Classic Midori Sour Cocktail Recipe & How to Make It Like a Pro

After buying a bottle of Midori to make a Tokyo Tea, I rediscovered the straightforward and unforgettable Midori Sour.

This on-the-rocks cocktail is strikingly green and balances sweet melon with tart citrus for a light, refreshing sip.

I like it because it’s built right in the glass—no shaker required—and you only need a few pantry items to assemble it quickly.

Like many Midori drinks, the Midori Sour gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, soon after the vibrant melon liqueur arrived in the U.S.

Traditionally, bartenders mixed Midori with sweet-and-sour mix, so this recipe honors that classic combination.

If you prefer fresh ingredients, there’s also an easy homemade sweet-and-sour recipe below—try both versions to decide which you like best.

If you’re in the mood for a Midori shot, the melon ball shot is a favorite for its pineapple twist and tropical flavor profile.

Ingredients

• Midori – Melon-flavored liqueur, the star of the cocktail.
• Sweet & Sour Mix – Use store-bought or homemade sweet-and-sour mix.
• Soda – Club soda for a drier finish, or Sprite/lemon-lime soda for extra sweetness.
• Garnish – Lime wedge, lemon wheel, or a maraschino cherry.

Homemade Sweet & Sour

Making sweet-and-sour mix at home is quick and brightens the drink. Use equal parts water, sugar, lime juice, and lemon juice. For a small batch:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Heat the water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves.

Remove from heat and stir in the lemon and lime juices. Let cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until needed.

Variations

1. Swap club soda for Sprite or another lemon-lime soda to make a sweeter, bubblier version.
2. Add a shot of vodka to boost the alcohol content without changing the flavor drastically.
3. For a frothy sour, omit the soda and shake Midori and sweet-and-sour mix with an egg white and ice, then strain into a chilled glass.
4. Blend with 3/4 cup ice for a frozen Midori sour slush.
5. If you prefer orange notes instead of lime, try a Japanese Slipper for a similar, citrus-forward melon cocktail.