Midori is a well-known bright green, melon-flavored Japanese liqueur, but sometimes you need an alternative. Whether you ran out at a party or just want to try something different, there are several easy substitutes that keep your cocktails vibrant and flavorful.
Here are four Midori substitutes you can usually find at grocery or liquor stores.
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4 Easy Substitutes for Midori
Below are four accessible alternatives to Midori, each with distinct characteristics suitable for different cocktails and tastes.
1 – Green Chartreuse
Green Chartreuse is an herbal, complex liqueur produced by Carthusian monks in France. With a high ABV (around 55%), it’s far stronger than Midori and brings pronounced herbal and spicy notes, including hints of anise and mint. Use Green Chartreuse when you want a bold, aromatic twist in cocktails—just reduce other strong flavors or adjust portions to balance the higher alcohol and herbal intensity.
2 – Melon Schnapps
Melon schnapps is a sweeter, fruit-forward option typically made from a neutral spirit with added melon flavoring. At about 20% ABV, it’s milder than Chartreuse and closer to Midori’s emphasis on sweetness. Its bright, sugary melon character and vivid green color make it a straightforward swap in casual cocktails where you want the melon taste without herbal complexity.
3 – Melon Liqueur
Melon liqueur, often crafted using cantaloupe or honeydew essences, is smooth and easy on the palate. With an ABV around 20%, it’s ideal for lighter mixed drinks. Its sweet melon profile and nearly identical bright green hue make it one of the closest visual and flavor substitutes for Midori, especially in cocktails that rely on that melon-forward sweetness.
4 – Kiwi Liqueur
Kiwi liqueur offers a tropical, slightly tart fruitiness derived from kiwi concentrates or purees. Typically around 20% ABV, it provides a refreshing alternative that retains the vivid green appearance many cocktails seek. Kiwi liqueur is slightly more tart than Midori’s pure melon sweetness, so it works well when you want a bright, zesty edge in place of the milder melon flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—you can, but note that Green Chartreuse is much stronger and more herbal than Midori. Reduce the quantity or balance it with other ingredients to avoid overpowering the drink.
Melon schnapps offers similar fruity sweetness and a bright green look, though it lacks Midori’s subtle melon complexity and typically leans sweeter and simpler.
Yes. Melon liqueur closely matches Midori’s flavor profile and appearance, making it an excellent replacement in most fruity cocktails.
Kiwi liqueur can work as a substitute if you don’t mind a slightly tangier, tropical note. It maintains the bright color and adds a refreshing twist.