Midori Sour

The Midori Sour is a famously bright green cocktail that gained immense popularity in the 1970s and 80s. It's a simple sour-style drink, balancing the distinct sweetness of Midori melon liqueur with the tartness of fresh lemon juice. Often shaken with an egg white for a rich, foamy texture, it's a visually striking and easy-drinking cocktail that evokes a sense of retro fun. Its straightforward preparation and memorable flavor make it a lasting favorite.
Midori Sour

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Midori Sour is a classic cocktail belonging to the 'sour' family of drinks. Sours are characterized by a base spirit, a citrus element (the sour), and a sweetening agent. This drink perfectly fits the category, using Midori as its base.

Serving

This is a moderately alcoholic cocktail served chilled, without ice, in a traditional Sour or Coupe glass. The vibrant green color is its most notable feature.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 12-16% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Sour Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Midori Sour was created shortly after the launch of Midori melon liqueur in 1978. It was heavily promoted at the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 during its launch party. The drink was designed as a simple and accessible way to showcase the liqueur's unique flavor and vibrant color, quickly becoming a staple of the disco era and symbolizing the fun, colorful cocktail trends of the time.
Origin
United States, late 1970s.

Midori Sour

The drink is most commonly known as the Midori Sour, named directly after its key ingredient. It is sometimes referred to simply as a Melon Sour, which accurately describes its primary flavor profile.
Original name
Midori Sour
Alternative name
Melon Sour

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts a prominent sweet melon flavor balanced by sharp citrus, resulting in a smooth, silky texture. Its most defining characteristic is its shockingly vibrant green appearance, making it visually unmistakable.
Flavor
Sweet melon, tart citrus, fruity, candy-like
Aroma
Honeydew melon, fresh lemon
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, sweet, slightly tart
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Vibrant green, opaque, often with a white foam head
Texture
Smooth, silky, frothy
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intensely fruity, with a strong sweet and sour balance. It has a moderate alcohol presence and is completely still, with a slightly creamy mouthfeel if made with egg white.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is built from Midori melon liqueur, balanced with fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup. An optional egg white is often included to create a classic frothy texture.
  • Midori Melon Liqueur60 ml / 2 oz
    The key ingredient that provides the signature color and flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed is crucial for balancing the sweetness.
  • Simple Syrup (1:1)15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to taste, as Midori is already quite sweet.
  • Egg White15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Optional, but highly recommended for a silky texture and foam head. Aquafaba can be used as a vegan alternative.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for accurate measurements and both a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer for a smooth pour.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Instructions

The method involves a two-step shaking process: first a dry shake without ice to build foam, followed by a wet shake with ice to chill and dilute. The drink is then double-strained into a pre-chilled glass.
1. Chill your serving glass (a sour or coupe glass) by filling it with ice or placing it in a freezer.
2. Combine the Midori, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) in a cocktail shaker.
3. Perform a 'dry shake' (shaking without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds. This emulsifies the egg white and creates a rich foam.
4. Add a generous amount of cubed ice to the shaker, filling it about two-thirds full.
5. Perform a 'wet shake' by shaking hard for another 10-12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is thoroughly frosted and chilled.
6. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
7. Double-strain the cocktail through both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass to ensure a perfectly smooth texture.
8. Allow the foam to settle for a moment, then garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Garnishing

A classic garnish is a bright red maraschino cherry, which provides a striking color contrast. A lemon wheel or twist also works well to signal the drink's citrus notes.
  • Maraschino cherry
  • Lemon wheel or twist

Dietary Information

This alcoholic cocktail is gluten-free and dairy-free but contains egg. For a vegan and egg-free version, substitute the egg white with aquafaba or simply omit it.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric drink that is high in both carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the melon liqueur and simple syrup.
Calories
Averagely 220 kcal / 920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 28 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 26 g
Sugar level

Occasions

With its vibrant color and sweet flavor, the Midori Sour is perfect for parties, especially those with a 70s or 80s theme. It's also a refreshing choice for summer gatherings and casual sipping.
  • Party
  • Summer Gathering
  • Retro-themed Event
  • Casual Drink

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and sour profile of the Midori Sour pairs well with salty snacks that can cut through its sweetness. It also complements light, fresh foods like sushi and fruit, which won't be overpowered by the drink's strong melon flavor.
  • Salty snacks like pretzels or nuts
  • Light appetizers
  • Sushi or sashimi
  • Fresh fruit platters

The Midori Sour: A Vibrant Taste of Retro Fun

The Midori Sour is a visually iconic cocktail known for its shocking green color and sweet melon flavor. Born in the disco era, it perfectly balances the sweetness of Midori liqueur with the sharp tang of fresh citrus. While early versions made with sour mix were often cloyingly sweet, modern craft recipes create a more balanced and refreshing drink, often enhanced with a silky foam from egg white. It remains a fun, easy-to-make cocktail that's perfect for parties or anyone with a sweet tooth looking for a taste of nostalgia.