Midori Liqueur
Midori is a 20% ABV (40 proof), 750mL melon liqueur from Suntory, flavoured with prized Yubari King melon and muskmelon. "Midori" is Japanese for green — the colour the liqueur is famous for, added to a melon spirit that distils near-clear. First released in Japan in 1964 as Hermes Melon Liqueur, it was renamed Midori for its 1978 US launch and has been the green bottle behind a generation of cocktails ever since. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 20% (40 proof) — US bottling
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Melon liqueur
- Flavouring: Yubari King melon and muskmelon
- Producer: Suntory
- Heritage: Released in Japan 1964; US launch 1978
Suntory's Green Icon, Launched at Studio 54
Midori's American debut is cocktail folklore: Suntory launched it in 1978 at Studio 54 in New York, at the Saturday Night Fever cast party, and the vivid green liqueur became a disco-era fixture that never really left the bar. Suntory adjusted the recipe in 2013, reducing the sugar and repackaging the bottle, so today's pour is a touch less sweet than the original disco serve. Find it among our liqueurs, browse the spirits range, or visit the Midori vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Bright, sweet ripe melon — honeydew and muskmelon. Palate: Sweet, concentrated muskmelon and honeydew, viscous and fruit-forward. Finish: Clean, with lingering sweet melon.
How to Enjoy
Shake it into a classic Midori Sour, build a Japanese Slipper with Cointreau and lemon, or splash it into highballs and spritzes anywhere a drink wants melon sweetness and unmistakable colour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What melon is Midori made from? Yubari King melon and muskmelon — premium Japanese melon varieties whose flavour defines the liqueur.
Why is Midori green? The melon spirit itself distils nearly clear; the famous emerald green is a colour added to match the name — "midori" means green in Japanese.
When did Midori launch? It first appeared in Japan in 1964 as Hermes Melon Liqueur, and launched in the US as Midori in 1978 at Studio 54.
Add the green icon to your bar — order Midori Liqueur online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.