Cocktail Recipes

Midori Sour Cocktail

Millie Pham

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

  1. Use fresh lemon juice! It makes a HUGE difference compared to bottled juice.
  2. Want it extra smooth? Shake it well! The ice will chill and slightly dilute the drink, making it perfectly balanced.
  3. 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.
  4. No cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar with a lid! Just shake and strain.
  5. 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.

a stainless steel cocktail shaker filled halfway with fresh, clear ice cubes

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.

a stainless steel cocktail shaker filled with ice, vibrant green Midori melon liqueur, clear vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup being poured in

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!

a finished Midori Sour cocktail in a rocks glass, garnished with a maraschino cherry and a fresh orange slice on a cocktail pick

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! 🍹💚

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!