Bright green and unmistakably vibrant, Midori is a melon-flavored liqueur that has carved out a special place in cocktail culture around the world. Originating in Japan, Midori (which means “green” in Japanese) was first introduced by the renowned beverage company Suntory in 1964 under the name Hermes Melon Liqueur. Its vivid color and unique flavor, inspired by the Japanese muskmelon (similar to cantaloupe and honeydew), quickly became a hit locally.
Midori truly burst onto the international scene in 1978 at the legendary Studio 54 in New York City, where it was relaunched with its now-iconic name during a party celebrating the premiere of the movie Saturday Night Fever. This splashy debut tied Midori to the glitz and glam of disco nightlife, cementing its reputation as a stylish and exotic cocktail ingredient.
One reason Midori is so distinct is the high-quality melons used in its production. These premium Yubari and muskmelons are prized in Japan for their sweet, rich taste. The liqueur’s base spirit is typically neutral, allowing the melon flavor to shine through with a perfect balance of sweetness and brightness.
Over the decades, Midori has become a staple in classic and creative cocktails—from the popular Midori Sour to countless tiki and tropical-inspired creations. Fun fact: Midori’s color was once so intense that bartenders often used just a splash to turn drinks a vibrant green.
In the 2010s, Midori underwent a recipe and branding refresh to create a slightly more refined taste and a modern look, keeping it relevant for today’s craft cocktail boom. Its low ABV (about 20%) makes it versatile and approachable for a wide range of drinks.
Midori remains a symbol of fun, creativity, and bold flavor—whether in neon-lit clubs or home cocktail bars!
Midori Sour
1½ parts Midori
2 parts fresh lemon juice
½ part simple syrup
Club soda (optional)
Shake Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice; strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with club soda if you like it lighter. Garnish with a cherry and lemon wedge.Japanese Slipper
1 part Midori
1 part Cointreau
1 part fresh lemon juice
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.Midori Margarita
1 part Midori
1 part tequila
1 part triple sec
1 part fresh lime juice
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.Honeydew Martini
2 parts Midori
1 part vodka
½ part fresh lemon juice
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a melon ball or lemon twist.Midori Colada
1½ parts Midori
1½ parts white rum
2 parts pineapple juice
1 part coconut cream
Blend all ingredients with ice until smooth. Serve in a hurricane glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice and cherry.Green Demon
1 part Midori
1 part vodka
1 part lemon juice
2 parts lemonade
Build in a tall glass over ice. Stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice.Emerald Isle Fizz
1½ parts Midori
½ part gin
½ part lime juice
Club soda
Shake Midori, gin, and lime juice with ice. Strain into an ice-filled glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a lime wheel.Melon Ball
1 part Midori
1 part vodka
3 parts orange juice
Build in a glass with ice and stir. Garnish with a melon ball or orange slice.Tokyo Tea
½ part Midori
½ part vodka
½ part rum
½ part gin
½ part tequila
½ part triple sec
1 part sweet & sour mix
Splash of lemon-lime soda
Build in a tall glass with ice, stir gently, and top with lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a lemon wedge.Midori Mojito
1½ parts Midori
1 part white rum
½ part lime juice
Fresh mint leaves
Club soda
Muddle mint and lime juice in a glass. Add ice, Midori, and rum, then top with club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
