This fun melon ball drop cocktail is one of my favorite ways to ring in the new year! It’s a sweet mixed drink with melon and citrus flavors that you could really enjoy year round. However the melon balls are perfect to commemorate the “ball drop” on New Year’s Eve!
What is the Midori Melon Ball Drop Cocktail?
The Midori melon ball drop cocktail is a vibrant, fruity drink typically served during New Year’s Eve celebrations, which is a nice alternative or addition to the incredibly popular offering of champagne.
This melon ball cocktail recipe features the bright green melon-flavored liqueur, Midori, and includes vodka, orange juice, and lemon juice to balance things out. You could also add sparkling wine or champagne for a festive twist!
Its name is a playful nod to the famous “ball drop” at Times Square, making it a popular choice for ringing in the new year. However, you can also enjoy this Midori cocktail for other occasions like St Patricks Day since it’s green, or during the summer when honeydew melons are fresh!
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Ingredients Needed
- 2 ounces Midori melon liqueur
- 1 ounce citron (citrus) vodka
- 1 ounce orange juice
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3 melon balls (from a honeydew melon)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use another brand of melon liqueur instead of Midori if preferred
- Instead of citron vodka, you can also use plain vodka and add ¾ ounce of lemon juice instead
- The orange juice can be swapped for elderflower liqueur to create a different, more floral flavor profile, but that will also make the drink stronger (you could also add it in addition to the juice)
How to Make Melon Balls
The easiest way to make melon balls is by using a melon baller! Typically a melon baller has two different size ends, and I use the larger one for this cocktail (but you can choose based on your preference). Here is how to use it:
- Cut your melon in half and scoop out the seeds
- Sink one edge of the melon baller into the melon, then press down and turn the edge all the way around to create a sphere (it’s not a perfect sphere; you’ll have a flat edge from the cut side of the melon)
- Keep practicing! After a few you’ll get the hang of it (my first ones were ugly, but still delicious at least)!
How to Make Melon Balls Without a Scooper
If you don’t have a melon baller, you can still create small, round pieces of melon with other tools. Use a metal measuring spoon (teaspoon size usually) to scoop the melon flesh, twisting gently to form a ball-like shape.
A sharp knife can also work—cut the melon into small cubes and gently round the edges by trimming them into a spherical shape. While they may not be perfectly uniform, these methods still yield attractive results for garnishing or snacking!
Can You Use an Ice Cream Scoop as a Melon Baller?
Yes, an ice cream scoop can be used as a melon baller, especially for larger melon balls. Choose a small ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop for better control and a size closer to a standard melon baller.
The technique is similar—press the scoop into the melon and twist to create a round shape. While the balls will be bigger than with a traditional melon baller, they still work well for desserts, cocktails, or fruit salads!
How to Make A Melon Ball Cocktail
- Add vodka, Midori, lemon juice, and orange juice to a cocktail shaker (or similar) with ice
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, 20-30 seconds, then strain into your glass
- Garnish with a toothpick or cocktail skewer of melon balls. Enjoy!
- Midori Sour
What to Serve With a Melon Ball Cocktail
Appetizers
- Fruit Skewers: Include melons like cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon, paired with grapes, pineapple, or strawberries
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: The salty, savory prosciutto balances the sweetness of the cocktail. If you don’t like prosciutto, my Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Melon is the perfect alternative!
- Shrimp Cocktail: The zesty, citrusy cocktail sauce mirrors the fresh notes of the drink. Try my Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail for a homemade version!
- Caprese Salad Bites: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a savory contrast
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: Lightly seasoned poultry or seafood keeps the meal fresh and light
- Sushi or Sashimi: The clean flavors of sushi complement the fruity, tropical notes of the cocktail
- Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish with fresh vegetables enhances the vibrant flavors of the drink
Desserts
- Melon Sorbet: Echoes the flavors of the cocktail for a cohesive pairing
- Citrus Tart: Lemon or lime tarts add a zesty complement to the drink’s sweetness!
- Light Cheesecake: A creamy dessert balances the cocktail’s fruity and tangy notes (plus bite sized mini cheesecakes are great for New Year’s too)!
Recipe FAQs
What Kind of Alcohol Is Midori?
Midori is a melon-flavored liqueur made from muskmelons, which gives it a sweet, fruity taste and its signature bright green color. It is relatively low in alcohol content, around 20 percent ABV, making it an ideal mixed drink ingredient.
Produced in Japan, it’s known for its versatility in creating colorful, refreshing drinks. Midori is best paired with citrus or neutral spirits like vodka to balance its sweetness.
What Is the Difference Between a Midori Sour and Melon Ball Drop?
The Midori sour and the melon ball drop are both cocktails featuring Midori but differ in flavor and presentation. A Midori sour is tart, thanks to the combination of Midori, sour mix, and sometimes lemon-lime soda, focusing on a tangy, sweet-sour flavor profile.
In contrast, the melon ball drop is brighter and generally sweeter, including Midori, vodka, orange juice, lemon juice, and the option of champagne, which emphasizes the fruity and sparkling elements for a celebratory drink.
What Type of Vodka Should I Use?
For a melon ball drop cocktail, use a smooth, neutral or citrus vodka to complement the sweetness of Midori and the freshness of the orange juice.
A mid-range, clean-tasting vodka like Tito’s, Absolut, or Ketel One works well without overpowering the other ingredients. If you prefer a twist, try flavored vodkas, such as citrus or vanilla, for added complexity.
Can I Make a Large Batch of Melon Ball Drop Cocktails for a Party?
Yes, the melon ball drop is easy to scale up for a crowd. Combine the Midori, vodka, lemon juice, and orange juice in a large pitcher or punch bowl. You can mix it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
Float the melon balls in the punch bowl, or add them to skewers in a separate bowl for adding to individual glasses if desired.
Recipe Tips For the Best Melon Ball Cocktail
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or something similar with a lid to shake your drink!
- Feel free to freeze your melon balls in advance which will help keep your drink colder without diluting it (especially in a punch bowl)!
- This cocktail is on the stronger side due to the balance of liquor and mixers. For a weaker drink, reduce the vodka, or add more orange juice to dilute
Melon Ball Drop Presentation Tips
- Glassware. You can serve this drink in many different glasses! A martini glass, coupe, or stemless wine glass are all great choices, but any similar glass is fine. If you want to top your drink with champagne, use a champagne flute
- For an extra sweet option, you can add a sugar rim to your chosen glass with a little lemon juice and granulated sugar
Final Thoughts
This fun melon ball drop cocktail is the perfect way to ring in the new year! It’s just the right mix of sweet and tart, with a melon ball accent that pays homage to the iconic ball drop on New Year’s Eve.
The vibrant green color makes it a fun mixed drink to enjoy, and the flavor is perfect for melon lovers! You could also serve it for St Patrick’s Day due to the color, or anytime during the summer for a refreshing sip when the melons are at their peak.
So, if you’re looking for something new to try for your New Year’s Eve party this year, try the fresh melon flavors and touch of sweetness in this festive melon ball cocktail recipe!
Melon Ball Drop Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Coupe glass (or similar)
- Melon baller (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Midori melon liqueur
- 1 ounce citron vodka
- 1 ounce orange juice
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3 melon balls (honeydew)
Instructions
- Add vodka, Midori, lemon juice, and orange juice to a cocktail shaker (or similar) with ice2 ounces Midori melon liqueur, 1 ounce citron vodka, 1 ounce orange juice, ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, 20-30 seconds, then strain into your glass
- Garnish with a toothpick or cocktail skewer of melon balls. Enjoy!3 melon balls
Notes
- You can use another brand of melon liqueur instead of Midori if preferred
- Instead of citron vodka, you can also use plain vodka and add ¾ ounce of lemon juice instead of ½
- The orange juice can be swapped for elderflower liqueur to create a different, more floral flavor profile, but that will also make the drink stronger (you could also add it in addition to the juice)
- This cocktail is on the stronger side due to the balance of liquor and mixers. For a weaker drink, reduce the vodka, or add more orange juice to dilute
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
