This Midori margarita is one of my favorites because it’s just the perfect balance of sweet melon flavor with tart citrus and some finishing salt. The green color makes it perfect for St Patrick’s, but you can enjoy it for Cinco de Mayo or in the summer while melons are freshest!
With just 4 ingredients (plus ice and garnishes) this easy Midori margarita is sure to be a new favorite, as long as you like melon that is!
This green liqueur adds a fresh melon flavor to the traditional margarita for a refreshing twist. Paired with the classic orange liqueur and lime juice to offset the sweetness, it makes for a well-balanced sip.
While the flavor of a Midori marg is great for summer during peak melon season, there are also lots of other times to try one. Since it’s green, it works for St Patrick’s Day, but it’s equally tasty for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Whether you serve it on the rocks or frozen and blended, it’s a delicious melon twist when you want to try something new!
Ingredients List
1 ½ ounces tequila (Silver or Blanco)
1 ½ ounces Midori melon liqueur
½ ounce triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
1 ounce fresh lime juice
Ice cubes
Optional Rim:
Lime wedge
Sea salt
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use another brand of melon liqueur instead of Midori if preferred, such as DeKuyper
While fresh lime juice is best, you can sub in prepared sour mix as well, or lemon juice works too!
For a sweeter drink, add up to ½ ounce of simple syrup or a sweet fruit juice like pineapple that compliments the flavors well
I do not recommend reducing the amount of Midori, as you need this much to get a prominent melon flavor. I tested and tweaked and landed on this amount as the right balance, which is not overly sweet but still melon-y. If you want it more tart, add extra lime juice instead!
Garnishes are optional, but could include a lime wedge or some fresh melon balls
Step By Step Instructions
(Optional) To rim your glass, rub a wedge of lime around the outside of the glass to wet it. Then, dip the wet edge into a shallow bowl or plate with sea salt, and turn until the salt coats the edge
Add the tequila, Midori, lime juice, and triple sec to a cocktail shaker along with a few ice cubes
Shake for 20-30 seconds, until well chilled and slightly frothy, then strain into your prepared margarita glass filled with ice
Garnish with a slice of lime if desired, and enjoy!
Frozen Margarita Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender along with about 1 cup of ice
Blend until a slushy consistency is achieved and enjoy your frozen Midori margarita
A Midori margarita is a tequila-based cocktail made with Midori melon liqueur, Blanco or Silver tequila, lime juice, and sometimes triple sec or orange liqueur.
It’s known for its bright green color and sweet and sour fruity flavor profile.
How Do I Make a Midori Margarita?
To make a Midori margarita, combine Midori melon liqueur, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge or melon ball, if desired.
What Does Midori Liqueur Taste Like?
Midori liqueur has a sweet and fruity flavor with prominent notes similar to honeydew melon.
It adds a refreshing and slightly tropical taste to cocktails, making it a popular choice for summertime drinks.
Can I Customize the Midori Margarita Recipe?
Yes, the Midori margarita can be customized to suit your preferences. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less Midori or triple sec, or using simple syrup or fruit juice.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of tequila or add additional flavors like pineapple or coconut for a twist.
What Variations of the Midori Margarita Can I Try?
There are several variations of the Midori margarita that you can try. For example, you can make a frozen Midori margarita by blending the ingredients with ice, or you can add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Get creative and experiment to find your favorite version.
Is the Midori Margarita Gluten Free?
The Midori margarita is considered gluten free since none of the ingredients naturally contain gluten.
However, it’s important to still check the labels of individual products to ensure they meet your dietary restrictions, since cross contamination may occur in production.
Can I Make a Mocktail Version of the Midori Margarita?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic mocktail version of the Midori margarita by omitting the alcohol. Use a melon-flavored juice or soda for the base, and replace the triple sec with orange juice or a non-alcoholic triple sec syrup.
Instead of tequila, use apple juice or lemonade, and consider sweetening with agave nectar to add some tequila-like notes.
What Foods Pair Well with a Midori Margarita?
The sweet and fruity flavors of the Midori margarita pair well with a variety of dishes, including spicy Mexican cuisine, grilled seafood, fresh salads, and tropical fruit desserts.
It’s ideal served with fare for Cinco de Mayo, as well as backyard barbecues in the summertime.
Recipe Pro Tips
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or any other similar lidded container.
To make melon balls for an optional garnish, you can use a melon baller (if you have one). I use a ½ tsp measuring spoon since I don’t have a baller specifically!
Feel free to freeze your melon balls in advance and use them in place of some or all the ice in your margarita glasses. It adds flavor and reduces dilution (plus tequila soaked melon is delicious)!
Storage and Serving Tips
Glassware. Margarita glasses are the most common for serving. However, you can also use martini glasses, mason jars, or stemless wine glasses!
Feel free to mix your margaritas ahead of time, up to 24 hours in advance. Scale as desired, stir in a pitcher, and store covered in the refrigerator. Rim glasses and fill with ice before pouring and serving!
This Midori margarita is such a fun, fruity twist on a classic tequila-based cocktail. Sweet melon flavor compliments the sour lime juice and salted rim for a drink you’re sure to love!
While it’s an awesome flavor combination for summer when melons are perfectly in season, the green color of this cocktail makes it suitable for St Patrick’s Day too. Plus, you can’t forget Cinco de Mayo, since the flavors pair well with Mexican foods too!
No matter when you shake one up, this melon margarita is refreshing, and easy to make with just 4 ingredients and less than 5 minutes to be ready to enjoy!
Easy Midori Melon Margarita Recipe
This Midori margarita features a refreshing twist of melon flavor in a classic tequila-based cocktail. It’s perfect for summer, Cinco de Mayo, and more!
(Optional) To rim your glass, rub a wedge of lime around the outside of the glass to wet it. Then, dip the wet edge into a shallow bowl or plate with sea salt, and turn until the salt coats the edge
1 wedge lime, 1 Tbsp sea salt
Add the tequila, Midori, lime juice, and triple sec to a cocktail shaker along with a few ice cubes
1 ½ ounces tequila, 1 ½ ounces Midori, ½ ounce triple sec, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, Ice cubes
Shake for 20-30 seconds, until well chilled and slightly frothy, then strain into your prepared margarita glass filled with ice
Garnish with a slice of lime if desired, and enjoy!
Frozen Margarita Alternate Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender along with about 1 cup of ice
Blend until a slushy consistency is achieved and enjoy your frozen Midori margarita!
Notes
You can use another brand of melon liqueur instead of Midori if preferred, such as DeKuyper
While fresh lime juice is best, you can sub in prepared sour mix as well, or lemon juice works too!
For a sweeter drink, add up to ½ ounce of simple syrup or a sweet fruit juice like pineapple that compliments the flavors well
I do not recommend reducing the amount of Midori, as you need this much to get a prominent melon flavor. I tested and tweaked and landed on this amount as the right balance, which is not overly sweet but still melon-y. If you want it more tart, add extra lime juice instead!
Garnishes are optional, but could include a lime wedge or some fresh melon balls
To make melon balls for an optional garnish, you can use a melon baller (if you have one). I use a ½ tsp measuring spoon since I don’t have a baller specifically!
Feel free to freeze your melon balls in advance and use them in place of some or all the ice in your margarita glasses. It adds flavor and reduces dilution
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
