Midori is a vibrant, honeydew melon liqueur that brings both color and sweetness to drinks. Because it is naturally quite sweet, the key to a balanced cocktail is pairing it with fresh citrus or crisp, effervescent mixers. Here are a few simple and reliable drinks you can easily assemble tonight with basic pantry ingredients:
1. Fresh Midori Sour
This is the quintessential Midori cocktail. In a shaker filled with ice, combine 1.5 ounces of Midori, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 0.5 ounces of fresh lime juice, and a light splash of simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter. Shake well, strain into a glass with fresh ice, and top with a splash of club soda or lemon-lime soda.
2. The Melon Ball
If you have standard spirits and fruit juice, this is a very popular and refreshing option. Fill a tall glass with ice, add 1.5 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of Midori, and top with 3 to 4 ounces of pineapple juice (orange juice also works well in a pinch). Give it a gentle stir to combine.
3. The Japanese Slipper
If you happen to keep an orange liqueur at home, this classic equal-parts cocktail is bright and balanced. Combine 1 ounce of Midori, 1 ounce of triple sec or Cointreau, and 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about twenty seconds and strain into a chilled glass.
4. Midori Highball
For the quickest possible serve with no special bar tools, fill a glass with ice, pour in 1.5 ounces of Midori, and top with 4 to 5 ounces of tonic water, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda. Squeeze a wedge of fresh lime over the top to balance out the sweetness.
I hope this gives you some good options for your dinner tonight. Please feel free to ask if you want recipe adjustments based on what you currently have in your kitchen.
