Midori (liqueur)
Melon liquor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Midori (Japanese: ミドリ (緑); lit. 'green') is a sweet, bright green-colored liqueur made by Suntory, flavored with Yubari King and muskmelon.[citation needed]
 A pre-2013 bottle of Midori with holographic style label and clear glass | |
| Type | Liqueur |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Suntory |
| Origin | Japan |
| Introduced | 1964 |
| Alcohol by volume | 20–21% |
| Website | midori-world |
It is produced in Japan, the United States, Mexico, and France.[citation needed]
It was first released in 1964 under the name "Hermes Melon Liqueur", but changed its name to "Midori" in 1978. It was made exclusively in Japan until 1987.[clarification needed][citation needed]
Midori is typically 20–21% alcohol by volume.[citation needed]
As it is extremely sweet, Midori is not usually taken "straight"; it is generally used in a cocktail.[citation needed]
Cocktails including Midori
Some of the more popular cocktail concoctions that include Midori include:
- Japanese slipper — Midori, Cointreau, and lemon juice[citation needed]
- Scooby snack — Midori, heavy cream, banana liqueur, coconut rum, and pineapple juice, whipped cream topping, and (optional) Scooby Snack biscuit on top[1]
- Midori Sour — Midori, vodka, lemon juice, lime juice, and soda water[2]
History
In 1964, Suntory released "Hermes Melon Liqueur" in Japan.[3]
In 1978, it was renamed "Midori" for its release to the US market at Studio 54 in New York City, during a party held by the cast, crew, and producers of Saturday Night Fever (1977).[3]
By 1983, Midori was distributed in 20 countries.[3]
In 1987, Suntory began producing Midori in countries[which?] outside of Japan.[clarification needed][citation needed]
In 2013, following consumer research, Suntory reduced the sugar content and began producing Midori with a redesigned label and frosted glass bottle.[3]