Here’s a unique liqueur that tastes as bright as a looks: Midori! This electric green liqueur was at its highest heights in the 1980’s, when neon drinks were the norm. But today it’s seeing a bit of a resurgence: and we think it’s worth adding to your collection. This melon-flavored liqueur tastes a bit like a watermelon Jolly Rancher, but if you use it correctly it can be seriously delicious. Here’s what to know!
What is Midori?
Midori is an electric green, honeydew melon-flavored Japanese liqueur. It was first released in 1964 with the name Hermes Melon Liqueur. When released in the US in 1978, the name changed to Midori, the Japanese word for green. Midori became popular in the 1980’s, where it was often paired with sour mix and vodka to make a sickly sweet party drink, the Midori Sour. It got a bit of a bad rap and fell out of a popularity. Today it’s had a bit of a resurgence in cocktails. Use it wisely and it adds a sweet honeydew melon flavor and lovely green color.
What does Midori taste like?
Midori liqueur is very sweet, with a candy-like honeydew melon flavor: think watermelon Jolly Rancher. It’s typically mixed into cocktails instead of drinking it straight. How much alcohol is in Midori? It is 21% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it has a relatively low alcohol content. Compare it to 40% ABV for spirits like whiskey, rum, vodka and gin. Are there any substitutes? Midori is a unique liqueur that’s worth seeking out. But in a pinch, you can substitute Bols green watermelon liqueur.
Why we like it
Midori has a deliciously candy-sweet flavor that makes a great cocktail when it’s paired with fresh citrus or other liquors. We love it in a modern Midori Sour. Confession: we weren’t of drinking age in the 1980’s, so we don’t have any of the retro baggage related to this ultra-popular liqueur. While it has since faded in popularity, we think it deserves a revival.
How much does it cost?
Compared to other liquors, Midori is mid-priced. It costs about $12 to $13 for a 375 ml bottle and about $18 to $23 for a 750 ml bottle.
Most popular Midori cocktails
Midori is usually used in cocktails, not consumed straight or as a shot. Here are the most popular Midori cocktails:
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