Crafting the Best Midori Sour Cocktail Recipe: A Modern Twist

The Midori Sour is instantly recognizable by its electric green hue and sweet, melon-forward profile. Born in the disco era, launching at Studio 54 in 1978 this cocktail became an icon of the 1980s. 

However, for decades, it suffered from a reputation of being overly saccharine, often bogged down by artificial "sour mix."

The modern craft cocktail movement has reclaimed the Midori Sour. By swapping pre-made mixes for fresh citrus and adjusting the ratios, this drink transforms into a balanced, refreshing, and sophisticated cocktail. 

What Defines a Midori Sour?

At its core, a Midori Sour blends Midori (a Japanese muskmelon liqueur manufactured by Suntory) with sour elements to cut through the sweetness.

Midori itself is 20% ABV (alcohol by volume) and tastes of yubari and musk melon. It is vibrant, sweet, and viscous. To make it a "sour," it is traditionally paired with vodka (to bump up the proof without altering flavor) and citrus juice.

While the vintage version relied on lemon-lime soda or bottled sour mix, the superior modern recipe relies on fresh lemon and lime juice, often utilizing egg white (or aquafaba) for a silky texture.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pour

To craft the best version of this drink, ingredient quality is paramount.

• Midori Melon Liqueur: There is no true generic substitute that captures the exact shade and flavor profile.
• Vodka: A neutral grain vodka is best. It provides structure without clashing with the melon.
• Fresh Citrus: A blend of fresh lemon and fresh lime juice is essential. Bottled juice will make the drink taste medicinal.
• Egg White (Optional but Recommended): This creates a velvety mouthfeel and a beautiful white foam layer that contrasts with the green liquid.
• Garnish: A Maraschino cherry or a lemon wheel.

The Ultimate Midori Sour Cocktail Recipe

This recipe balances the sugar of the liqueur with the sharp acidity of fresh fruit.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainers (Hawthorne and fine mesh)
• Coupe or rocks glass
• Jigger

Ingredients List

• Midori: 1.5 oz (45 ml)
• Vodka: 1 oz (30 ml)
• Fresh Lime Juice: 0.5 oz (15 ml)
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 0.5 oz (15 ml)
• Egg White: 0.5 oz (approx. half an egg white) or 1 oz Aquafaba
• Garnish: Lemon wheel

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Pour the Midori, vodka, lemon juice, lime juice, and egg white into your cocktail shaker. Do not add ice yet.
2. Dry Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for 15–20 seconds. This "dry shake" emulsifies the egg white, creating the signature foam.
3. Wet Shake: Open the shaker, fill it 3/4 full with ice, and seal it again. Shake hard for another 15 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
4. Double Strain: Pour the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh sieve into a chilled coupe or rocks glass (filled with fresh ice if preferred). The double strain catches ice shards and citrus pulp, ensuring a smooth texture.
5. Garnish: Place a lemon wheel or cherry on top of the foam.

Nutritional and Cost Analysis (2026 Projections)

Understanding what is in your glass is as important as how it tastes. Below is a breakdown of cost and nutrition.

Estimated Cost Per Drink (Home vs. Bar)

Note: Prices reflect estimated 2026 market rates for premium spirits and fresh produce.

Component	Home Bar Cost (Est.)	Craft Cocktail Bar Price (Est.)	Notes
Midori Liqueur	$2.50	N/A	Based on $32/750ml bottle
Premium Vodka	$1.50	N/A	Based on $28/750ml bottle
Fresh Citrus	$0.60	N/A	Price fluctuates by season
Total per Drink	$4.60	$16.00 - $22.00	Save ~75% making it at home

Nutritional Profile (Per 8 oz Serving)

Midori is a liqueur, meaning it has a high sugar content compared to base spirits like whiskey or gin.

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~260 kcal	Higher than a standard gin & tonic (~150 kcal)
Carbohydrates	28g	Almost entirely from sugar
Protein	2g	From the egg white (trace amounts otherwise)
Fat	0g	--
Caffeine	0 mg	This is a caffeine-free beverage

Taste Profiles and Serving Variations

The Midori Sour is versatile. Depending on your preference for sweetness or strength, you can adjust the preparation style.

Style	Ingredients	Taste Profile	Best For...
Modern Craft (Recommended)	Midori, Vodka, Fresh Lemon/Lime, Egg White	Balanced, tart, creamy texture, complex.	Dinner parties, craft cocktail enthusiasts.
Disco Era (Vintage)	Midori, Sour Mix, Sprite/Soda	Very sweet, candy-like, thinner texture.	Those with a sweet tooth or high-volume parties.
Low-ABV Spritz	Midori, Fresh Lime, Soda Water	Light, effervescent, subtle melon flavor.	Brunch, daytime drinking, calorie-conscious.
Tokyo Tea	Midori, Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, Triple Sec	Potent, boozy, similar to a Long Island Iced Tea.	Late-night occasions, high alcohol tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the alcohol content (ABV) of a Midori Sour?

Midori is 20% ABV and Vodka is typically 40% ABV. When diluted with ice and juice, a standard Midori Sour sits between 11% and 13% ABV. This makes it roughly equivalent to a glass of wine, stronger than a beer, but weaker than a Martini.

Can I make a batch of Midori Sours ahead of time?

You can batch the spirits and juices (Midori, Vodka, Citrus) in a pitcher. Keep it refrigerated. Do not add the egg white or ice until you are ready to serve. Shake individual servings to ensure the texture is correct.

Does this drink contain dairy?

No. Despite the creamy texture (if using egg white) and the name "sour" occasionally confusing people with "cream," there is no milk or dairy in a standard Midori Sour cocktail recipe.

Final Thoughts

The Midori Sour has graduated from the neon lights of the disco era to the refined menus of modern mixology. By ditching the artificial mixers and embracing fresh ingredients, you create a cocktail that is visually stunning and delicious.

Whether you are looking for a low-ABV spritz for a warm afternoon or a velvety, foam-topped sour for a dinner party, mastering this recipe adds a versatile and fun tool to your home bartending arsenal.