If you love a drink that’s sweet, tangy, and a little fancy, the Midori Sour is for you!
This bright green cocktail is super refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for parties or just a fun night in.
The mix of Midori melon liqueur, lemon juice, and a splash of soda makes it taste like candy—but with a nice citrus kick to balance the sweetness. Plus, it looks amazing in the glass!
Let’s make this classic cocktail in just a few easy steps.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Midori melon liqueur
- 1 oz vodka (optional, for a stronger drink)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (or to taste)
- 2 oz club soda or lemon-lime soda
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherry & orange slice (for garnish)
Tools:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger (or measuring cup)
- Strainer
- Rocks glass or coupe glass
- Cocktail pick (for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice! It makes a HUGE difference compared to bottled juice.
- Want it extra smooth? Shake it well! The ice will chill and slightly dilute the drink, making it perfectly balanced.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you like it more tart, add less simple syrup. If you like it sweeter, use lemon-lime soda instead of club soda.
- No cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with a lid! Just shake and strain.
- Make it a frozen drink! Blend all the ingredients with ice for a slushy Midori Sour.
Substitutions & Variations
- No vodka? Just leave it out! The classic Midori Sour doesn’t always have it.
- No simple syrup? Swap in honey or agave syrup.
- Want it fizzier? Use more soda and less Midori for a lighter drink.
- Like it stronger? Add an extra ½ oz of vodka.
How to Make a Midori Sour
Step 1: Fill the Cocktail Shaker with Ice
Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with fresh ice cubes. This chills the drink and helps blend the flavors.

Step 2: Add Midori, Vodka, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup
Pour 2 oz of Midori, 1 oz of vodka (if using), 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup into the shaker over the ice.

Step 3: Shake It Up!
Secure the lid on the shaker and shake for about 10–15 seconds until the outside feels frosty.
Step 4: Strain into a Glass with Ice
Place fresh ice cubes into your glass. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice.

Step 5: Top with Soda
Gently pour 2 oz of club soda or lemon-lime soda on top for a little fizz.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Place a maraschino cherry and an orange slice on a cocktail pick and rest it on the rim of the glass. Now it’s ready to enjoy!

Leftovers & Storage
- This drink is best fresh! But if you have extra, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for a few hours. Just stir before serving.
- No ice? No problem! You can chill the drink in the fridge before serving instead of using ice.
Final Thoughts
The Midori Sour is a fun, fruity cocktail that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s super easy to make, and you can tweak it to your taste—more tart, sweeter, or fizzier! Try it for your next happy hour, and let me know in the comments how you liked it. Cheers! 🍹💚