Midori Colada Cocktail Recipe: A Tropical Melon Piña Colada You’ll Crave All Summer

First off, thank you for being here! Whether you landed here because you’re craving a vacation in a glass, or you’re just on the hunt for a fresh spin on a classic tropical cocktail, I’m so glad you stopped by. Today’s recipe is one I’ve been itching to share: the Midori Colada cocktail recipe—a sweet, creamy, and wonderfully vibrant drink that’s as fun to look at as it is to sip.

It’s got all the vacation vibes of a traditional Piña Colada, but with a bold twist thanks to Midori, a bright green melon liqueur that’s pure magic in summer cocktails. Think pineapple, coconut, and melon—all blended into one icy, smooth drink that makes you feel like you’re on a beach somewhere, even if you’re just on your back porch.

What Is a Midori Colada Cocktail?

The Midori Colada is a tropical blended drink made with pineapple juice, coconut cream, white rum, and Midori—Japan’s iconic melon liqueur. It’s essentially a Piña Colada with a splash of green, both in color and flavor.

Where a classic Piña Colada is all about the creamy coconut and tart pineapple, the Midori Colada adds a sweet, fruity layer with its honeydew-like flavor. The result? A vibrant cocktail that feels a little extra special, a little unexpected, and absolutely summer-perfect.

Blended with ice until smooth and topped with a fruity garnish, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser for pool parties, beachside hangouts, or even a casual dinner on the deck.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about the Midori Colada. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

• It’s unique. The melon flavor from the Midori makes it stand out from traditional tropical drinks.
• It’s absolutely stunning. That soft green color looks like something out of a beach resort bar.
• It’s super creamy and smooth. Thanks to coconut cream and ice, it has that indulgent, milkshake-like texture.
• It’s refreshingly sweet without being overpowering. Just the right balance between fruitiness and smoothness.
• It’s flexible. You can easily make it more or less boozy, adjust sweetness, or swap ingredients based on what you have.

What Does It Taste Like?

The Midori Colada tastes like the tropics met a candy shop, and I mean that in the best possible way.

It’s sweet—but not cloying—with a smooth, mellow coconut flavor, bright pineapple acidity, and that distinctive melon note from the Midori. The white rum gives it that classic cocktail backbone, but doesn’t overpower the fruity flavors.

Imagine a honeydew melon milkshake with a splash of pineapple juice and a touch of coconut cream—then serve it icy cold. That’s the experience.

Health and Mood Benefits

While cocktails aren’t typically touted as health drinks, there’s something to be said for the joy of crafting and enjoying a beautiful beverage. This drink is:

• Dairy-free, thanks to coconut cream.
• Gluten-free, assuming your spirits are certified.
• Full of good vibes, which is honestly just as important some days.

Plus, sipping a Midori Colada has a vacation effect—even when you’re sipping it on a Tuesday evening after work.

Midori Colada Cocktail Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dreamy green cocktail to life:

• 2 ounces pineapple juice
• 2 ounces coconut cream
• 1.5 ounces Midori melon liqueur
• 1 ounce white rum
• 1 cup of ice
• Optional garnish: pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry

Ingredient Tips:

• Use a high-quality coconut cream (not to be confused with coconut milk or cream of coconut) for the richest texture.
• Fresh pineapple juice will always taste better than canned, but either works.
• For the Midori, stick with the original brand for that unmistakable melon flavor.
• Choose a white rum with a clean, light flavor so it doesn’t overpower the drink.

Tools You’ll Need

To make this drink effortlessly at home, gather the following tools:

• Blender (a high-speed blender works best for that silky-smooth texture)
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Sharp knife for garnish prep
• Cocktail or hurricane glass
• Optional: cocktail umbrellas, paper straws, skewers for garnishes

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

I promised you versatile, and here’s the proof:

• Rum Substitutions: Use coconut rum for an even more tropical flavor or skip the rum altogether for a lower-ABV version.
• No Midori? You can substitute with another melon liqueur, or a mix of honeydew juice and simple syrup in a pinch (though it won’t be as vibrant).
• Creamy Upgrades: Add a splash of vanilla almond milk or a frozen banana to give it smoothie vibes.
• Frozen Fruit Swaps: Instead of using ice, blend with frozen pineapple for a thicker, fruitier slushie consistency.
• Non-alcoholic Version: Use melon-flavored syrup, pineapple juice, and coconut cream with a bit of lemon-lime soda for fizz.

How to Make a Midori Colada Cocktail (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add the pineapple juice, coconut cream, Midori, white rum, and ice to your blender. Make sure the ice is at the bottom to avoid cavitation.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

Blend on high speed for 30 to 45 seconds, or until the mixture is creamy, thick, and well-combined. The consistency should be smooth but pourable—like a good frozen margarita.

Step 3: Pour Into Chilled Glass

Pour into a chilled hurricane or cocktail glass. Chilling your glass ahead of time helps the drink stay frosty longer.

Step 4: Garnish

Top with a pineapple wedge and a cherry. For bonus presentation points, thread them onto a skewer and add a little cocktail umbrella.

Step 5: Sip and Savor

Serve immediately and enjoy the vacation-in-a-glass moment.

What to Serve With a Midori Colada

Looking to make it part of a full tropical spread? Here are some great food pairings:

• Coconut shrimp with sweet chili dipping sauce
• Tropical fruit skewers with honey-lime drizzle
• Grilled mahi-mahi tacos
• Pineapple-glazed chicken skewers
• Mango and avocado salsa with tortilla chips

Or, just pour yourself another and call it dinner—we’ve all been there.

Cocktail Tips for Midori Colada Success

• Use crushed ice for quicker, smoother blending.
• Adjust sweetness by tweaking the amount of pineapple juice or coconut cream.
• Chill everything—from your glass to your ingredients—to keep things frosty and refreshing.
• Scale up easily—just multiply the ingredients in your blender to serve a crowd.

Storage Instructions

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to make it ahead of time:

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Re-blend or shake vigorously before serving.
• Avoid refrigerating, as the ice will melt and dilute the drink.

More Information About Midori

Midori, which literally means “green” in Japanese, was first introduced in 1978 and quickly gained popularity for its bright color and sweet, melon-forward flavor. Made with muskmelons from Japan and France, it’s now produced in Mexico but retains that distinctly Asian fruit profile.

With only 20% ABV, Midori is lower-proof than most spirits, making it a great way to add vibrant color and flavor without overpowering your cocktail.

It pairs beautifully with tropical and citrus flavors, which is why it works so well in this cocktail. You’ll also find it in drinks like the Japanese Slipper or the Melon Ball.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Yes! Simply replace the Midori with a melon-flavored syrup and skip the rum. Add a splash of soda or extra juice to balance the texture.

What’s the difference between coconut cream and cream of coconut?

Coconut cream is thick and unsweetened, while cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez) is sweetened and syrupy. Use coconut cream here to control sweetness, but if you only have cream of coconut, reduce or skip the pineapple juice to balance flavors.

Can I use frozen pineapple instead of juice and ice?

Absolutely. It creates a thicker, smoothie-like consistency and boosts the natural pineapple flavor. Just blend 1 cup of frozen pineapple chunks with the other ingredients.

Can I make a big batch ahead of time?

Yes! Multiply the ingredients for the number of servings you want and blend. Store in the freezer and stir or re-blend before serving.

Conclusion: A Fun, Fruity Twist Worth Savoring

The Midori Colada cocktail recipe is the kind of drink that brightens any gathering. It’s sweet, it’s tropical, it’s visually stunning, and it brings that little bit of playful charm that every good cocktail should.

Whether you’re throwing a backyard luau or just want to sip something special on a warm evening, this drink deserves a spot on your rotation.

And if you’re looking to build your tropical cocktail repertoire, don’t miss these other refreshing favorites:

• Beach Peach Lemonade Cocktail Recipe: A perfectly balanced sweet-and-tart sip with a summery peach twist.
• Pineapple Lime Crush Cocktail: Bold citrus meets juicy pineapple in this ultra-refreshing crowd-pleaser.
• Pineapple Tequila Cocktail Recipe: A zesty, tequila-forward take on tropical flavor—perfect for taco night!

Share Your Midori Colada Moments

I would love to see how your Midori Colada turns out! Tag me on Pinterest or leave a review below so others can enjoy your version. Whether it’s poolside with friends or just a midweek treat for yourself, this is one of those recipes meant to be shared and savored.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 260
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugars: 20g
• Fat: 7g
• Alcohol Content: Approx. 12% ABV

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