Midori Christmas Sour Cocktail Recipe

I love mixing up cocktails that feel special for the holidays. This one totally does the trick.

The Midori Christmas Sour takes a classic sour idea and gives it a pop of bright green, plus that refreshing, almost playful taste. It’s a drink that just fits right in on any holiday cocktail menu, honestly.

When I serve this, it always gets attention. It looks so cheerful and the taste is nicely balanced.

The sweet melon from Midori and the tart citrus just work together. It’s fun, easy to drink, and feels right at home at a party—or even if you’re just hanging out at home.

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and what you’ll need. There’s also a quick rundown of the steps, and I’ve included some tasting notes so you know what to expect.

Midori Christmas Sour Cocktail Recipe

I like this one because the color is so striking and the sour edge keeps it from being too sweet. The combo of melon liqueur, citrus, and a little sweetness keeps it light and not too heavy.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker with a tight lid for a good chill
• Jigger or any measuring tool you’ve got
• Strainer to keep the ice out when you pour
• Martini glass for a fancy look, or a rocks glass if you want it over ice
• Bar spoon in case you need to stir
• Citrus juicer for getting that fresh juice
• Ice—can’t really skip that

Honestly, having the right tools just makes things easier. A shaker helps mix everything evenly, and a strainer keeps your drink looking sharp.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Midori liqueur (that’s the melon stuff)
• 1 oz vodka for a little extra kick
• 1 oz fresh lime juice or lemon juice—your call
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (add more or less, depending on your sweet tooth)
• 1 oz sour mix if you want a sharper bite
• Splash of lemon-lime soda or soda water for some fizz
• Ice for shaking
• Maraschino cherry for the garnish

I always go for fresh juice over bottled—makes a big difference. The soda gives it a bit of sparkle, and the cherry just looks festive.

Instructions

• Fill your shaker with ice
• Pour in the Midori, vodka, lime or lemon juice, and simple syrup
• Add sour mix if you want it extra tart
• Shake it up for about 15 seconds, just until it’s cold
• Strain into a martini glass for a sleeker look, or a rocks glass with ice if you’re feeling casual
• Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda or soda water
• Drop in a maraschino cherry for the final touch

I try to shake long enough to get it cold, but not so much that it gets watered down. Straining keeps things nice and smooth, and the cherry on top just makes me happy.

Notes

Fresh citrus really makes this cocktail shine. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same punch.

If you’re into sweeter drinks, add a bit more simple syrup. Want it more tart? Cut back on the syrup and add extra lime juice.

Sometimes I swap soda water for lemon-lime soda if I’m not in the mood for too much sweetness. Using a rocks glass with ice helps if you like to sip slowly.

That bright green from the Midori is perfect for Christmas. The melon and citrus flavors kind of dance together, making it super easy to drink.

Tasting Notes

So, when I take my first sip, that bright melon flavor from the Midori jumps out at me. It’s sweet, sure, but somehow not heavy at all.

There’s this citrusy kick that keeps things lively, giving it a light tart edge I really like. The cocktail just feels smooth and honestly, kind of refreshing.

Lemon juice slices right through the sweetness, which is nice, and the sugar softens things so it never gets too sharp. I can definitely taste a gentle warmth from the alcohol content.

But you know what? It never overpowers the drink. The whole mix just makes it easy to enjoy, and I never feel like it’s too strong or anything.

The color is a whole thing on its own. That green shade looks so festive in the glass—kind of sets the mood if you’re having it for the holidays.

I find the texture crisp, super clean. The ice keeps everything chilled, and after a good shake, every sip feels balanced.