Midori Melon 750ML is a vivid green melon liqueur bottled at 20% ABV (40 proof) and made from prized Japanese muskmelons. Launched by Suntory in 1978, Midori gained immediate fame when it starred in "The Universe," the cocktail that took first prize at the U.S. Bartenders' Guild Annual Competition that same year — cementing its place as the definitive melon liqueur in the global bar canon.Quick Facts: ABV: 20% | Origin: Mexico (Japanese muskmelons) | Style: Melon Liqueur | Producer: SuntoryProduction & HeritageSuntory, founded in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, developed Midori using muskmelons sourced from the Yubari region of Hokkaido and other select Japanese growing areas. Yubari melons are among the rarest and most expensive fruits in the world, with first-harvest specimens fetching prices as high as $20,000 at auction. The melons undergo controlled fermentation and distillation, followed by a proprietary infusion process that captures the fruit's concentrated sweetness and aromatic intensity. Originally produced exclusively in Japan from 1978 to 1987, production relocated to Mexico, though the melon sourcing remains tied to Japan. The name "Midori" is simply the Japanese word for green.Tasting NotesAroma: An unmistakable burst of candied honeydew melon leads, followed by ripe cantaloupe, green apple skin, and a faint banana sweetness. The nose is perfumed and inviting, leaning into sugary fruit territory without harsh alcohol presence.Taste: The entry is immediately sweet and syrupy, with concentrated ripe honeydew dominating the palate. At mid-palate, layers of kiwi and green grape emerge alongside candied banana, creating a lush, fruit-forward profile. The sweetness is bold but not cloying, carried by a smooth, medium-weight texture.Finish: Medium in length, the finish stays candy-sweet with persistent melon flavor that gradually fades into a subtle green apple aftertaste. Clean and refreshing, with no bitterness or harshness lingering.How to Drink MidoriMidori is built for mixing — its vivid color, pronounced sweetness, and low ABV make it one of the most versatile liqueurs behind the bar. While it can be sipped chilled as a dessert pour, it truly shines in cocktails. Japanese Slipper: The modern classic (Midori, Cointreau, lemon juice) that balances melon sweetness against bright citrus acidity. Midori Sour: A straightforward crowd-pleaser that lets the honeydew character stand front and center with lemon juice and a splash of soda. Melon Ball: Combined with vodka and pineapple juice, this easy-drinking cocktail amplifies tropical fruit notes and works well as a punch base. Best For Building a home cocktail bar with essential liqueurs Hosting summer or tropical-themed gatherings Introducing new drinkers to cocktail culture with approachable, fruit-forward recipes Adding color and melon flavor to dessert pairings or brunch drinks Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Midori taste like? Midori tastes like intensely sweet, ripe honeydew melon with supporting notes of kiwi, green grape, and candied banana. The texture is syrupy and smooth, finishing clean with a lingering green apple aftertaste.How does Midori compare to Bols Melon Liqueur? Both share a bright green color and melon flavor profile, but Midori uses high-quality Japanese Yubari muskmelons, resulting in a more nuanced and authentic melon character. Bols Melon tends to be less expensive and slightly more artificial in flavor, making it a common substitute in well cocktails.Is Midori good for cocktails? Midori is primarily designed as a mixing liqueur, and its 20% ABV, vivid color, and concentrated melon sweetness make it one of the most popular cocktail ingredients in its category. It anchors classics like the Japanese Slipper and Midori Sour.Where is Midori made? Midori is produced in Mexico under the direction of Suntory, the Japanese spirits company that originally launched it in 1978. The muskmelons used in production are sourced from the Yubari region of Hokkaido and other growing areas in Japan.What foods pair well with Midori? Fresh fruit platters — especially honeydew and cantaloupe — naturally echo its flavor. Light sponge cake or pavlova topped with kiwi complements its sweetness. Coconut-based desserts like panna cotta create a tropical pairing. Mild soft cheeses such as mascarpone provide textural contrast, and white chocolate truffles match its candy-like character.What sizes does Midori come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format. A 1L size is also commonly found in many markets.Is Midori worth the price? Midori positions as a mid-range liqueur that justifies its price through its use of genuine Japanese muskmelons and its status as the original and best-known melon liqueur worldwide. A single bottle yields dozens of cocktails, making it a cost-effective addition to any bar.Why Midori?No other melon liqueur traces its flavor back to Yubari muskmelons — a fruit so prized in Japan that it commands auction prices rivaling fine wine. That sourcing distinction gives Midori a depth and authenticity that generic melon liqueurs simply cannot replicate. Since its 1978 debut at Studio 54, where Suntory hosted its iconic launch party, the brand has remained the benchmark against which every melon liqueur is measured. With recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine & Spirit Competition, Midori continues to earn its place as the essential bottle for anyone serious about building a complete cocktail collection.
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