The Midori Sour is the only Sour that tastes of summer meadows – not of a citrus grove. The melon liqueur brings a creamy sweetness that perfectly balances the sharp acid kick of the lemon juice. Important: The liqueur is neither Rum nor Whisky, but a neutral fruit liqueur based on honeydew melons. This makes it lighter than other Sours, but no less intense. A drink that starts playing in your mind after just two sips: deck chair, pool, 30 degrees in the shade.
And this is what you need for the Midori Sour
5 cl Melonenlikör
2.5 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cl freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cl 1:1 sugar syrup
1 egg white (optional, for foam crown)
The key to success
The trick lies in the *dry* shake: If you shake the egg white without ice, it develops its full binding power. The result is a stable, silky foam crown that doesn’t dissolve into foamy streaks after two minutes. If you don’t want to use egg, you can use 1 cl aquafaba (chickpea water) – it works almost as well, but tastes more neutral. Important: The melon liqueur is not a substitute for a base spirit, but an independent flavor carrier. It doesn’t go with Whisky or Rum, but needs the clear acidity of lemon and lime to shine.
Variations
- Midori Fizz — Replace the sugar syrup with 3 cl soda water and build the drink directly in the glass. Add ice cubes, pour over melon liqueur and juices, stir briefly, then top up with soda. Garnish: lemon slice instead of cherry. Tastes like an alcoholic melon iced tea – perfect for hot days.
- Midori Sour with Peach — Add 2 cl peach liqueur and reduce the sugar syrup to 0.5 cl. The peach gives the drink a velvety depth without overpowering the melon note. Garnish: peach slice on the rim of the glass. Pairs well with Asian dishes or as a dessert drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the melon liqueur with something else?
Theoretically yes, but then it’s no longer a Midori Sour. The liqueur has a unique, almost artificially sweet taste that cannot be replicated 1:1. If you want to experiment, you can mix 4 cl white Rum with 1 cl melon syrup – but the result is far less complex.
Why does my Midori Sour taste watery?
Either you used too much ice or left the drink in the shaker for too long. The melon liqueur quickly loses its intensity if overly diluted. Shake it only until the metal is cold – no longer. And: Use fresh ice that hasn’t already melted in the bucket.
Do I really need two citrus juices?
Yes. The lemon juice provides the main acidity, while the lime adds a slightly bitter note that balances the liqueur. If you use only one juice, the drink will taste either too sour or too sweet. The combination is the secret.
