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Midori Sour

A vibrant green cocktail that balances the sweet melon flavor of Midori liqueur with tart citrus and a silky egg white foam. This refreshing sour is as visually striking as it is delicious.

The Midori Sour stands as a testament to the art of balance in cocktail creation, where Japan's iconic honeydew melon liqueur meets the classic sour template. This emerald-hued beauty isn't just a pretty face – it's a masterclass in how to tame an intensely sweet liqueur with bright acidity and creamy texture. Born from the fusion of East and West, the Midori Sour transforms what could be a cloying experience into something sophisticated and refreshing. With its striking jade color and pillowy foam crown, this cocktail commands attention at any bar, proving that melon can indeed be taken seriously in the world of craft cocktails.

3 min
🥃coupe
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Midori Sour cocktail served in a coupe
✨

AI-Crafted Recipe

This recipe was created by our AI mixologist. It may not be a traditional recipe but should be a delicious interpretation.

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Thin slice of fresh honeydew melon on the rim

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Add Midori, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to your cocktail shaker without ice.

  2. Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create foam.

  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill and dilute.

  4. Double strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to ensure a smooth texture.

  5. Garnish with a thin slice of fresh honeydew melon placed on the rim of the glass.

Flavor Profile

SweetCitrusyCreamyFruity

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Fine Mesh Strainer

Fine Mesh Strainer

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Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

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Coupe Glass Set

Coupe Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use fresh lemon juice exclusively – bottled citrus will make this cocktail taste artificial and flat

  • 2

    Dry shake first (without ice) for 15 seconds to properly emulsify the egg white, then add ice and shake again

  • 3

    Don't skip the egg white – it's essential for balancing Midori's sweetness and creating the signature foam

  • 4

    Chill your coupe glass beforehand to maintain the drink's temperature and enhance the presentation

  • 5

    Strain twice through a fine-mesh strainer to achieve a perfectly smooth texture

📜 History & Origin

The Midori Sour emerged in the 1980s as bartenders began experimenting with Midori, the vibrant green melon liqueur that Suntory introduced to the American market in 1978 with a star-studded launch party at Studio 54. While Midori had been available in Japan since the 1960s, its arrival in the West coincided with the era of colorful, visually striking cocktails that dominated the disco age. The Midori Sour represents bartenders' attempts to elevate what was often dismissed as a 'novelty' liqueur by applying classic cocktail principles. By treating Midori like any fruit liqueur in the traditional sour format – balancing sweetness with citrus acidity and adding egg white for texture – creative bartenders proved that even the most vibrant and sweet liqueurs could be transformed into sophisticated drinks. The cocktail gained particular popularity in the 1990s and has experienced a renaissance in recent years as craft bartenders rediscover forgotten gems from the cocktail canon, often with improved techniques and premium ingredients.

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Italian Sour

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Pastel Punch

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Midori Sour taste like?

The Midori Sour has a sweet, citrusy, creamy, fruity flavor profile. A vibrant green cocktail that balances the sweet melon flavor of Midori liqueur with tart citrus and a silky egg white foam. This refreshing sour is as visually striking as it is delicious.

What ingredients do I need for a Midori Sour?

A Midori Sour requires 4 ingredients: Midori melon liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White.

How long does it take to make a Midori Sour?

A Midori Sour takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered medium difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Midori Sour?

A Midori Sour is traditionally served in a coupe, garnished with Thin slice of fresh honeydew melon on the rim.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Midori Sour?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Midori Sour by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Midori Sour?

The Midori Sour emerged in the 1980s as bartenders began experimenting with Midori, the vibrant green melon liqueur that Suntory introduced to the American market in 1978 with a star-studded launch party at Studio 54. While Midori had been available in Japan since the 1960s, its arrival in the West coincided with the era of colorful, visually striking cocktails that dominated the disco age. The Midori Sour represents bartenders' attempts to elevate what was often dismissed as a 'novelty' liqueur by applying classic cocktail principles. By treating Midori like any fruit liqueur in the traditional sour format – balancing sweetness with citrus acidity and adding egg white for texture – creative bartenders proved that even the most vibrant and sweet liqueurs could be transformed into sophisticated drinks. The cocktail gained particular popularity in the 1990s and has experienced a renaissance in recent years as craft bartenders rediscover forgotten gems from the cocktail canon, often with improved techniques and premium ingredients.