Equipment
- Collins Glass
- Basic Bar
Ingredients
- 1 oz Melon Liqueur
- 1 oz Coconut Rum
- top with Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz Cream
Instructions
Build Ingredients:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour in the melon liqueur and coconut rum.
- Top with pineapple juice, leaving a little space at the top.
Float Cream:
- Gently float the cream on top of the drink.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical escape.
Video
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This cocktail emerged from the vibrant, sweet-leaning drink culture of the 1980s and 90s, likely finding its footing in Australian beach bars and resort towns. It embodies the era's preference for brightly colored, fruit-forward drinks that were easy to mix and even easier to drink. It is a product of a time when fun trumped complexity.
The Midori Splice takes its name directly from the popular ice cream treat, the "Splice," known for its fruit ice shell and creamy vanilla center. While not directly a "cream" drink, it evokes that same sweet, fruity, and slightly indulgent profile. It belongs to the broader family of tropical highball cocktails, distinct for its reliance on melon liqueur and a specific coconut-pineapple synergy.
You would order a Midori Splice at a casual pub, a beachside resort bar, or serve it at any backyard barbecue or pool party. It is built for occasions where the vibe is relaxed, the sun is out, and sophisticated palates are taking a night off in favor of pure, unadulterated sweetness.
What it tastes like
The Midori Splice Cocktail is a full-on tropical fruit bomb. You get the distinct sweet, honeydew melon notes from the Midori, which are immediately complemented by the creamy, sweet coconut rum. This is all brightened by the tangy, juicy pineapple, with a subtle hint of lime cutting through the sweetness, preventing it from becoming cloying. It is sweet, but balanced enough to remain refreshing.
Based on a typical recipe using 1.5 oz Midori (21% ABV), 1 oz coconut rum (21% ABV), 2 oz pineapple juice, and 0.5 oz lime juice, the drink comes in at around 10 to 11% ABV. This puts it at roughly double the alcohol content of an average 5% ABV beer, so treat it with the same respect you would two beers.
The technique
Building a Midori Splice is straightforward. Combine 1.5 oz Midori, 1 oz coconut rum, 2 oz pineapple juice, and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice into a shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
The one technique tip that matters most for this cocktail is using fresh lime juice. While the drink is inherently sweet, a squeeze of fresh lime juice provides the necessary acidity to balance the melon, coconut, and pineapple, preventing it from tasting syrupy and making it genuinely refreshing. Do not skip it.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Midori Melon Liqueur
- Use
- Suntory Midori. It is the original and the standard for a reason. Its vibrant green color and distinct honeydew flavor are what define this drink.
- Skip
- Any generic green melon liqueur. They often lack the specific flavor profile and vibrant color that Midori brings to the table.
- Why
- Midori is the namesake and primary flavor driver. Without it, you are not making a Midori Splice. Its unique taste and color are load-bearing.
Coconut Rum
- Use
- Malibu or Koko Kanu. These brands offer the sweet, slightly creamy, and distinctly tropical coconut flavor that pairs perfectly with the melon and pineapple.
- Skip
- Plain white rum and coconut syrup. The flavor profile will be different, and you will miss the specific rum notes. Avoid overly dry or spiced coconut rums.
- Why
- Coconut rum provides a crucial layer of tropical sweetness and a slight creamy texture that rounds out the drink, making it feel more indulgent and "splice-like."
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Frozen Splice
- A frosty, blended version for ultimate refreshment.
- Combine all ingredients with a cup of ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a hurricane glass for a slushy treat.
Creamy Splice
- Adding a touch of richness and a more literal nod to the ice cream.
- Add 0.5 oz of coconut cream or a splash of heavy cream to the shaker before mixing. This gives the drink a smoother, more dessert-like quality.
Spicy Splice
- A subtle kick to an otherwise sweet profile.
- Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients and ice. This introduces a gentle heat that contrasts nicely with the tropical sweetness.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a mix of green melon syrup and a neutral spirit like vodka, but know the flavor will not be identical.
Use plain white rum and a dash of coconut water or a small amount of coconut cream for the flavor.
Orange juice can work in a pinch for a different but still fruity profile, or mango nectar for a richer tropical flavor.
A pint glass or even a large rocks glass will do the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Midori Splice Cocktail?
A Midori Splice Cocktail typically contains Midori melon liqueur, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and sometimes a splash of lime juice.
Is the Midori Splice Cocktail very sweet?
Yes, it is known for its sweet, tropical fruit flavor profile, combining melon, coconut, and pineapple.
What does a Midori Splice Cocktail taste like?
It tastes like a sweet, juicy blend of honeydew melon, creamy coconut, and tangy pineapple, often compared to the popular Splice ice cream.
Is the Midori Splice Cocktail strong?
It is a moderately strong cocktail, usually around 10 to 11% ABV, which is roughly equivalent to two standard beers.
What kind of rum is best for a Midori Splice Cocktail?
Coconut rum, such as Malibu, is traditionally used to provide the signature creamy coconut flavor.
Can I make a Midori Splice Cocktail without alcohol?
Yes, you can make a virgin version using green melon syrup, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
What is the best garnish for a Midori Splice Cocktail?
A pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry are classic garnishes that enhance its tropical appeal.
Is the Midori Splice Cocktail a popular drink?
Yes, it is a popular choice, particularly in casual settings and during warmer weather, due to its appealing flavor and vibrant color.
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