American bars (via Japanese Midori) · Japanese-American
Midori Sour (Melon Liqueur, Lemon & Lime)
The bright-green retro sour: sweet Midori melon liqueur balanced with fresh lemon and lime, lengthened with a splash of soda. A vivid, nostalgic crowd-pleaser — sweet-tart, low-proof and unmistakably '80s.
Published July 11, 2026
Cultural context
Midori — 'green' in Japanese — is a honeydew melon liqueur launched by Suntory and famously debuted at a New York disco-era party in 1978. The Midori Sour that followed is pure retro fun: electric green, sweet-tart and easy-drinking. Balanced with plenty of fresh citrus (and a little soda), it's a nostalgic, lower-proof cousin in the sour family.
The Midori Sour is retro fun in a glass: electric-green melon liqueur balanced with fresh lemon and lime, lengthened with a splash of soda. Sweet-tart, low-proof and unmistakably ’80s — a nostalgic, easy-drinking member of the sour family.
Citrus is the secret
Midori is sweet, so plenty of fresh lemon and lime is what turns it from a candy shot into a real, balanced sour. Don’t skimp on the citrus.
Vodka optional
A splash of vodka adds backbone and dries it out; leave it out for a lighter, sweeter drink. Either way, top with a little soda to keep it refreshing.
A gateway sour
It’s the sweetest, most approachable branch of the sours — a great introduction before the Whiskey Sour.
Ingredients
- 45 ml (1 1/2 oz) Midori (melon liqueur)
- 22 ml (3/4 oz) fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml (1/2 oz) fresh lime juice The lime keeps the sweet melon in check; plenty of citrus is the key to a good one.
- 30 ml (1 oz) vodka (optional) Adds a little backbone; leave it out for a lower-proof, sweeter drink.
- to top (about 30 ml) soda water
- lemon wheel and a cherry, to garnish
- ice
Method
Tap a step’s number to check it off as you go.
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Add the Midori, lemon juice, lime juice and vodka (if using) to a shaker with ice and shake for 10–15 seconds until cold.
Why: Shaking with plenty of fresh citrus balances the sweet melon liqueur into a proper sour.
-
Strain into an ice-filled rocks or highball glass and top with a splash of soda water.
Why: The soda lengthens the drink and adds a little sparkle, keeping it refreshing rather than syrupy.
-
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.
Why: The bright garnish suits the vivid green colour — this is a drink that's meant to look fun.
A quick, anonymous tap — no review needed.
Variations
- Low-proof
Leave out the vodka entirely for a lighter, sweeter, sessionable drink.
- Extra tart
Push the lemon and lime a little further to cut the sweetness for a more grown-up balance.
- The sour family
Swap the base — bourbon for a Whiskey Sour, amaretto for an Amaretto Sour, gin for a Gin Sour.
Serving & Storage
A fun party pour and a gateway cocktail. The sweet melon is a hit with people who think they don't like 'strong' drinks.
Pairs with: Fruit skewers, Spring rolls, Sushi, Vanilla ice cream.
Storage: Make to order so the soda stays fizzy and the citrus tastes fresh.
Nutrition
Per serving (1 drink (~150 ml))
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbs
- 24 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
- Sugar
- 22 g
- Sodium
- 10 mg
Estimated using standard ingredient data. Values vary with brands and substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Midori taste like?
Sweet honeydew and cantaloupe melon, with a candy-bright edge. It's quite sweet on its own, which is why the sour balances it with plenty of fresh lemon and lime.
Do I need the vodka?
No. The vodka adds a little alcoholic backbone and makes it a touch drier, but a Midori sour is lovely and low-proof without it. Leave it out if you want something lighter and sweeter.
Why is it so green?
That's the Midori itself — the liqueur is naturally a vivid green (its name means 'green' in Japanese). The colour is half the fun of the drink.
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