Midori is a sweet, bright green-coloured, muskmelon-flavored liqueur made by Suntory. It is manufactured in Japan, the United States, Mexico, and France. It was first released in 1964 under the name “Hermes Melon Liqueur”, but changed its name to “Midori” in 1978. It was made exclusively in Japan until 1987.
History
Midori® Melon Liqueur was inspired by a Japanese visionary. Shinjiro Torii, founder of Suntory, had a lifetime dream to create a colorful Western liqueur.
1964
Hermes Melon Liqueur is brought to market in Japan.
1971
IBA Cocktail Championship in Tokyo — U.S. delegates rave about Hermes Melon Liqueur.
1978
Due to strong interest from top U.S. bartenders, Midori® Melon Liqueur is consumer-tested and launched in NYC (at this time, no such fruity liqueur exists in the USA). The same year that it is released, Midori® Melon Liqueur is the main ingredient highlighted in “The Universe,” a cocktail that wins first prize in the United States Bartenders’ Guild annual competition.
Today
Since its release, Midori® Melon Liqueur continues to gain an outstanding reputation worldwide for its high quality and versatility.
