Midori, the melon liqueur, was born in Japan but is now a favourite at pubs across the world. Dhiman Chattopadhyay imbibes some serious mixology-knowledge over a few cocktails
My first is called Newton’s Theory ( and no, gravity wasn't added to the glass), the second, a more curious and surprisingly smooth Dragon Puff. Finally though, I settle for Springtime Lolita. And each time I fall in love with the green she comes draped in.
Before the cops come calling, we are only talking about a sweet ( but low on sugar) liqueur called Midori — a green- eyed darling that is every party host’s dream. This exotic green- melony liqueur — born in Japan but now a popular cocktail accompaniment in 20 nations across the world — wins me over when I learn that it gels well with most liquors — from the snooty single malt or bourbon to the wacky gin or white rum and even the playful dark rum.
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That it sings a perfect duet with a dash of Triple Sec or Kiwi juice, is an added bonus.
Of course I am lucky, downright lucky in fact, since the man giving me a lecture- demonstration ( along with some fantastic cocktails to taste) is the global brand ambassador of Midori, the amiable Aussie Manuel Terron. Between shaking the shaker vigoriously and straining the cocktails into the correct glasses, he tells me that Midori tastes “ lovely with white rum” ( Midori Splice 2.0), “ awesome” with whiskey ( check out the recipe for Newton’s Theory below) and “ super” with dark rum ( try the Dragon Puff). A friend who is quietly sipping his Garden Delight next to me adds that his cocktail, made with gin, cucumber, Midori and rosemary, is pretty cool too.
I am impressed. Any liqueur that forms a happy partnership with such wildly different kinds of liquor is fit to take home.
Midori is available at most high- end wine stores to buy. And having just impressed a gang of seven pals with some “ awesome” and “ super” cocktails at home, I can vouch that this is not a stunt performed only by professionals. It’s perfectly safe to try this at home. Wait no more. Go green.
The cheat sheet
Here are four quick Midori cocktails to try at home
Garden Delight
Ingredients
30ml Midori
30ml gin
2 slices of cucumber
1 large sprig of rosemary
Method
Build into a tall glass over ice. Whip the sprig against the glass to release aroma before adding to glass. Top with tonic water.
Newton's Theory
Ingredients
1 small piece of ginger
30ml whiskey
30ml Midori
45ml apple juice
10ml lemon juice
Method
Muddle the ginger well then shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Springtime Lolita
Ingredients
2 slices of cucumber
30ml Midori
Method
Top it with Lemon Squash
Build into a rocks glass, stir and serve
Dragon Puff
Ingredients
30ml Midori
5ml Vanilla syrup
20ml Old Monk
60ml Orange juice
1 tbsp natural yogurt
Method
Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled highball glass. Top with chilled soda and garnish with an orange slice.
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