The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions
Buy Now →The Melon Colada is a creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy tropical cocktail that puts a refreshing twist on the classic piña colada. With white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Midori melon liqueur, this vibrant green drink is perfect for summer parties, beach vacations, or poolside relaxation. It’s smooth, luscious, and full of tropical flavor, making it a must-try cocktail for any warm-weather occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 oz White Rum (smooth and slightly sweet)
- 1 oz Coconut Cream (rich and creamy, e.g., Coco López)
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice (adds tropical sweetness and tang)
- ½ oz Lime Juice (freshly squeezed, for a zesty balance)
- ½ oz Midori (melon liqueur, for a fruity twist and vibrant green hue)
- Ice Cubes (for a frosty texture)
- Pineapple Slice & Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Blend the Cocktail
- In a blender, combine:
✅ 2 oz white rum
✅ 1 oz coconut cream
✅ 1 oz pineapple juice
✅ ½ oz lime juice
✅ ½ oz Midori - Add a handful of ice cubes and blend until smooth and frosty.
2. Serve
- Pour the blended mixture into a chilled glass (hurricane glass or coupe).
3. Garnish
- Add a pineapple slice and cherry on the rim for a festive tropical touch.
- Enhance the presentation with a colorful straw or mini umbrella.
4. Enjoy!
- Sip and savor the creamy, fruity, and refreshing flavors of the Melon Colada!
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best bright, zesty flavor.
- For a richer texture, add extra coconut cream.
- Blend longer for a smoother consistency, or add more ice for a thicker frozen version.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the Midori slightly and add more lime juice.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Melon Colada
Use Fresh Lime Juice – Bottled lime juice can be too tart or artificial. Freshly squeezed lime enhances the cocktail’s brightness.
Chill Your Glass – A pre-chilled hurricane glass or coupe keeps your drink frosty longer.
Blend Well for a Smooth Texture – Blend for at least 20-30 seconds to ensure the coconut cream, rum, and juices are fully mixed.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste – If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a dash of simple syrup or extra Midori. For a tangier twist, add more lime juice.
Add More Ice for a Thicker Drink – If you like a frozen, slushy consistency, blend with extra ice.
Experiment with Garnishes – Try toasted coconut flakes, a lime wheel, or even a melon ball skewer for a unique tropical presentation.
Make It a Big-Batch Cocktail – Multiply the ingredients and blend in a large pitcher for easy party serving.
Try a Rum Float – Pour a small amount of dark rum on top for an extra depth of flavor.
By following these tips, your Melon Colada will be the ultimate tropical cocktail for summer parties, beach vacations, or just a relaxing sip by the pool!
Conservation and Storage
The Melon Colada is best served fresh, as its creamy texture and vibrant flavors are at their peak right after blending. However, if you need to prepare parts of it in advance, here’s how to store it properly:
Short-Term Storage (Up to 24 Hours)
Pre-Mix the Liquid Ingredients – Combine white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Midori in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, blend with ice for a fresh taste.
Chill Your Glassware – Keeping your serving glasses in the fridge or freezer helps maintain the drink’s frosty texture.
Store Garnishes Separately – Keep pineapple slices and cherries refrigerated in a sealed container until ready to serve.
What NOT to Do
Do Not Store a Fully Blended Drink – The texture will separate, and the ice will melt, making it watery.
Avoid Freezing – Coconut cream may change consistency, affecting the drink’s smoothness.
Refreshing a Stored Mix
- If the pre-mixed liquid has separated, shake or stir well before blending with ice.
- Add a small splash of coconut milk if the flavors taste too concentrated after storage.
Substitutions and Variations
Frozen Version: Add extra ice and blend until slushy for an icy treat.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili powder or a splash of ginger liqueur for a spicy kick.
Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the rum and Midori, and use melon syrup and coconut milk for a kid-friendly mocktail.
Tropical Float: Top with a splash of sparkling water or ginger ale for a fizzy finish.
Storage Instructions
The Melon Colada is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it for later, follow these tips:
Short-Term Storage (Up to 24 Hours)
Pre-Mix the Liquid Ingredients – Combine white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Midori and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, blend with ice for a fresh, frosty texture.
Keep Glasses Chilled – Store serving glasses in the fridge or freezer to keep the drink colder for longer.
Store Garnishes Separately – Keep pineapple slices and cherries refrigerated in a sealed container until serving.
What NOT to Do
Do Not Store a Fully Blended Drink – Once blended with ice, the texture will separate, and the drink will become watery.
Avoid Freezing – Freezing can alter the consistency of the coconut cream and affect the smoothness of the cocktail.
How to Refresh a Stored Mix
- Shake or stir the pre-mixed liquid ingredients before blending with ice.
- If the flavors taste too concentrated after storage, add a small splash of coconut milk or pineapple juice to balance it out.
Melon Colada Party Pairings & Food Suggestions
Want to elevate your Melon Colada experience? Pair this tropical, creamy cocktail with the perfect appetizers, main dishes, and desserts to create a complete island-inspired menu!
Appetizers & Small Bites
- Coconut Shrimp – The crispy, slightly sweet coconut coating complements the creamy coconut in the drink.
- Mango Salsa & Tortilla Chips – A refreshing, zesty pairing that enhances the fruity flavors of Midori and pineapple juice.
- Pineapple & Prosciutto Skewers – A mix of sweet, salty, and tropical flavors.
Main Course Pairings
- Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Pineapple Salsa – Light, flaky fish pairs beautifully with tropical notes.
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken – A smoky, sweet, and tangy dish that enhances the coconut and melon flavors in the drink.
- Coconut Rice & Jerk Shrimp – The perfect blend of spice and sweetness to contrast with the cool, creamy cocktail.
Desserts to Enjoy with a Melon Colada
- Piña Colada Cheesecake – A rich, creamy dessert that mirrors the coconut and pineapple flavors of the drink.
- Melon Sorbet – A light, refreshing way to enhance the Midori’s fruity notes.
- Toasted Coconut Macaroons – A crunchy, coconutty bite to complement the smoothness of the cocktail.
Hosting a Tropical-Themed Party?
Make your Melon Colada the star cocktail of a tropical or tiki night!
Decorate with tropical flowers, bamboo straws, and tiki torches.
Serve in fun coconut-shaped glasses or hollowed-out pineapples.
Create a drink station with different fruit garnishes and colorful cocktail umbrellas!
The History & Inspiration Behind the Melon Colada
The Melon Colada is a fun, modern twist on the classic Piña Colada, a beloved tropical cocktail with deep Caribbean roots. While the traditional Piña Colada is known for its creamy coconut, pineapple, and rum combination, the Melon Colada introduces a fresh twist by adding Midori, a Japanese melon liqueur, which gives it a vibrant green hue and a refreshing fruity depth.
Origins of the Piña Colada
The Piña Colada dates back to 1954 in Puerto Rico, where bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero first blended coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum to create the now-famous tropical drink. Over the decades, bartenders worldwide have put their own creative spin on the classic, leading to unique variations like the Melon Colada.
What Makes the Melon Colada Special?
Unlike a standard Piña Colada, the Melon Colada:
Incorporates Midori – A vibrant Japanese melon liqueur that adds a honeydew-like sweetness.
Balances tropical flavors – With pineapple, lime, and coconut cream, this drink offers a perfect mix of sweet, tart, and creamy.
Has a striking green color – Making it not just delicious, but visually stunning!
When to Serve a Melon Colada?
- Summer beach parties
- Tropical-themed celebrations
- Girls’ night in or brunch gatherings
- Anytime you want a refreshing and exotic cocktail!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dark rum instead of white rum?
Yes! Dark rum will add a richer, slightly caramelized flavor.
What if I don’t have Midori?
You can substitute with another melon liqueur or skip it for a more traditional piña colada taste.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes! Blend everything (except ice), refrigerate, and blend with ice before serving.
Is coconut milk the same as coconut cream?
No—coconut cream is thicker and richer. If using coconut milk, add a little simple syrup for extra sweetness.
Conclusion
The Melon Colada is a refreshing twist on the classic piña colada, adding Midori’s sweet melon flavor for a fun and tropical upgrade! Whether you’re sipping it by the pool, serving it at a summer BBQ, or enjoying a tiki-themed party, this cocktail is sure to transport you to paradise.
Try this recipe and share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram!
More Tropical Cocktails to Try
Strawberry Coconut Daiquiri – A creamy coconut and fresh strawberry delight.
Tropical Sunrise Mimosa – A bright and bubbly citrus cocktail.
Frozen Mango Margarita – A sweet and tangy frozen favorite.
Cheers to summer vibes!
Print
Melon Colada Cocktail
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Melon Colada is a creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy tropical cocktail that puts a refreshing twist on the classic piña colada. With white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Midori melon liqueur, this vibrant green drink is perfect for summer parties, beach vacations, or poolside relaxation. It’s smooth, luscious, and full of tropical flavor, making it a must-try cocktail for any warm-weather occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 oz White Rum (smooth and slightly sweet)
- 1 oz Coconut Cream (rich and creamy, e.g., Coco López)
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice (adds tropical sweetness and tang)
- ½ oz Lime Juice (freshly squeezed, for a zesty balance)
- ½ oz Midori (melon liqueur, for a fruity twist and vibrant green hue)
- Ice Cubes (for a frosty texture)
- Pineapple Slice & Cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Blend the Cocktail
- In a blender, combine:
✅ 2 oz white rum
✅ 1 oz coconut cream
✅ 1 oz pineapple juice
✅ ½ oz lime juice
✅ ½ oz Midori - Add a handful of ice cubes and blend until smooth and frosty.
2. Serve
- Pour the blended mixture into a chilled glass (hurricane glass or coupe).
3. Garnish
- Add a pineapple slice and cherry on the rim for a festive tropical touch.
- Enhance the presentation with a colorful straw or mini umbrella.
4. Enjoy!
- Sip and savor the creamy, fruity, and refreshing flavors of the Melon Colada! 🍹✨
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best bright, zesty flavor.
- For a richer texture, add extra coconut cream.
- Blend longer for a smoother consistency, or add more ice for a thicker frozen version.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the Midori slightly and add more lime juice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Tropical, Tiki
Keywords: Melon Colada, Midori cocktail, tropical drink, piña colada twist, summer cocktail