Midori was created by mixologists from Suntory, Japan. They took a bit of this, a drop of that, mixed it in an anticlockwise direction, and hey presto, the best thing since sliced bread! As you might have guessed, the precise recipe remains a secret to this day but if you ever find it out, can you let us know? All we know is that it tastes magic.
Midori was launched in America in 1978. It was a pretty cool launch, as it took place in New York's famous Studio 54 nightclub at the wrap party of Saturday Night Fever. The likes of John Travolta were seen sipping Studio 54 cocktails (Gin and Tonic with a splash of Midori) and strutting their stuff on the dance floor.
Midori took the US by storm as bartenders went mad for the green colour, the syrup-like texture and the fact that it is so versatile - it works pretty much with everything. Not that we like to brag, but Midori was the key ingredient in the cocktail 'Universe' that won first prize in the US Bartenders Guild cocktail competition a few months after it was launched. Pretty impressive, if we do say so ourselves. We are rather proud of the fact that Midori has gained an outstanding reputation amongst the world's leading bartenders and has won hundreds of cocktail competitions.
It wasn't until the 80s that we got Midori in the UK, but we are making up for lost time. Midori is most likely to be on a cocktail in your favourite bar, but many people are discovering that something as simple as a Midori and lemonade also tastes lush. Other favourites are Midori and cranberry juice and Midori and sparkling apple juice.
refreshingly different