Perfect Midori Sour Recipe

Let me tell you about my favorite cocktail – the Midori Sour. I made this bright green drink for the first time at a backyard BBQ, and everyone loved it!

It’s super simple to make and tastes amazing. Think sweet melon flavor with a fresh lemony kick, plus some bubbles that make it extra refreshing. It’s not too sweet and not too sour – it’s just right.

The best thing about this drink? You don’t need any fancy bartending skills. If you can measure drinks and squeeze a lemon, you can make this. I’ve made it tons of times for movie nights and parties, and it always turns out great.

Ready to make the prettiest drink you’ve ever seen? Let’s get started!

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Quick Facts

The Perfect Midori Sour is a vibrant green cocktail that combines sweet Japanese melon liqueur (Midori) with fresh lemon juice and a splash of soda for a refreshing, balanced drink. The mix of sweet and sour flavors, plus the light fizz from the soda, creates a fun and easy-to-drink cocktail that’s perfect for parties or casual sipping. Garnished with a cherry and orange slice, it’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to drink.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: Approximately 215 kcal per serving

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Equipment Needed

• Cocktail Shaker: Essential for properly chilling and combining ingredients
• Jigger or Measuring Cup: For precise measurements (key to a balanced cocktail)
• Hawthorne Strainer: Prevents ice shards from entering your final drink
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Optional for double straining, ensuring a silky-smooth texture
• Rocks Glass or Coupe Glass: For serving (rocks glass traditional, coupe for elegant presentation)
• Cocktail Pick: For securing garnishes
• Ice Mold: For making large, clear ice cubes (optional but elevates presentation)

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Ingredients

Base Spirits

• 2 oz Midori melon liqueur
• 1 oz vodka (optional)

Fresh Components

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz club soda or lemon-lime soda
• Fresh ice cubes

Sweeteners & Garnishes

• ½ oz simple syrup (adjustable to taste)
• Maraschino cherry
• Orange slice
• Additional seasonal fruits for garnish (optional)

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How To Make

1. First, grab a glass and pop it in the freezer for a few minutes to get nice and cold. While you wait, gather all your ingredients and tools.

2. Take your cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with fresh ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of Midori, 1 ounce of vodka (skip this if you want it lighter), 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and half an ounce of simple syrup. Put the lid on your shaker and shake it well for about 15 seconds – you’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels frosty cold.

3. Take your chilled glass out of the freezer and put some fresh ice in it. Strain your shaken mixture over the ice.

4. Now comes the fizzy part! Slowly pour in 2 ounces of club soda or lemon-lime soda. Give it a gentle stir – just enough to mix everything together.

5. For the final touch, stick a cherry and an orange slice on a cocktail pick and place it on top of your drink. That’s it – your Midori Sour is ready to enjoy.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Midori Sour

• Temperature Matters: Pre-chill all ingredients for optimal results
• Ice Quality: Use fresh, clear ice for better dilution and presentation
• Measuring: Don’t eyeball ingredients – precise measurements ensure consistency
• Shaking Technique: Shake hard enough to wake up the flavors but not so long that the ice over-dilutes
• Garnish Fresh: Prepare garnishes just before serving to maintain their appearance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using old or oxidized citrus juice
• Over-diluting with too much ice or excessive shaking
• Adding soda before straining the base mixture
• Using warm glasses or warm ingredients

Troubleshooting Guide

Too Sweet?

• Add extra lemon juice (¼ oz at a time)
• Use club soda instead of lemon-lime soda
• Reduce simple syrup amount

Too Sour?

• Increase simple syrup (¼ oz at a time)
• Use lemon-lime soda instead of club soda
• Add a splash of pineapple juice

Not Cold Enough?

• Pre-chill all ingredients
• Use larger ice cubes
• Shake longer (up to 15 seconds)

Variations

Midori Martini

• Skip the soda
• Serve straight up in a martini glass

Frozen Midori Sour

• Blend all ingredients with 1 cup of ice
• Skip the club soda
• Garnish with additional fresh fruit

Virgin Version

• Replace Midori with melon syrup
• Skip vodka
• Add extra club soda

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Base Mixture: Can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead (without soda)
• Garnishes: Can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead
• Simple Syrup: Stores in refrigerator for up to 1 month
• Pre-Batching: Perfect for parties, multiply recipe by number of servings needed

Serving Suggestions

• Occasions: Perfect for summer parties, cocktail hours, or Asian-fusion dinners
• Food Pairings:
  • Light appetizers (spring rolls, tempura)
  • Spicy dishes (the sweetness balances heat)
  • Fresh fruit platters
  • Sushi and sashimi]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Yes! See the Virgin Version above for a delicious mocktail alternative.

How long does Midori last?

Unopened Midori can last indefinitely. Once opened, best used within 1 year when stored properly.

Can I batch this for a party?

Yes! Multiply ingredients (except soda) and store chilled. Add soda per drink when serving.

What’s the difference between club soda and lemon-lime soda in this recipe?

Club soda adds fizz without sweetness, while lemon-lime soda adds both fizz and sweet-citrus notes.

And there you have it, your very own Midori Sour! This drink has brought so much joy to my home gatherings, and I hope it becomes a favorite at yours, too.

Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation. That gorgeous green color is totally Instagram-worthy. If you make this drink, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try any special tweaks? Share your experience in the comments below.

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