the serving ice causes unnecessary dilution..

Conclusion

The Midori Sour is more than just a colorful cocktail—it’s a refreshing blend of sweet melon and zesty citrus, offering an unforgettable flavor experience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal equipment, you can craft a drink that is visually striking, perfectly balanced, and deliciously fun.