What is Midori?

Midori is a sweet, neon-green liqueur that is easily distinguished from other liqueurs by its distinctive frosted bottle.

It is created by Suntory, with Yubari and muskmelon flavors, and is produced in Japan, the US, Mexico, and France. A popular liqueur with a melon flavor called Midori is created using brandy, sugar, and neutral grain spirit. Two different species of Japanese melons provide a mouthwateringly sweet flavor.

Midori may have the greatest opening night tale in the annals of alcohol. It turns out that John Travolta was among the first to try the Japanese melon liqueur, which was introduced in 1978 at the renowned Studio 54 in New York City during a cast celebration for “Saturday Night Fever.

Over time, though, sales of Midori declined as the late 2000s brought about a more sobering cocktail culture. It is still a common addition to many cocktails, though, and is frequently used to give beverages a sweet melon flavor.

What is Midori?

Midori is a Japanese melon-flavored liqueur that is instantly recognizable by its bright green color.

It was first launched in 1978 at Studio 54 in New York City during a cast party for “Saturday Night Fever.” The neon-green-hued liqueur in the frosted bottle was an instant hit and soon became a popular ingredient in cocktails.

The word “midori” means “green” in Japanese, which is an apt description of the liqueur’s vibrant color. The liqueur is made with neutral grain spirit, brandy, and sugar, and flavored with two types of Japanese melons – Yubari King Melon and Musk Melon. These melons give the liqueur its sweet and fruity taste.

Midori is produced by Suntory, a Japanese brewing and distilling company. It is a premium liqueur that is often used in cocktails, such as the Midori Sour, which is made with Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The liqueur can also be enjoyed on its own, served over ice or mixed with soda water.

The spirit has a relatively low alcohol content, with an ABV of around 20%. It is also gluten-free, making it a popular choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Midori is widely available at most liquor stores and can be purchased in various sizes, from miniature bottles to larger ones for parties and events.

In summary, Midori is a Japanese melon-flavored liqueur that is known for its bright green color and sweet taste. It is made with neutral grain spirit, brandy, and sugar, and flavored with two types of Japanese melons. Midori is widely available and can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in cocktails.

History of Midori

Midori is a sweet muskmelon-flavored liqueur that is instantly recognizable by its bright green bottle.

It was first released in 1964 by Japanese distiller Suntory under the name “Hermes Melon Liqueur.” The formula for Midori was created by a Japanese bartender named Minoru Yamazaki, who was inspired by the Yubari melon, a prized melon variety from the Hokkaido region of Japan.

In 1978, Midori was launched in the United States at Studio 54, a famous New York City discotheque, during a cast party for “Saturday Night Fever.” The opening night story of Midori is considered one of the best in the history of booze. John Travolta was one of the first people to sample the Japanese melon liqueur, and he reportedly loved it.

Midori’s popularity continued to grow throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but sales declined in the late 2000s as the cocktail culture shifted towards more austere drinks like gin and tonics and old fashioned. In response, Suntory revamped the brand and introduced new flavors like Midori Sour and Midori Illusion.

Today, Midori is manufactured in Japan, the United States, Mexico, and France. The name “Midori” means “green” in Japanese, and the bright green color of the liqueur is achieved through the addition of food coloring. Despite its sweet taste and neon color, Midori is a versatile liqueur that can be used in a wide range of cocktails, from fruity tropical drinks to classic martinis.

Midori Varieties

Midori is a Japanese melon liqueur that has been around since 1964. It is made by Suntory and is flavored with a blend of Yubari and muskmelon.

Over the years, Midori has become a popular ingredient in many cocktails, thanks to its sweet, fruity flavor and bright green color.

There are several varieties of Midori available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Here are some of the most popular Midori varieties:

• Midori Sour: This is a classic cocktail made with Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It has a sweet and sour flavor that is perfect for those who love fruity cocktails.
• Midori Illusion: This is a popular cocktail that is made with Midori, vodka, and pineapple juice. It has a sweet and tropical flavor that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
• Midori Margarita: This is a twist on the classic margarita that is made with Midori, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. It has a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for those who love margaritas but want something a little different.
• Midori Apple: This is a newer variety of Midori that is made with a blend of apple and melon flavors. It has a sweet and crisp flavor that is perfect for those who love fruity cocktails with a bit of a bite.
• Midori Melon: This is the original variety of Midori and is made with a blend of honeydew and muskmelon flavors. It has a sweet and refreshing flavor that is perfect for those who love fruity cocktails.

Overall, Midori is a versatile liqueur that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Whether you prefer sweet and fruity flavors or something a little more tangy, there is a Midori variety that is perfect for you.

Cocktails with Midori

Midori is a versatile liqueur that can be used to create a variety of cocktails.

Here are a few popular Midori cocktails:

Midori Sour

The Midori Sour is a sweet and sour cocktail that is perfect for those who love fruity drinks. To make a Midori Sour, combine 1 1/2 oz. of Midori with 3/4 oz. of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 oz. of simple syrup. Shake the mixture with ice and strain it into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and enjoy!

Japanese Slipper

The Japanese Slipper is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. To make a Japanese Slipper, combine 1 oz. of Midori with 1 oz. of Cointreau and 1 oz. of fresh lemon juice. Shake the mixture with ice and strain it into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!

Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea is a classic cocktail that has been around for decades. To make a Long Island Iced Tea with Midori, combine 1/2 oz. of Midori with 1/2 oz. of vodka, 1/2 oz. of gin, 1/2 oz. of white rum, 1/2 oz. of tequila, and 1 oz. of sour mix. Shake the mixture with ice and strain it into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of cola and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Tokyo Tea

The Tokyo Tea is a strong and delicious cocktail that is perfect for those who love a good buzz. To make a Tokyo Tea, combine 1/2 oz. of Midori with 1/2 oz. of vodka, 1/2 oz. of gin, 1/2 oz. of white rum, 1/2 oz. of tequila, and 1/2 oz. of triple sec.

Shake the mixture with ice and strain it into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of lemon-lime soda and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Overall, Midori is a great liqueur to use in cocktails. Its sweet and fruity flavor pairs well with a variety of spirits and mixers, making it a versatile ingredient in any home bar.

Mixing Midori with Other Spirits

Midori is a versatile liqueur that can be mixed with a variety of spirits to create unique and refreshing cocktails.

Whether you prefer gin, vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, or absinthe, there’s a Midori cocktail recipe out there for you.

Gin

When mixed with gin, Midori adds a sweet and fruity flavor to the classic botanical notes of the spirit. Try the Midori Collins, a refreshing cocktail made with gin, Midori, lemon juice, and club soda.

Vodka

Vodka and Midori are a match made in heaven. The sweet melon flavor of Midori complements the smooth and neutral taste of vodka. The Midori Sour is a popular cocktail that combines vodka, Midori, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Rum

Rum and Midori create a tropical flavor explosion. The Midori Splice is a creamy and refreshing cocktail made with rum, Midori, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. It’s like a vacation in a glass.

Tequila

Tequila and Midori might seem like an unlikely pairing, but they actually work surprisingly well together. The Midori Margarita is a sweet twist on the classic cocktail, made with tequila, Midori, lime juice, and triple sec.

Whiskey

Whiskey and Midori might not be the most obvious combination, but they can create some interesting flavor profiles. The Midori Manhattan is a fruity twist on the classic cocktail, made with whiskey, Midori, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

Absinthe

Absinthe and Midori might seem like an odd pairing, but they can create a unique and complex flavor. The Midori Absinthe Frappe is a refreshing and herbaceous cocktail made with absinthe, Midori, lemon juice, and club soda.

Overall, Midori is a versatile liqueur that can be mixed with a wide range of spirits to create unique and delicious cocktails.

Midori Infusions

Midori is a versatile liqueur that can be used in a variety of cocktails. It also lends itself well to infusions, allowing you to add a unique twist to your drinks.

Infusions are a great way to experiment with different flavors and create custom cocktails.

One popular infusion is Midori Pineapple. To make this infusion, simply add fresh pineapple chunks to a bottle of Midori and let it sit for a few days. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the melon flavor of the Midori, creating a delicious tropical taste. This infusion works well in Mai Tais, Pina Coladas, and other fruity cocktails.

Another great infusion is Midori Mint. To make this infusion, add fresh mint leaves to a bottle of Midori and let it sit for a few days. The mint flavor adds a refreshing twist to the sweet melon flavor of the liqueur. This infusion is perfect for mojitos, mint juleps, and other minty cocktails.

When making infusions, it’s important to use fresh ingredients and to let the mixture sit for a few days to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also experiment with other fruits and herbs to create your own unique infusions.

Overall, Midori infusions are a great way to add a personal touch to your cocktails and impress your guests with your mixology skills.