Melon Cranberry Splash: A Sweet-Tart Sip with a Juicy Twist

First of all—thank you so much for being here! Whether you’re mixing for yourself, your friends, or just feeling like something fruity and fabulous, I’m so happy to share this one with you. It’s quick, pretty, and packs the kind of flavor you’d expect from something way more complicated. And it has a melon ball! Need I say more?

Let me introduce you to the Melon Cranberry Splash: a simple but striking cocktail that blends tart cranberry with sweet Midori and smooth vodka for a drink that’s as refreshing as it is beautiful. Perfect for summer nights, casual get-togethers, or when you just want something easy and crowd-pleasing in your glass.

Want more cocktail recipes like this sent to your inbox? [Subscribe here] and I’ll make sure your happy hour is always full of flavor!

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Drink

• Quick to make—just pour, stir, and sip!
• Melon and cranberry make a sweet-tart dream team
• Bright and colorful—hello, eye candy in a glass
• Party-perfect or easy enough for a solo sip
• Refreshing and light, with a clean fruity finish

What It Tastes Like

It’s smooth and subtly sweet with a gentle tartness from the cranberry juice. The Midori brings that melon magic—just a whisper of honeydew—and the vodka ties it all together without overpowering anything. It’s a little fruity, a little sassy, and 100% refreshing.

What You’ll Need

• 1 oz Vodka
• ½ oz Midori (melon liqueur)
• 4 oz Red Cranberry Juice (unsweetened or sweetened based on your taste)
• 1 Melon Ball (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

How to Mix It

1. Fill the Glass
   Add ice cubes to a rocks glass until it’s about ¾ full.
2. Build the Drink
   Pour in the vodka, Midori, and cranberry juice directly into the glass.
3. Stir It Up
   Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
4. Garnish
   Drop in a fresh melon ball for that extra pop of color and charm.
5. Serve Immediately
   Sip and enjoy that sweet-tart sparkle!

Notes

• Use fresh melon balls (honeydew works best) or freeze them for a built-in ice cube!
• Adjust cranberry juice sweetness to your liking—unsweetened adds tartness, sweetened keeps it mellow.
• Don’t have Midori? Try another melon liqueur or green apple schnapps for a twist.

Details

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 3 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving
• Category: Cocktails, Easy Drinks
• Method: Built
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
• Keywords: melon cranberry cocktail, Midori drink, easy vodka cocktail, refreshing summer drink

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: ~170
• Sugar: ~15g
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Alcohol: ~1.5 oz
• Fat/Protein/Cholesterol: 0g

Helpful Tips

• Freeze melon balls in advance for a built-in garnish that keeps your drink chilled.
• Want it fizzy? Top with soda water or lemon-lime soda for a sparkling version!
• Add a lime wedge on the rim for extra citrus zing.
• Hosting a party? Make a pitcher by scaling up the ingredients and serve over ice with skewered melon balls.

Conservation and Storage

This drink is meant to be enjoyed fresh, but if you’re prepping ahead:

• Mix the vodka, Midori, and cranberry juice in a shaker or pitcher and refrigerate (without ice) up to 1 day ahead.
• Add ice and garnish just before serving for the freshest flavor and look.

Substitutions and Variations

• No vodka? Try white rum or silver tequila for a different kick.
• No Midori? Use a splash of melon syrup (for mocktails) or green apple schnapps for a different fruity vibe.
• Mocktail version: Skip the alcohol, add a splash of lemon-lime soda or club soda, and a melon syrup drizzle!

Storage Instructions

• Premixed base: Store covered in the fridge up to 24 hours.
• Don’t add ice or garnish until ready to serve, or it’ll water down.
• Melon balls: Store in a covered container in the fridge, or freeze for long-term use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white cranberry juice?

Absolutely! It’ll change the color but still blend beautifully with Midori and vodka.

What’s the best kind of melon for the garnish?

Honeydew matches Midori’s flavor best, but cantaloupe or watermelon add a fun twist!

Is this a strong drink?

It’s light-to-moderate in alcohol—easy to sip, but not overly boozy. You can always adjust the vodka amount to suit your mood.

Conclusion

The Melon Cranberry Splash is one of those effortlessly great cocktails—easy to mix, lovely to look at, and totally satisfying with its crisp, fruity flavor. Whether you’re winding down, kicking off a party, or just looking for a low-fuss drink that feels special, this one’s for you.

More Fun, Fruity Cocktails to Try

• Electric Lime Fizz – Bright, fizzy, and citrusy!
• Galaxy Goblet Punch – Fruity fizz with sherbet and sparkle
• Strawberry Shortcake Shot – A mini dessert shot dream
• Swamp Punch – Tropical green and perfect for parties

Share Your Sip!

Tried the Melon Cranberry Splash?
Tag your photos
Save to your cocktail board
Leave a review and tell me how you liked it!

Print