Learn how to make the perfect Midori Sour with this easy recipe. This bright, sweet and sour melon cocktail is refreshing, simple, and perfect for parties.

midori sour - midori sour cocktail drink serve in a glass

If you’re looking for a fun, vibrant cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is eye-catching, this Midori Sour recipe is it. Known for its bright green color and sweet-tart flavor, the Midori Sour cocktail is a nostalgic favorite that’s making a major comeback.

Made with melon liqueur, citrus juice, and a splash of soda, this drink is light, refreshing, and perfect for everything from casual happy hours to summer parties.

If you love simple cocktails like our classic margarita recipe or spicy paloma cocktail, this one deserves a spot on your list too.

What Is a Midori Sour?

A Midori Sour is a classic cocktail made with Midori melon liqueur, fresh citrus juice (usually lemon or lime), and a fizzy mixer like soda water or lemon-lime soda. It became popular in the 1970s and 80s and is known for:

Its signature neon green color
Sweet melon flavor balanced with tart citrus
Light, refreshing finish

What is a Sour Cocktail?

Sour cocktails are a family of cocktails made with a base of liquor, a bitter component, and a sweetener. So they have a very balanced flavor profile that goes between sweetness and sourness. If you like these contrasting flavors, try our Amaretto sour recipe also! Also if you want a perfect springtime cocktail, try our edible flower rainbow sour cocktail.

Midori Sour Ingredients

Midori melon liqueur: The star of the cocktail with a sweet honeydew melon flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness
Fresh lime juice: Enhances the citrus flavor
Club soda or soda water: Adds a refreshing fizz.
Ice: For serving
Optional garnish: Maraschino cherries or a lime wedge

Like our Amaretto Sour, this Midori Sour recipe does not call for simple syrup, which is common in sour cocktails. And that’s because Midori liqueur is very sweet so this drink doesn’t need any more added sweetness. Instead, it calls for a sour mix to achieve the desired balance.

Everything About Midori Liqueur

Midori is a bright green, melon-flavored Japanese liqueur created in the 1960s. Its name means “green” in Japanese. And it became widely popular in the U.S. during the late ’70s and ’80s (especially for a St. Patrick’s Day drink) thanks to its vibrant color and sweet, candy-like melon flavor.

Made with Japanese muskmelons infused into neutral spirits, Midori is considered a premium liqueur. It’s typically used in cocktails like a Midori Sour rather than enjoyed on its own, making it a fun and unique addition to any home bar.

midori sour drink - a close up shot of midori sour drink

How to Make a Midori Sour

This Midori Sour cocktail recipe comes together in just a few minutes:

1 — Fill a glass with ice:
Use a rocks glass or highball glass depending on your preference

2 — Add the Midori and citrus juices:
Pour in the Midori, fresh lemon juice, and lime juice.

3 — Shake or stir:
You can shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker for a smoother mix or stir directly in the glass.

4 — Top with soda:
Add club soda or lemon-lime soda for a bubbly finish.

5 — Garnish and serve:
Finish with a cherry or lime wedge and serve immediately.

What Does a Midori Sour Taste Like?

A Midori Sour cocktail tastes like a mix of sweet melon and bright citrus with a lightly fizzy finish. It’s fruity without being overpowering and incredibly easy to sip.

what's in a midori sour - a photo of midori liqueur, lime and soda

Tips for the Best Midori Sour

Serve ice cold and/or chill your glass for maximum refreshment.
Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor. (It makes a big difference!)
Adjust sweetness by adding 1 teaspoon of sugar or simple syrup.
Choose your soda wisely: Club soda keeps it less sweet, while Sprite makes it more nostalgic.
Go for larger ice cubes: They melt slower and won’t water down your drink as quickly.

Midori Sour Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these easy variations:

Japanese Slipper Style: Add triple sec and lemon juice for a more balanced cocktail
Frozen Midori Sour: Blend with ice for a slushy version
Midori Sour with vodka: Add a splash for a stronger drink

Midori Sour Recipe - two tall glass full of ice

More Easy Cocktail Recipes

If you loved this Midori Sour recipe, try these next:

midori sour recipe - splashing soda on the midori sour drink

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