Melon Ball

What else do you do with Midori besides a Kyoto Cocktail? Make a Mellon Ball!

This is a less adventurous and very fruity vodka drink that just tastes so good and tropical that, even if you don't like it, you have to admit is pretty good.

• 2 oz. vodka
• 2 oz. Midori
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• slice of honeydew melon

Combine all liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass full of ice. Garnish with melon slice.

Kyoto Cocktail

Midori is the Japanese word for green. The melon liqueur was launched by Suntory in the late 70s. This cocktail was one of the first to appear using Midori.

While Midori is becoming less popular in the U.S. with all the natural ingredients getting attention at bars, a bright green drink is still popular in Japan where you might say people drink more with their eyes. An attractive color in Japanese society is very important. And just look at how that cocktail glows!

Sunset Hills gin has a great citrus balance to it, which does much to keep this cocktail tasting more natural, as does fresh honeydew melon.

• 2 oz. gin (Sunset Hills used)
• 1 oz. Midori
• 1/2 oz. dry vermouth
• 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
• green melon pieces (optional)

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktial glass. Garnish with melon pieces.