The Midori Sour symbolizes the 1970s, featuring a key ingredient introduced to the U.S. market in 1978 by Suntory, renowned for its esteemed whiskeys and beers.
Its American debut occurred at Studio 54, the infamous New York nightclub, perfectly reflecting the liqueur’s flashy nature.
Although it thrived during the heyday of sweet cocktails in the 1980s and ’90s, Midori lost popularity with the rise of craft cocktails. However, it has experienced a resurgence as bartenders explore innovative ways to utilize its unique flavor and color.
With limited substitutes available, Midori remains the top choice for occasions requiring a vivid green drink or a melon-flavored cocktail, showcasing its enduring versatility.
Midori Sour Cocktail Ingredients
- Midori (30 ml / 1 oz): The star ingredient, Midori is a sweet, vibrant green melon liqueur that gives the cocktail its distinctive color and flavor.
- Vodka (30 ml / 1 oz): Adds a clean, crisp alcohol base that complements the sweetness of the Midori without overpowering it.
- Lemon Juice (15 ml / 0.5 oz): Freshly squeezed lemon juice introduces a tartness that balances the sweetness of the Midori.
- Lime Juice (15 ml / 0.5 oz): Like lemon juice, fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness, enhancing the cocktail’s refreshing quality.
- Club Soda: A splash of club soda brings a subtle effervescence that lightens the drink, making it even more refreshing.
- Garnish: Lemon Wheel: A lemon wheel not only adds a pop of color but also hints at the citrusy flavors within the drink.
Midori Sour Cocktail Recipe
- Preparation: Begin by filling a glass (generally a Collins glass, but choose what appeals to you, as long as it can hold th ingredients) with ice, creating a cold base for your cocktail.
- Combine Ingredients: Add 1 oz of Midori, 1 oz (30 ml) of vodka, 1/2 oz (15 ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/2 oz (15 ml) of lime juice directly into the glass over the ice.
- Stir: Use a bar spoon to stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring that the ingredients are well combined and the drink is chilled.
- Top with Soda: Gently top off the drink with a splash of club soda, adding a fizzy texture that makes the cocktail even more enjoyable.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing the glass with a lemon wheel, adding a touch of elegance and a hint of extra citrus flavor.
The Midori Sour Cocktail
The Midori Sour is a cocktail that truly stands out, not just for its alluring color but for its exquisite blend of flavors.
The sweetness of the Midori, combined with the sharpness of the citrus juices and the carbonation of the soda, creates a multi-layered drinking experience that’s both satisfying and exhilarating.
Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or simply looking for a new cocktail to try, the Midori Sour is a fantastic choice that promises to delight and refresh.
What is Midori?
Midori derives its flavor from Japanese muskmelons and the yubari fruit, akin to cantaloupe, which are infused into neutral grain spirits. These melon essences are blended with brandy and sugar before being enhanced with food coloring to achieve its iconic green appearance.
Midori finds application in numerous cocktails recipes, with the Midori Sour being its claim to fame. However, early renditions of this cocktail often masked Midori’s melon essence with sour mix rich in corn syrup, reminiscent of the era’s Margaritas made with artificial mixers rather than fresh ingredients.
This classic version of the Midori Sour recipe, featuring freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices and topped with soda water, brings the cocktail into the modern era, offering a refreshing and flavorful experience.
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