Midori Melon Margarita

If you’re a fellow margarita aficionado, you should also check out my other margarita-inspired recipes like Strawberry Limoncello Margarita, Blackberry Basil Margarita, or my Grilled Margarita Wings. 

Or, if you’re just a fan of Midori, check out this Midori Sour and Midori Wine Spritz.

Why This Recipe Works

• Unique flavor: This margarita combines the classic tangy flavor of a margarita with the sweetness of melon liqueur, resulting in a unique and delicious taste that is unlike any other cocktail.

• Refreshing: This cocktail is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something refreshing and light to cool you down. The combination of citrus and melon makes it a great option for sipping by the pool or enjoying on a patio.

• Easy to make: This recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it a great option for those who want to try something new but don’t want to spend a lot of time or effort on preparation. With just a few ingredients and a shaker, you can have a delicious Midori Margarita in minutes.

What is Midori Liqueur?

Midori is a bright green-colored liqueur that is flavored with melon. It has a sweet and fruity taste with a distinct melon flavor and aroma.

The liqueur is made using Japanese muskmelons which are known for their sweetness and juicy texture. Midori was first created in Japan in 1964 and is now a popular ingredient in cocktails around the world.

It’s often used to add a fruity twist to classic cocktails, such as margaritas or daiquiris, and is also enjoyed on its own as a dessert liqueur.

Ingredient Notes

• Blanco tequila provides the cocktail with its classic tangy flavor and a slight hint of earthiness. Blanco or silver tequila is the preferred type of tequila to use in a Midori Margarita as it has a smooth and clean flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine through. 

• Midori gives the cocktail its unique and distinctive melon flavor. The sweetness of the liqueur also helps to balance the tartness of the lime juice, resulting in a refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Midori is very sweet on its own, but if you want it sweeter, you can add a touch of simple syrup. 

• Lime juice gives a bright and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the Midori liqueur. Fresh lime juice always tastes better in a cocktail than bottled juice. 

• Tajin is a popular Mexican seasoning blend that is often used to rim the glass of a margarita. The combination of salt, chili, and lime in Tajin provides a flavorful contrast to the sweetness of the cocktail, creating a delicious balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavors. You can find it on Amazon. You can use plain salt too, if you prefer. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the tequila to an empty cocktail shaker. 

Step 2: Add the Midori liqueur.

Step 3: Add the lime juice.

Step 4: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake the cocktail shaker until well chilled.

Step 5: Run a lime slice around the rim of the margarita glass and roll in tajin. 

Step 6: Strain the cocktail shaker into the margarita glass and garnish with a lime wheel, if desired.

Top Tip

To get the most juice out of your limes, roll them on a hard surface before juicing to help break down the fibers and release more juice. 

FAQ

Can you drink Midori straight?

While you technically can drink Midori melon liqueur straight, it is generally not recommended as it is quite sweet and can be cloying on its own.

Midori is typically used as an ingredient in cocktails where its sweetness can be balanced with other flavors, such as citrus or herbal notes from spirits like gin or vodka. However, some people may enjoy sipping Midori as a dessert liqueur.

Can you make a big batch of Midori Margaritas?

Yes, you can definitely make a batch of Midori margaritas for a group of people. Simply, mix the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Measurements for big batch are in the recipe notes below. 

Fun idea: You can batch this cocktail as to use in IV Blood Bag Margaritas. You can call them “Alien Blood Margaritas”.

Can I make a batch of Midori Margaritas in advance?

Yes, you can make a batch of Midori Margaritas in advance, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure the best possible outcome:

• If you plan to make a batch of margaritas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, it’s important to account for dilution. To avoid this, you can mix all of the ingredients except for the ice and chill the mixture in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, add the ice to the pitcher or glasses and stir well.
• For best possible taste, Midori Margaritas should be made up to 1 day in advance. If you make it too far advance, the quality of the margarita can suffer.