Midori Melon 375ML is a Japanese melon liqueur produced by Suntory, bottled at 20% ABV (40 proof) in a convenient half-bottle format. Scored 89 points by Wine Enthusiast, Midori stands as the original premium melon liqueur — the green bottle that launched an entire category when it debuted in 1978 at New York's Studio 54. Quick Facts: ABV: 20% | Origin: Japan | Style: Melon Liqueur | Producer: Suntory Production & Heritage Suntory, the storied Japanese spirits house founded in 1899, produces Midori using a proprietary dual-extraction process. The liqueur draws its character from two distinct melon sources: prized Yubari muskmelons from Hokkaido, Japan — a variety so revered that first-harvest specimens have sold at auction for as much as $20,000 — and select cantaloupes from Central America. Each melon type undergoes a separate production method to capture its unique flavor profile before the extracts are blended, yielding a complexity that single-source melon liqueurs cannot replicate. Tasting Notes Aroma: Fresh honeydew melon leads the nose, followed by white flowers, green apple, and a gentle, inviting sweetness. The fragrance is clean and aromatic without any cloying artificial edge. Taste: The entry is smooth and velvety, with rich muskmelon flavor hitting immediately. At mid-palate, honeydew sweetness expands alongside subtle cantaloupe depth. The sweetness stays balanced, never crossing into syrupy territory, with a crisp green-fruit brightness holding the profile together. Finish: Medium-long and refreshingly clean, with lingering melon and a light floral note. The refined smoothness fades gracefully, leaving a fresh, fruit-forward impression. How to Drink Midori Midori is primarily a mixing liqueur, though it can be enjoyed chilled on its own or over crushed ice as a light after-dinner pour. Its 20% ABV and natural melon sweetness make it one of the most versatile back-bar ingredients in any home cocktail setup. Japanese Slipper: Equal parts Midori, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice — the cocktail that best showcases the liqueur's clean melon character. Midori Sour: Midori shaken with lemon juice and simple syrup for a bright, approachable crowd-pleaser with vivid green color. Melon Ball: Midori combined with vodka and pineapple juice, delivering tropical sweetness balanced by the muskmelon backbone. Best For Building a versatile home cocktail bar Summer parties and poolside entertaining Introducing friends to Japanese spirits culture beyond whisky and sake Adding a premium melon component to tiki and tropical drinks Frequently Asked Questions What does Midori taste like? Midori delivers a smooth, true-to-fruit honeydew and muskmelon flavor with balanced sweetness, accented by white floral and green apple notes. It finishes clean and refreshing without artificial heaviness. How does Midori compare to DeKuyper Melon Liqueur? Midori uses a dual-extraction process with Japanese Yubari muskmelons and Central American cantaloupes, producing a more layered melon flavor, while DeKuyper Melon relies on a simpler formulation at a lower price point. Most bartenders consider Midori the premium benchmark in the melon liqueur category, with DeKuyper serving as a serviceable well alternative. Is Midori good for cocktails? Midori is purpose-built for cocktails and is the defining ingredient in classics like the Japanese Slipper, Midori Sour, and Melon Ball. Its moderate 20% ABV and natural sweetness allow it to blend seamlessly without overpowering other ingredients. Where is Midori made? Midori is produced in Japan by Suntory, the renowned spirits company headquartered in Osaka. The liqueur sources its signature Yubari muskmelons from Hokkaido and supplements them with cantaloupes grown in Central America. What foods pair well with Midori? Fresh fruit platters, especially honeydew and cantaloupe, amplify Midori's melon character. Light Japanese desserts such as mochi complement its clean sweetness. Prosciutto-wrapped melon mirrors the sweet-savory contrast. Vanilla panna cotta or crème brûlée provides a creamy counterpoint, while mild soft cheeses like mascarpone balance the liqueur's fruit-forward intensity. What sizes does Midori come in? Midori is commonly available in 375ml and 750ml bottles, with the 375ml half-bottle ideal for occasional use or trying the liqueur before committing to a full-size bottle. Is Midori worth the price? Midori positions as the premium option in the melon liqueur category, and its use of high-quality Japanese muskmelons and dual-extraction process justify its place above budget competitors like DeKuyper and Bols. For anyone serious about cocktail quality, the difference in flavor depth is noticeable. Why Midori? Midori is not simply a melon liqueur — it is the melon liqueur, the product that defined the category in 1978 when the cocktail "The Universe," built around Midori, won first prize at the U.S. Bartenders' Guild Annual Competition. No other melon liqueur on the market uses rare Yubari muskmelons processed through a proprietary dual-extraction method alongside Central American cantaloupes. That layered sourcing translates directly into a rounder, more authentic melon flavor that bartenders worldwide have trusted for over four decades. With an 89-point score from Wine Enthusiast reinforcing its quality credentials, Midori remains the undisputed standard-bearer in its class.
