If you’re anything like me, you love a good cocktail—especially when it’s a bit fruity and a little bit sour.
One of my all-time favorite cocktails is the Midori Sour, but I like to make it with a twist.
By adding vodka, you can create a slightly stronger drink while still enjoying the melon-flavored liqueur that gives this cocktail its signature bright green color.
This drink is always a hit with my friends, and I’m excited to share the recipe and a bit of the history behind this delicious drink.
A Little History of The Midori Sour
The Midori Sour has a pretty cool origin story. In the late 1970s, Midori liqueur made its debut in the United States, specifically at Studio 54 in New York City.
It became an instant hit thanks to its sweet melon flavor and vibrant color. Midori, made from Japanese muskmelons, has a distinct taste that’s light and refreshing—perfect for warm weather.
It was originally called Hermes melon liqueur, but Midori sounded much sleeker. While it was traditionally mixed with lemon-lime soda for a classic Midori Sour, I like to amp it up with vodka for an extra kick.
The Midori Sour Ingredients
For this Midori Sour cocktail with vodka, you’ll need simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
Most of them you probably already have in your pantry or can grab at your local grocery store or liquor store.
- Midori liqueur: This is the star of the show, offering that signature sweet, melon flavor.
- Vodka: Adds strength without overpowering the melon.
- Lemon juice: Fresh citrus brings balance to the sweetness.
- Lime juice: More real citrus for a bright, tangy bite.
- Simple syrup: You can make this at home or buy it. It adds just enough sweetness.
- Sour mix: Or make your own with fresh lemon and lime juice mixed with simple syrup.
- Soda water or lemon-lime soda: For that effervescent finish.
- Lime slices, maraschino cherries, or a lemon slice for garnish.
How to Make a Midori Sour
Start by filling a tall glass or rocks glass with ice.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the Midori, vodka, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. If you want a slightly sweeter drink, you can add a bit more simple syrup.
Shake it up for about 15 seconds until it’s chilled.
Strain the mix into your prepared glass over ice.
Top with a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda, depending on how sweet you like your cocktail.
Garnish with a lime wheel, maraschino cherry, or even both!
Midori Sour Tasting Notes
This Midori Sour with vodka is seriously the best of both worlds. You get the fruity cocktail flavors from the Midori, balanced with the tanginess of the fresh citrus and a little sweetness from the syrup.
The vodka adds a stronger drink element without overwhelming the sour flavor. It’s the kind of drink that’s refreshing and crisp, perfect for sipping by the pool or at a barbecue.
Why You’ll Love It
What I love most about this drink is how easy it is to customize. If you’re into more sour cocktails, you can add more lemon and lime juice. If you prefer it sweeter, just add a little extra simple syrup.
This cocktail is super adaptable, and it’s a huge hit with my friends whenever I whip up a pitcher of Midori Sours for parties. Plus, it’s fun to serve a drink with that bright green color—people always ask me what’s in it!
Whether you’re making this for a night in or serving it up for a crowd, this Midori Sour recipe is bound to become one of your favorite drinks. Cheers!
How to Make the Best Midori Sour Cocktail with Vodka
Ingredients
- 1 oz Midori liqueur
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz lemon juice fresh is best
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Soda water or lemon-lime soda to top off
- Lime slices or maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass or rocks glass with ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Midori, vodka, lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into your glass over the ice.
- Top with a splash of soda water or lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with a lime slice or maraschino cherry.