Midori Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

I’ve always liked mixing up drinks that are simple but still feel a little unexpected. This one’s honestly become a go-to for me.

A Midori Apple Cider Cocktail brings together the crisp bite of apple cider and the sweet, almost candy-like flavor of Midori. It’s light, it’s pretty, and honestly, it’s just fun—nothing too fussy.

The first time I tried this combo, I was kind of surprised at how well it worked. There’s something about the cozy apple cider and that pop of melon from the Midori that just clicks.

It’s the sort of drink you could serve at a small get-together, or just make for yourself after a long day. I mean, why not?

If you’re after a cocktail that actually looks good in the glass and tastes even better, you might want to give this one a shot. I’ll walk through the basics: what you need, how to throw it together, and what you’ll get with every sip.

Midori Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

What I like most about this cocktail is how the bright melon from the Midori blends with crisp apple cider and a splash of citrus. It’s got that sweet-tart thing going on, and it’s quick to make—no need to overthink it.

Equipment

I keep things straightforward because cluttered counters drive me nuts. The cocktail shaker is really the only must-have since it chills everything fast.

A jigger comes in handy for measuring, so you don’t end up with a drink that’s off-balance.

• Cocktail shaker – for mixing and chilling
• Jigger – so your pour isn’t a total guess
• Strainer – keeps ice chunks out of your glass
• Bar spoon – sometimes you just want to stir
• Rocks glass or coupe glass – your call
• Citrus juicer – for squeezing fresh juice
• Ice cubes – enough to fill the shaker

Honestly, fresh juice and the right tools make a noticeable difference. The drink just tastes brighter and cleaner.

Ingredients

I stick to fresh, simple stuff so the flavors don’t get muddy. Midori gives you that sweet melon hit, and the apple cider brings in all the crispness.

Lime and lemon juice are there to cut through the sweetness and keep things lively.

• 2 oz Midori liqueur
• 3 oz apple cider (fresh pressed is best if you can get it)
• 0.5 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed, always)
• 0.25 oz lemon juice (also fresh)
• Ice cubes – for the shaker
• Apple slice or lime wheel – for garnish

Sometimes I tweak the lime and lemon juice, depending on how sweet the cider is that day. If it’s tart, I back off on the citrus. If it’s really sweet, I add a little more.

Instructions

I usually start by chilling my glass—either with some ice or just tossing it in the freezer for a bit. It keeps the drink cold, which is kind of the point.

Then I measure out each ingredient; I’ve learned the hard way that eyeballing it can go sideways.

• Fill your shaker with ice.
• Add 2 oz Midori, 3 oz apple cider, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.25 oz lemon juice.
• Pop the lid on and shake it hard for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled glass with fresh ice.
• Top it off with an apple slice or lime wheel.

I try not to shake too long—just enough to chill, not enough to water it down. The garnish isn’t just for show; it actually gives you a nice aroma as you sip.

Notes

The flavor really depends on which cider I end up using. Dry cider makes it lighter, while a sweet cider turns it richer and a bit heavier.

I lean toward crisp, less-sweet cider, but honestly, both versions are good.

If I’m out of lemon juice, I’ll just use lime, but the mix of both gives it more depth. And I’ll say it again—fresh juice is way better than anything from a bottle.

Sometimes I serve this in a coupe glass if I want to feel fancy. For a regular night, a rocks glass does the trick.

Tasting Notes

Taking that first sip, the bright green melon flavor from the Midori jumps out at me.

It’s sweet for sure, but not in that cloying way—just smooth and kind of cheerful.

Then there’s the apple cider, which brings this crisp, slightly tart snap.

Honestly, I love how it cuts through the sweetness and keeps things refreshing, not syrupy.

There’s also a gentle warmth from the cider’s spices.

It’s subtle, but it gives the drink a cozy vibe that almost makes me think of autumn afternoons.

The way these flavors mix? It’s clean, easy-drinking, not complicated at all.

Melon grabs your attention first, but the apple sort of lingers in the background.

And I can’t help but notice how good this drink looks.

That green from the Midori stays so bright, while the cider adds this mellow golden tint.

Texture-wise, it’s light, and if I go for sparkling cider, there’s a soft fizz that’s kind of fun.

If I skip the bubbles, it just comes across smooth and mellow.

• Flavor highlights: sweet melon, crisp apple, mild spice
• Mouthfeel: light, smooth, slightly fizzy if carbonated
• Finish: fresh, with apple notes lasting longer than melon