Midori Melon 1L

Midori Melon 1L is a melon-flavored liqueur produced by Suntory, bottled at 20% ABV (40 proof) in a 1-liter format. What distinguishes Midori from every other melon liqueur on the market is its use of two prized Japanese melon varieties — Yubari and musk melons — rare cultivars grown in a single region of Japan, where first-harvest specimens can command prices exceeding US $20,000. The expression holds an 89/100 rating on Wine-Searcher across three critic reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: 20%  |  Origin: Japan (melon sourcing) / Mexico (production)  |  Style: Melon Liqueur  |  Producer: Suntory

Production & Heritage

Midori was launched by Suntory in 1978 at the legendary Studio 54 opening party in New York, instantly becoming one of the most recognizable liqueurs in the world. The liquid begins with two distinct Japanese muskmelon varieties — Yubari and musk melons — each harvested at peak ripeness and juiced using two separate extraction methods to capture different dimensions of melon flavor. The resulting melon essences are blended with neutral grain spirit to produce Midori's signature bright green color and concentrated fruit character. Originally distilled in Japan, production shifted to Mexico in 1987, though Suntory continues to source its melons from Japan.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a bright, candy-like sweetness — ripe honeydew melon and green apple immediately present themselves. Deeper inhalation reveals softer notes of banana, tropical fruit, and a faint balsamic herbal quality.

Taste: On entry, a slightly viscous texture coats the palate with pure, sweet musk melon flavor. The mid-palate broadens into ripe honeydew, kiwi, and green grape, delivering a medium-to-full-bodied sweetness that stays squarely in the fruit register. At its peak, the candied melon intensity is unmistakable — this is a liqueur that never pretends to be subtle.

Finish: The finish is refreshing and palate-cleansing, with sweet melon pulp lingering well after the sip. A sugary tail keeps the flavor alive without turning cloying.

How to Drink Midori

Midori is almost exclusively a cocktail ingredient rather than a sipper — its 20% ABV and pronounced sweetness make it ideal as a modifier or base in mixed drinks. A splash of soda water over ice works for a simple serve, but Midori truly shines in these cocktails:

• Japanese Slipper: Equal parts Midori, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice — the cocktail that defined the brand in the 1980s and remains its signature serve.
• Midori Sour: Midori shaken with lemon juice and simple syrup, delivering a tart-sweet balance that showcases the melon flavor without overwhelming it.
• Melon Ball: Midori, vodka, and orange or pineapple juice — a straightforward highball where the melon flavor adds a tropical twist.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar for tropical and tiki-style cocktails
• Summer parties and outdoor entertaining where bright, fruit-forward drinks are in demand
• Bartenders building a professional cocktail program with classic liqueur staples
• Adding color and melon sweetness to punch bowls and batch cocktails

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Midori taste like? Midori tastes like concentrated ripe honeydew melon with supporting notes of kiwi, green apple, and green grape, delivered in a sweet, slightly syrupy texture at 20% ABV.

How does Midori compare to Bols Melon Liqueur? Bols Melon is one of the most common Midori substitutes, offering a similar bright green color and melon flavor at roughly half the price. Midori distinguishes itself through its use of authentic Japanese Yubari and musk melons, which give it a more nuanced, less artificial melon character than most competitors.

Is Midori good for cocktails? Midori is one of the most versatile melon liqueurs for cocktails, serving as the defining ingredient in classics like the Japanese Slipper, Midori Sour, and Melon Ball. Its balanced sweetness and vivid color make it a staple behind both home and professional bars.

Where is Midori made? Midori is produced by Suntory, the Japanese beverage conglomerate. While the melons are sourced from Japan, production of the liqueur itself has been based in Mexico since 1987.

What foods pair well with Midori? Fresh fruit platters with honeydew and cantaloupe echo the melon profile naturally. Light desserts like panna cotta or sorbet complement the sweetness without competing. Prosciutto-wrapped melon plays on the classic savory-sweet pairing. Mild, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or fresh mozzarella provide textural contrast. Asian-inspired appetizers with sweet chili glaze can bridge into the tropical fruit notes.

What sizes does Midori come in? Midori is commonly available in 750ml and 1L bottles, with some markets also carrying a 375ml half-bottle format.

Is Midori worth the price? Midori positions as a mid-range liqueur — more expensive than generic melon liqueurs like De Kuyper or Bols, but justified by its use of real Japanese melons and its status as the original and most recognized brand in the melon liqueur category.

Why Midori?

No other melon liqueur on the market uses two varieties of Japanese muskmelons sourced from a single growing region where individual fruits can sell for thousands of dollars. That sourcing gives Midori a depth of melon flavor that synthetic alternatives simply cannot replicate. Since its 1978 debut, the brand has defined the melon liqueur category — the Japanese Slipper and Midori Sour are named after it, not the other way around. With an 89/100 Wine-Searcher rating and near-universal recognition among bartenders worldwide, Midori remains the benchmark against which every green melon liqueur is measured.