If the only Midori drink you know is that classic sour, you are in for such a treat. I’ve gathered 13 simple, ridiculously good cocktails that show off just how fun and versatile this emerald green liqueur can be. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever met a Midori drink I didn’t absolutely love.
1. Melon Ball
If you love melons, especially honeydew, you’re going to go nuts for this refreshing cocktail because that’s exactly what it tastes like. It’s a simple three ingredient drink that combines Midori, vodka, and orange juice. I toss in several chunks of fresh honeydew for an extra burst of flavor and a bit of texture.
2. Midori Illusion
This vibrantly neon green drink looks stunning under the club lights and, happily, tastes just as electric as it looks. With only five ingredients (Midori, vodka, triple sec, pineapple juice, and lemon juice) it’s incredibly quick and straightforward. You’ll be sipping one in under two minutes.
3. Green Hawaiian Cocktail
The Green Hawaiian always makes me think of a pineapple. The tropical taste is part of it, but so is the look.
Down at the bottom it’s a pale, unripe green, then it lightens into a sunny yellow near the top. It honestly looks just like a pineapple that hasn’t finished ripening yet, in the most charming way.
4. Midori Colada
Think of the Midori Colada as a creamy, frosty piña colada built around melon liqueur. To be honest, the recipe is so different from a classic piña colada that the name kind of puzzles me. I think it sticks because they look similar and both feel so light and refreshing.
5. Red Lobster Dew Garita
The first time I tried a Dew Garita at Red Lobster, I honestly didn’t have high hopes. I’ve never been a huge Mountain Dew fan, and the thought of it in a margarita felt a little strange.
But then I took a sip and, surprise, I really liked it. Of course, I had to figure out how to make it at home and save myself a little money.
6. Green Demon
If I had to pick a single word for the Green Demon, it’s sour. But it’s sour in the very best way, the kind that wakes up your entire mouth.
Almost all of that bright flavor comes from lemonade and Midori working together. You’ll notice faint hints of vodka and white rum drifting underneath, but really it’s that sharp, citrusy punch that steals the show.
7. Mermaid Drink
This drink is proof that blue curacao’s electric blue can completely take over a glass, no matter what else you pour in. It swallows up Midori’s vivid green without leaving a trace. Somehow it’s still absolutely gorgeous, and the taste is terrific.
8. Grinch Sangria
I am completely smitten with this Grinch Sangria, from its cheerful green color to those adorable strawberry hearts perched on the rim. It’s playful, beautiful, and absolutely ideal for winter celebrations. Everything you want in a light, invigorating holiday drink is right here: Pinot Grigio, Midori, pineapple juice, Sprite, and a full two pounds of strawberries.
9. Key Lime Pie Margarita
Here’s another drink that feels right at home during the holidays. This Key Lime Pie Margarita is creamy, rich, and tangy, exactly like the dessert it’s named after. If you love thick, velvety cocktails, imagine spiked eggnog but with a majorly zesty citrus kick, and you’ll be a huge fan of this one too.
10. Midori Martini
This lovely golden martini brings together vodka, Midori, and either lemonade or fresh lemon juice with a little simple syrup. A single maraschino cherry adds the prettiest pop of contrasting color.
What I really love is how you can make it your own. If sweet is your style, go for lemonade and be a little generous with that simple syrup.
11. Shamrock Midori Martini
This cocktail also sports a green sugared rim, but its bright yellowish-green shade feels more like summer sun or St. Paddy’s Day fun than winter. You’ll make it with just Midori, orange juice, vodka, and ice.
12. Midori Sour
I’m starting with the Midori sour because it’s the one almost everybody recognizes. Sure, you could use a bottled sour mix and call it done, but this version made from scratch is so much brighter and fresher. You just need Midori, fresh lime and lemon juices, a splash of soda water, ice, and a handful of colorful fruit to dress it up.
13. Shamrock Punch
When you want something a little sweeter, the Shamrock Punch is calling your name. Its light yellowish-green color might remind you of a certain soda, but the flavor is way, way sweeter and so much more fun.
You can mix up a whole pitcher in about 5 minutes flat. Grab some seltzer, vodka, Midori, pineapple juice, a lemon, and a few maraschino cherries, and you’re all set.